If the case is involves a controversy exceeding $10,000 the Superior Court is the proper division for the trial. It is also the proper division, without regard to the amount in controversy, for certain special proceedings, condemnation actions and proceedings, corporate receiverships, review of decisions of administrative agencies, and where the principal relief sought is injunctive or declaratory to establish the validity of a statute, ordinance or regulation, or enforcement or declaration of any claim of constitutional right. In addition, the Superior Court Division, through the clerk of superior court, has exclusive original jurisdiction for probate of wills and for administration of decedent's estates.

The District Court jurisdiction is divided into the following four categories: criminal, civil, juvenile, and magisterial. If the case dispute is below $10,000 the District Court will handle the case. Damages involving claims for money damages of $15,000 or less are subject to court-ordered, non-binding arbitration. Civil cases where a plaintiff requests assignment to a magistrate and the amount in controversy is $5,000 or less are handled by the Small claims court. All civil cases certain property disputes, family law matters, estates, special proceedings, and class actions are excluded from court-ordered arbitration. If a case is not resolved at arbitration, it may be appealed and heard before a judge or jury.

Contact information:

New Hanover County Courthouse
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 341-1111

The New Hanover County Government Center
230 Government Center Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.nhcgov.com