Transylvania County
Transylvania County was formed from neighboring Jackson and Henderson counties. Its economy was primarily dependent on agriculture until the 20th century when it shifted to timber manufacturing. Its county seat is Brevard, a renowned retirement, tourism, and cultural center in western North Carolina. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Transylvania County had a population of 32,986.
The judicial system in Transylvania County consists of the Superior Court and the District Court. The Transylvania County's Superior Court is a part of North Carolina's Fifth Division. It has exclusive jurisdiction over matters such as probate, trusts, estate administration, conservatorships, and guardianships. It also handles felony trials and certain misdemeanors, and it hears civil cases where the contested amount exceeds $25,000. This court also reviews government decisions, resolves complex business disputes, and issues orders in cases involving large corporations. The District Court oversees most misdemeanor and infraction cases and conducts preliminary hearings for felonies. It also handles civil disputes related to foreclosures, liens, real estate matters, landlord-tenant issues, and involuntary mental health commitments.
Public court records in Transylvania County are official documents generated during the course of the county's court proceedings. The Office of the Transylvania County Superior Court Clerk is responsible for managing, preserving, and providing access to these records. They include:
- Criminal records
- Civil cases
- Family records
- Probate records
Requests for these court records may be sent via mail or made directly at the Clerk's Office, which is located at:
7 East Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 885-3000
Alternatively, one may obtain these court records online via the record search portal maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. To use the portal, follow these steps:
- Visit the record search portal
- Search for records using the "Smart Search" function on the portal
- Enter relevant identifying information such as case number, party name, or business name to locate specific court records
- Select "Transylvania County" as the location and choose the relevant case type to refine your search
- Review the search results until the desired record is located
Obtaining copies of court records from the Clerk's Office typically costs $0.50 per page, while certified copies incur additional charges. Real estate documents and vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are managed by the Office of the Register of Deeds. Certified copies of these documents cost $10.00 each.
