Court records in Cleveland County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. ClevelandNCCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Cleveland County page, visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office in person, or use public computer terminals at the courthouse. The resources below explain which courts handle specific case types, how to look up hearings, and how to request documents.
Cleveland Court System & Jurisdictions
Cleveland County is part of North Carolina's Judicial District 27B. Court proceedings take place at the Cleveland County Courthouse in Shelby. Two trial-level courts operate in the county:
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- Real property disputes and foreclosures
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Infractions, including most traffic violations
- Civil cases involving $25,000 or less
- Small claims actions (filed through a magistrate, with amounts up to $10,000)
- Domestic and family law matters — divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases (delinquency, abuse, neglect, dependency)
- Estates and guardianship proceedings (handled by the Clerk of Superior Court sitting as judge of probate)
Magistrates in Cleveland County handle small claims, issue arrest and search warrants, set conditions of pretrial release, and accept guilty pleas for minor infractions. If you are unsure which court has your case, the Cleveland County contact directory can point you to the correct office.
Cleveland Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a statewide court-date search tool that covers Cleveland County. You can look up scheduled hearings by party name, case number, or citation number.
- Go to the Cleveland County page on NCcourts.gov.
- Select the "Court Dates" search option.
- Enter the party's name, citation number, or case number.
- Filter results by date to find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's calendar.
Calendars for criminal, civil, and family court sessions are typically posted at the Cleveland County Courthouse as well. If you need details about a specific courtroom assignment or session time, contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office directly.
Cleveland County Courthouse
How to Get a Copy of a Cleveland Court Document
Most court records in North Carolina are public unless sealed by statute or court order. Restricted records include juvenile cases, adoptions, involuntary commitments, and files expunged under state law.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Cleveland County Courthouse. You can review paper case files during business hours and request photocopies on site. Ask the clerk whether you need a certified or uncertified copy — certified copies carry the court seal and are typically required for legal proceedings or official use.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court. Include:
- Full case number (if known) or the names of the parties and approximate filing date
- A description of the documents you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the applicable fees (see fee table below)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
The North Carolina Judicial Branch allows you to request a public record online. Note that the courts do not provide birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificates — those are available through the county Register of Deeds or NC Vital Records. For criminal background checks, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation serves as the state's central criminal-history repository.
Paper files can also be viewed at public terminals inside the clerk's office. More details on obtaining court records are available on the NC Judicial Branch website.
Cleveland Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies in North Carolina are set by statute (N.C. General Statutes § 7A-308 and § 7A-311). The table below reflects standard fees that apply in Cleveland County.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy — first page | $3.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document already copied | $3.00 |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $10.00 |
| Civil case filing fee (Superior Court) | Varies by case type |
| Small claims filing fee | Varies; generally starts at $96 |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Superior Court's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask the clerk about credit or debit card acceptance, as policies may vary. When requesting copies by mail, include a check or money order payable to "Cleveland County Clerk of Superior Court."
If you are unsure of the exact amount, call the clerk's office in advance. Overpayments by check are typically refunded; underpayments will delay your request.