Union County, North Carolina State Court Records
Union County court records provide detailed information about criminal and civil cases handled by the court. A court record covers everything about a case, including the filing date, the names of the parties involved, court dates, supporting documents filed, and the court’s decision. In accordance with North Carolina Public Records Law, courts are mandated to create and preserve these records.
Their primary purpose is to ensure transparency in the legal system, provide reliable reference for case parties, attorneys, and members of the public, and preserve an accurate account of judicial proceedings. Court records also exist within a broader network of public records maintained by different government agencies, including vital records (birth, death, divorce, and marriage records), jail records, and property records. In Union County, the clerk of superior court is the primary custodian of court records.
Are Union County Court Records Public?
Yes. Per the North Carolina Public Records Law (G.S. Chapter 132), which describes public records as all documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, created or maintained in compliance with state law and in connection with the transaction of public business. As such, interested members of the public may inspect or copy court records at the clerk’s office during business. While public record inspection is presumed free, record custodians are legally authorized to assess fees for copies.
However, exceptions exist where access is restricted or denied by statute, court order, or confidentiality provisions. Key exceptions include the following:
- Juvenile records
- Adoption records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Presentence reports and probation information
- Mental health evaluation reports
- Sealed documents
- Attorney-client privileged communication
- Unexecuted warrants
What Information is Available in Union County Court Records?
Publicly available information varies by case type (civil, family, criminal, probate, etc.) and access method. For instance, records obtained in person at the courthouse are usually more complete than those retrieved online. Furthermore, while online inspection only provides an overview of cases, in-person researchers at the clerk’s office may access full paper/digital files. Typical details found on Union County court records include:
- Case number and type
- Names of case participants
- Filing and disposition dates
- Docket entries
- Judgment, orders, and dispositions
- Charges
Union County Court Records Search
The following are methods individuals can use to perform a Union County court record search:
- Online Access - People can access court records online either remotely or in person using self-service terminals at the Union County Clerk of Court’s Office. A search typically requires a case party’s name, case number, court dates, citation, or other case identifiers. Searches are free and return basic case information.
- In-Person Access - To view court case records in person, visit the Union County Clerk of Court’s Office. At the clerk’s office, record seekers may either use public, self-service terminals or have staff assist with retrieving records or specific case documents. Requesters must be able to provide identifying case information as well as applicable fees (if they require copies). Contact the clerk’s office at 400 North Main St., Monroe, NC 28112 (hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM).
- Mail and Phone Requests - Mail-in requests for copies must specify sufficient identifying case information, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, and should be sent by mail to PO Box 5038, Monroe, NC 28112. Fees for copies are typically payable by check, money order, or card. For record-related inquiries, interested persons should call the clerk’s office at (704) 698-3100.
Fees for Court Records in Union County
Union County court record access fees follow statewide North Carolina Judicial Branch court cost guidelines. Record fees fall under miscellaneous costs and are as follows: $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 per additional page. Fees are usually higher for certified copies.
Union County Courthouse Locations
Union County has a centralized courthouse located at the county seat in Monroe. The county operates a single main judicial facility for its District Court and Superior Court, located at
400 North Main Street,
Monroe, NC 28112
Phone: (704) 698-3100, (704) 698-3224 (family court)
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Criminal Records Access in Union County
The Union County Clerk of Superior Court manages criminal case records for the county and is responsible for record searches. To perform a Union County criminal record search with the court clerk’s office, complete Form AOC-CR-314, print it, and submit it with the $25.00 fee. Fees are payable by money order, certified check, cash, or credit card.
State-level criminal background checks are conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Searches are fingerprint-based (a fingerprint card is required) and cost $14.00. Requesters must complete a request form and submit it by mail to
NC State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Information and Identification Section
Attention: Applicant Unit - Right to Review
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
Union County Probate Records
Wills, trusts, guardianships, estate administration, and conservatorships are common examples of probate matters. The Union County Clerk of Superior Court is the probate judge and hears all probate cases in the Union County Judicial Center. In North Carolina, probate matters are presumed public, although limited exceptions exist where filings or portions of documents are sealed, confidential, or restricted from public access. Union County probate records are available for inspection at the clerk’s office, with copies obtainable for a fee.
County | Court Name | Address | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Union County | Union County Superior Court | Union County Judicial Center 400 North Main Street, Monroe, NC 28112 | (704) 698-3100 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Union County Family Court Records
The Union County District Court has jurisdiction over family law matters in the county, such as divorce, child custody/support, spousal support, and child visitation. Family case records may be obtained from the Union County Clerk of Court by mail or in person. Alternatively, a record seeker may use the online search option, with case party name and case number as primary search criteria. In some cases, such as when a juvenile is named in a case record and in adoption cases, such documents are not public and may only be obtained by case parties or with a court order (for non-case parties).
Federal Court Records in Union County
The United States District Court, Western District of North Carolina hears federal cases originating from Union County. Note that there is no physical federal courthouse in Union County. Courthouses are located in Ashville, Charlotte, and Statesville. These courts hear federal civil and criminal cases, including firearm law violations, immigration-related cases, bankruptcy cases, and human right violations. Records are available through PACER for a fee: $0.10 per page, $3.00 per document, and $2.40 per audio file.