Vance County
Vance County, established in 1881, lies in the north-central region of North Carolina and is home to approximately 42,578 residents as of the 2020 Census. The county, named after Zebulon Baird Vance, a former Governor of North Carolina, spans a total area of 268.69 square miles, with 252.40 square miles of land and 16.29 square miles of water. Henderson, the county seat and largest municipality, serves as the economic and cultural hub of the area, anchoring the community with its rich history and strategic location within the state.
The Vance County, North Carolina trial court system includes Superior Courts, District Courts, and the specialized Business Court. Superior Courts serve as courts of general jurisdiction, presiding over civil cases involving disputes exceeding $25,000, felonies, and complex legal matters such as constitutional rights, eminent domain, probate, and estate administration. They also handle certain administrative appeals and requests for declaratory or injunctive relief.
District Courts manage civil claims under $25,000, misdemeanors, infractions, municipal ordinance violations, and a wide range of domestic relations and juvenile matters. They include divisions for Small Claims, which resolve disputes of $10,000 or less, such as evictions, minor monetary claims, and recovery of personal property. Additionally, some counties within the state operate specialized Family Court programs under District Courts to address cases related to child custody, divorce, and other family matters efficiently.
The Business Court, a specialized division of the Superior Court, handles complex business and commercial litigation. Cases include issues related to corporate governance, antitrust law, intellectual property disputes, and unfair competition.
The following types of court records are typically available to the public in Vance County, North Carolina:
- Civil Records
- Criminal Records
- Probate Records
- Juvenile Records
- Domestic Relations Records
The Vance County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official record custodian for all court divisions. In compliance with state law, these records are publicly accessible. Requesters can view records online via the North Carolina Courts' public access portal or obtain hard copies by visiting the Clerk's Office or the respective courthouse.
