Guilford County Court Records
What Is Guilford County Court Records
Court records in Guilford County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities and decisions maintained by various courts operating within Guilford County jurisdiction. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109, court records include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets tracking case progression and scheduled events
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate documents and estate settlements
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments rather than the judicial system. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts oversees the maintenance and accessibility of court records throughout the state, including Guilford County.
In Guilford County, court records are maintained by several courts within the North Carolina Judicial Branch, including:
- Guilford County Superior Court (handling felony criminal cases and civil matters exceeding $25,000)
- Guilford County District Court (handling misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil matters under $25,000)
- Guilford County Family Court (handling domestic relations and juvenile matters)
- Guilford County Small Claims Court (handling civil disputes under $10,000)
- Guilford County Probate Court (handling wills, estates, and guardianships)
These courts generate and maintain records for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations occurring within county boundaries.
Are Court Records Public In Guilford County
Court records in Guilford County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with North Carolina's public records laws and constitutional principles of open courts. The North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-1 establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business are public property and subject to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Additionally, Article I, Section 18 of the North Carolina Constitution provides that "all courts shall be open," establishing a presumption of public access to judicial proceedings and associated records. This presumption is further reinforced by the North Carolina Rules of Recordkeeping, which govern the maintenance and accessibility of court records throughout the state.
Records generally available for public inspection in Guilford County include:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, and judgments)
- Criminal case files after formal charging (indictments, informations, and subsequent filings)
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate records and estate inventories
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Middle District of North Carolina (which includes Guilford County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state repositories.
While the presumption favors public access, certain records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to statutory exemptions or judicial orders. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-2901, juvenile records are generally confidential. Similarly, certain domestic violence records, adoption proceedings, and records containing sensitive personal identifiers may have restricted access.
How To Find Court Records in Guilford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Guilford County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, both in-person and through electronic means.
To obtain court records in person, individuals may visit the appropriate clerk's office:
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court - Greensboro
201 S. Eugene St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-412-7300
Guilford County Clerk of Court
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court - High Point
505 E. Green Dr.
High Point, NC 27260
336-822-6700
Guilford County Clerk of Court
The process for obtaining records in person typically involves:
- Completing a record request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Presenting valid photo identification
- Paying applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Waiting for staff to retrieve the requested documents
For certified copies, additional fees apply, and requestors should be prepared to provide a reason for certification. Currently, the clerk's offices operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
For remote access, the North Carolina Judicial Branch offers several online portals that provide varying levels of access to Guilford County court records:
- The North Carolina Court System's Online Services portal allows searches for criminal and traffic cases
- The North Carolina Business Court provides access to complex business litigation records
- The North Carolina Appellate Courts Electronic Filing Site offers access to appeals from Guilford County cases
When requesting records, individuals should provide as much specific information as possible, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case types to facilitate efficient retrieval.
How To Look Up Court Records in Guilford County Online?
Guilford County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. These digital repositories offer varying levels of access to court documents and case information.
The primary online resource for accessing Guilford County court records is the North Carolina Court System's Online Records Search. This portal allows users to search for:
- Criminal case records (including charges, dispositions, and scheduled court dates)
- Traffic citations and infractions
- Small claims judgments
- Civil case status information
To conduct a search through this system:
- Navigate to the North Carolina Court System's website
- Select "Court Records" from the main menu
- Choose the appropriate search option based on record type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date)
- Review the results list and select specific cases for detailed information
For more comprehensive access to civil case documents, the North Carolina eCourts Portal provides registered users with the ability to view filed documents in certain case types. This system is currently being expanded to include more document types and jurisdictions.
Business court cases from Guilford County are searchable through the dedicated North Carolina Business Court website, which provides access to pleadings, orders, and opinions in complex business litigation.
For appellate cases originating in Guilford County, the North Carolina Appellate Courts Electronic Filing Site offers access to briefs, opinions, and orders from the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
Users should note that while basic case information is generally available without charge, accessing full document images may require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, certain sensitive records (juvenile, adoption, etc.) remain unavailable through online systems and must be requested in person with appropriate authorization.
How To Search Guilford County Court Records for Free?
North Carolina law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse facilities. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109(e), "the clerk shall permit any person to inspect the records, papers, and files in the clerk's custody," establishing the public's right to view records without charge.
Individuals seeking free access to Guilford County court records have several options:
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In-person inspection at the clerk's office is available without charge during regular business hours. Visitors may view records on-site without paying fees, though copying costs apply if printed versions are needed.
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The North Carolina Court System's Online Records Search provides free access to basic case information, including:
- Criminal case status and charges
- Traffic citation information
- Court calendars and scheduled hearing dates
- Case party information
- Case disposition data
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The North Carolina Appellate Courts website offers free access to published opinions from cases appealed from Guilford County courts.
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Public access terminals are available at both Guilford County courthouse locations, providing more comprehensive search capabilities than the public website without charge:
Greensboro Courthouse Public Access Terminals
201 S. Eugene St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
Available during regular business hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday
High Point Courthouse Public Access Terminals
505 E. Green Dr.
High Point, NC 27260
Available during regular business hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that obtaining copies (whether paper or electronic) typically incurs statutory fees of $0.25 per page. Additionally, certified copies and specialized searches may involve additional charges as established by state law.
What's Included in a Guilford County Court Record?
Guilford County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.
Standard elements found in most Guilford County court records include:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments, or citations)
- Party information (names, addresses, and attorney information when represented)
- Docket sheets chronicling all actions and filings in chronological order
- Proof of service documentation
- Motions filed by parties and corresponding responses
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Final judgments or dispositions
- Financial records of court costs, fees, and payments
Criminal case records in Guilford County typically contain:
- Charging documents (indictments, information, or complaints)
- Arrest warrants and supporting affidavits
- Bond and pretrial release documentation
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Plea agreements or trial verdicts
- Sentencing information and probation terms
- Criminal history information used in sentencing
Civil case records generally include:
- Initial complaints and answers
- Exhibits and evidence admitted during proceedings
- Witness lists and testimony summaries
- Settlement agreements (when filed with the court)
- Judgment enforcement documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Family court records may contain:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption proceedings (though often sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports
Probate records typically include:
- Wills and codicils
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Executor/administrator appointments
- Creditor claims against estates
- Distribution orders
Each record is assigned a unique case number following the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts' standardized format, which identifies the county, court division, and sequential filing number.
How Long Does Guilford County Keep Court Records?
Guilford County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Records Retention Schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for maintaining various court documents. These retention periods are mandated by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to statutory authority.
The retention periods for major record categories include:
- Felony criminal case files: Permanent retention for Class A-E felonies; 20 years after disposition for Class F-I felonies
- Misdemeanor criminal case files: 5-10 years after disposition, depending on offense classification
- Traffic cases: 3 years after disposition for most infractions; 5 years for DWI cases
- Civil superior court cases: 10 years after disposition for most matters; permanent retention for certain categories including medical malpractice
- Civil district court cases: 5 years after disposition for general civil matters
- Small claims cases: 3 years after judgment
- Domestic relations cases: Permanent retention for divorce decrees, child custody orders, and adoption records
- Juvenile cases: Until the juvenile reaches age 18, then either sealed or destroyed depending on case type
- Probate records: Permanent retention for wills, estate inventories, and final accountings
- Mental health commitment records: 10 years after discharge or last contact
Certain records of historical significance may be transferred to the North Carolina State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed after their retention period expires. This includes landmark cases, matters involving prominent individuals, and cases establishing important legal precedents.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains backup systems to ensure the preservation of electronic court records throughout their required retention periods.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-151, certain expunged records must be removed from public access and either destroyed or sealed according to statutory requirements. These include records of dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and certain first-time offenses eligible for expungement under state law.
Types of Courts In Guilford County
Guilford County's judicial system encompasses multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate within the unified North Carolina Judicial Branch structure and handle various case types according to statutory authority.
Guilford County Superior Court - Greensboro
201 S. Eugene St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-412-7300
Guilford County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Guilford County Superior Court - High Point
505 E. Green Dr.
High Point, NC 27260
336-822-6700
Guilford County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Superior Court is Guilford County's highest trial court, presided over by elected judges who rotate districts every six months. This court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000, and appeals from district court.
Guilford County District Court - Greensboro
201 S. Eugene St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-412-7300
Guilford County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Guilford County District Court - High Point
505 E. Green Dr.
High Point, NC 27260
336-822-6700
Guilford County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, juvenile matters, domestic relations cases, and civil disputes involving claims up to $25,000. This court also oversees small claims cases (up to $10,000) which are heard by magistrates.
Guilford County Family Court
201 S. Eugene St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-412-7300
Guilford County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Family Court is a specialized division of District Court that handles domestic matters including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile cases.
North Carolina Business Court - Greensboro Division
24 N. Greene St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-334-5252
North Carolina Business Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Business Court handles complex business and commercial disputes, including corporate governance issues, securities cases, and antitrust matters.
The court hierarchy in North Carolina proceeds from District Court to Superior Court at the trial level. Appeals from these courts are heard by the North Carolina Court of Appeals and, in select cases, by the North Carolina Supreme Court. Both appellate courts are located in Raleigh rather than Guilford County.
What Types of Cases Do Guilford County Courts Hear?
Guilford County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to jurisdictional authority established by North Carolina law. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific case types based on subject matter, monetary thresholds, and severity of charges.
Guilford County Superior Court has jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (from initial appearance through trial)
- Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from district court decisions in both civil and criminal cases
- Probate of wills and administration of estates
- Special proceedings such as condemnation actions and foreclosures
- Administrative agency appeals
- Constitutional challenges to state laws and regulations
Guilford County District Court presides over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases and infractions
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil disputes with claims up to $25,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, alimony, equitable distribution)
- Child custody and support proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
- Involuntary commitment proceedings
- Magistrate small claims cases (appeals from magistrate decisions)
- Traffic violations and DWI/DUI offenses
- Worthless check cases
- Landlord-tenant disputes
Guilford County Small Claims Court (magistrate division) handles:
- Civil claims not exceeding $10,000
- Summary ejectment (eviction) proceedings
- Recovery of personal property valued up to $10,000
- Motor vehicle property damage claims up to $10,000
The North Carolina Business Court - Greensboro Division adjudicates:
- Complex business and commercial disputes
- Corporate governance matters
- Securities litigation
- Antitrust and trade regulation cases
- Intellectual property disputes
- Tax disputes exceeding $10,000
- Cases involving complex technology issues
Guilford County Family Court specializes in:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Equitable distribution of marital property
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Termination of parental rights
- Adoption proceedings
- Paternity establishment
Cases originating in Guilford County may be appealed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and, in certain circumstances, to the North Carolina Supreme Court for final resolution of legal questions.
How To Find a Court Docket In Guilford County
Court dockets in Guilford County provide official schedules of cases set for hearing or trial on specific dates. These calendars are public records that help individuals determine when and where their cases or cases of interest will be heard. Several methods exist for accessing Guilford County court dockets.
The most comprehensive online resource for Guilford County court calendars is the North Carolina Court Calendar Search. This official portal allows users to search for scheduled court appearances by:
- Defendant/party name
- Attorney name
- Case number
- Court date range
- Court location (Greensboro or High Point)
- Case type (criminal, civil, traffic, etc.)
To use this system effectively:
- Select Guilford County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter at least one search parameter (name, date, etc.)
- Specify the court type if known
- Review the resulting calendar entries
For criminal and traffic cases, the search returns the defendant's name, case number, charges, scheduled court date, time, courtroom, and session (AM/PM). Civil calendar searches provide party names, case numbers, case types, and scheduled hearing information.
Physical copies of court calendars are also posted in the lobbies of both Guilford County courthouse locations:
Greensboro Courthouse
201 S. Eugene St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
High Point Courthouse
505 E. Green Dr.
High Point, NC 27260
These printed calendars are typically available one week before the scheduled court dates and are organized by courtroom and session.
For specialized dockets, additional resources include:
- Superior Court trial calendars: Published approximately 4 weeks before the court session
- Family Court calendars: Available through the Family Court Administrator's office
- Business Court calendars: Posted on the North Carolina Business Court website
Attorneys registered with the North Carolina eCourts system receive electronic notifications of calendar changes affecting their cases. Members of the public can contact the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court's office directly to verify calendar information:
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court
336-412-7300 (Greensboro)
336-822-6700 (High Point)
Court calendars are typically finalized 1-2 weeks before scheduled dates but remain subject to change due to continuances, settlements, or judicial scheduling adjustments.
Which Courts in Guilford County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the North Carolina judicial system, including Guilford County, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" is established by North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-190. This statutory framework defines which proceedings maintain official verbatim transcripts and which do not.
Small Claims Court is the primary "court not of record" operating in Guilford County. These proceedings are presided over by magistrates rather than judges and have the following characteristics:
- No official court reporter is present to create verbatim transcripts
- Proceedings are more informal than district or superior court
- Rules of evidence are applied less stringently
- Hearings are typically brief (15-30 minutes)
- Monetary jurisdiction is limited to claims not exceeding $10,000
- Parties usually represent themselves without attorneys
Small Claims Court sessions are held at both Guilford County courthouse locations:
Greensboro Small Claims Court
201 S. Eugene St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-412-7300
High Point Small Claims Court
505 E. Green Dr.
High Point, NC 27260
336-822-6700
While Small Claims Court does not create verbatim transcripts, it does maintain written records of judgments and orders. These documents become part of the official court record and are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court.
If a party is dissatisfied with a Small Claims Court decision, they may appeal to District Court for a trial de novo (new trial). At this stage, the case enters a court of record where proceedings are transcribed and formal rules of evidence apply.
Other courts operating in Guilford County, including District Court, Superior Court, Family Court, and Business Court, are all courts of record. These courts maintain official transcripts of proceedings, which become part of the permanent case record and are available for review during appeals.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is particularly important when considering appeals, as higher courts rely on official transcripts to review lower court proceedings for potential errors.