Court records in Gaston County, North Carolina can be searched through several channels. GastonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Gaston County page, the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse, and public terminals available on-site. Whether you need to look up a pending case, check a court date, or obtain copies of filings, these resources provide practical starting points.
Gaston Court System & Jurisdictions
Gaston County is part of North Carolina's Judicial District 27A. Court operations are housed primarily at the Gaston County Courthouse in Gastonia. Understanding which court handles your case type is essential before searching any docket.
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- Real property disputes and foreclosures
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy of $25,000 or less
- Domestic and family law matters — divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases (delinquency, abuse, neglect, dependency)
- Infractions, including most traffic violations
Magistrate (Small Claims)
- Small claims actions up to $10,000
- Issuance of warrants, summonses, and magistrate's orders
- Initial appearances and bond settings
- Involuntary commitment hearings
Estates & Probate
The Clerk of Superior Court in Gaston County handles estates, guardianships, and probate matters. Historical estate records are also available through the NC State Archives.
Gaston County does not operate a separate family court division. Family law cases — including divorces filed using the North Carolina Divorce Packet — are heard in District Court.
Gaston Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court calendar for Gaston County, use the North Carolina Judicial Branch's court date search tool. The NC Courts website lets you search for court dates by name, county, citation number, and date range.
Steps to search the court calendar:
- Go to the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
- Use the "Search for court dates" tool on the homepage.
- Select "Gaston" as the county.
- Enter the party name, case number, or citation number, or filter by date range.
- Review results for hearing date, time, courtroom, and case type.
You can also visit the Gaston County court information page to search by name or citation. Calendar postings at the courthouse itself — typically displayed near courtroom entrances — list the day's scheduled matters for criminal, civil, and family court sessions.
Keep in mind that court calendars can change on short notice. If you have a scheduled hearing, confirm the date and courtroom with the Clerk's office or your attorney beforehand.
How to Get a Copy of a Gaston Court Document
The Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court maintains case files for both Superior and District Court matters. You can obtain copies in person, by mail, or in some cases through the state's online portal.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at the Gaston County Courthouse during business hours. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the file. You can request either certified or uncertified copies at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court at the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the document(s) needed
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the estimated fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers an online option to request a public record depending on the record type. Some court records — particularly criminal case information — can be searched through the Court Records portal. Not all documents are available for download; complex or older files may require an in-person visit or mail request.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, or official use.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the seal. They work for personal reference but may not be accepted by other courts or agencies.
Certain records are restricted from public access under North Carolina law. Juvenile cases, adoptions, involuntary commitment proceedings, and records that have been expunged are generally not available to the public. Ask the Clerk's office if you are unsure whether a specific record is accessible.
Gaston Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Gaston County follow the statewide schedule set by North Carolina statute (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and related provisions). The table below reflects common fees — contact the Clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by legislative action.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certification of a document (Clerk's seal) | $3.00 per certificate |
| Copy of court document (uncertified) | $0.25 per page |
| Criminal record search (in-county) | $25.00 |
| Civil case filing fee (Superior Court) | Varies by case type; starts at $150.00+ |
| Small claims filing fee | $96.00 |
| Divorce filing fee | $225.00 |
| Appeal from Magistrate to District Court | $150.00+ |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, money orders, and in some cases credit or debit cards. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to "Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court." Confirm accepted payment methods by calling the courthouse before your visit.
For state-level offender searches — including information on individuals in NC prison facilities or on probation — the NC Department of Adult Correction offender search is available at no charge online. This does not replace a certified criminal record check from the Clerk's office.