North Carolina, County Divorce Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains an index and images to the "index to former husbands and maiden names of divorced women" covering the years 1926 to 1975. The documents included are affidavits, which are titled "Notice of Intention to Resume Use of Maiden Name."

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Divorce
 * The names of the parties involved
 * The date and place of marriage
 * Names and ages of children
 * The cause of the divorce
 * Terms of settlement

After the American Revolution and through 1827, divorces could be granted by the general assembly. The superior court for each county in North Carolina also had jurisdiction over divorce cases beginning in 1814.

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The names of the parties involved in the divorce
 * The county where the divorce occurred
 * The approximate year of the divorce

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Search for the marriage record of the couple
 * Search for vital records, such as birth and death
 * Search for the family in census records
 * Locate the original divorce decree

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you identify possible relations that can be verified by records
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby locality
 * Standard spelling of names typically did not exist during the periods our ancestors lived in. Try variations of your ancestor’s name while searching the index or browsing through images
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names, or even initials

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of North Carolina.
 * North Carolina Guided Research
 * North Carolina Record Finder
 * North Carolina Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.