GENERAL CIVIL ACTION COVER SHEET

AOC-CV-751 — North Carolina General Court of Justice

Required for Initial and Subsequent Filings in Civil Actions

COURT IDENTIFICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF [________________________________]

☐ SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION — Original civil jurisdiction without limit on amount in controversy
☐ DISTRICT COURT DIVISION — Civil jurisdiction up to $25,000

Judicial Division: [________________________________]
(North Carolina has 8 judicial divisions composed of multiple judicial districts)

Judicial District No.: [________________________________]

FILING TYPE

☐ Initial Filing — New civil action
☐ Subsequent Filing — Additional filing in existing case

If subsequent filing, existing File No.: [________________________________]

CASE CAPTION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
[SUPERIOR / DISTRICT] COURT DIVISION
COUNTY OF [________________________________]
File No.: [________________]
(Assigned by Clerk)

[________________________________],
Plaintiff(s),

vs.

[________________________________],
Defendant(s).

SECTION 1: PARTY INFORMATION

PLAINTIFF(S)

Additional Plaintiff(s): ☐ See attached list

DEFENDANT(S)

Additional Defendant(s): ☐ See attached list

SECTION 2: ATTORNEY INFORMATION

ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF(S)

☐ Self-Represented Litigant (Pro Se)

ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT(S) (if known)

SECTION 3: CLAIMS FOR RELIEF / CASE TYPE CODES

Select all applicable claim types (per AOC-CV-751 codes):

General Civil Claims

☐ ACCT — Collection on Account
☐ ADMA — Administrative Appeal
☐ APRC — Appointment of Receiver
☐ ATTC — Attachment / Garnishment
☐ CLMD — Claim and Delivery
☐ CNDM — Condemnation
☐ CNTR — Contract
☐ INJU — Injunction
☐ MDML — Medical Malpractice
☐ MNYO — Money Owed
☐ MSTL — Minor Settlement
☐ MVLN — Motor Vehicle Lien (G.S. 44A)
☐ MVNG — Negligence — Motor Vehicle
☐ NEGO — Negligence — Other
☐ POPP — Possession of Personal Property
☐ PROD — Product Liability
☐ RLPR — Real Property
☐ SPPR — Specific Performance
☐ ARAS — Assert Right of Access
☐ RSOT — Substitution of Trustee / Judicial Foreclosure
☐ SUPR — Supplemental Proceedings

Additional Civil Claims

☐ BNDR — Boundary Settlement
☐ FORE — Foreclosure
☐ LNDL — Landlord/Tenant
☐ PLDP — Limited Driving Privilege (Out-of-State Convictions)
☐ DSCH — Discovery Scheduling Order
☐ Other: [________________________________] Code: [________]

Primary claim for relief (describe):

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Applicable statute(s) or legal basis:

[________________________________]

SECTION 4: AMOUNT IN CONTROVERSY

Amount of damages or relief claimed:

☐ $25,000 or less (District Court appropriate)
☐ $25,000.01 – $75,000
☐ $75,000.01 – $100,000
☐ Over $100,000
☐ Amount not yet determinable
☐ Non-monetary relief only

Specific amount claimed (if stated): $[________________________________]
(Exclusive of interest and costs)

Non-monetary relief sought:
☐ Injunctive Relief
☐ Declaratory Judgment
☐ Specific Performance
☐ Claim and Delivery
☐ Possession of Real Property
☐ Other Equitable Relief: [________________________________]

SECTION 5: BUSINESS COURT DESIGNATION

Does this case qualify for designation as a mandatory complex business case under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-45.4?

☐ Yes — Mandatory Complex Business Case (must be filed in Superior Court)
Qualifying basis:
☐ Disputes involving the law governing corporations, limited partnerships, or limited liability companies (§ 7A-45.4(a)(1))
☐ Disputes involving securities (§ 7A-45.4(a)(2))
☐ Disputes involving antitrust (§ 7A-45.4(a)(3))
☐ Disputes involving intellectual property (§ 7A-45.4(a)(4))
☐ Disputes involving the Internet, electronic commerce, or biotechnology (§ 7A-45.4(a)(5))
☐ Trade secrets (§ 7A-45.4(a)(6))
☐ Disputes involving franchise, dealer, or distribution agreements (§ 7A-45.4(a)(7))
☐ Amount in controversy exceeds $5,000,000 (§ 7A-45.4(a)(8))

Note: An additional fee of $1,100.00 is required upon assignment to a Business Court Judge (G.S. § 7A-305(a)(2a)).

☐ Yes — Discretionary Complex Business Case (per General Rules of Practice 2.1 and 2.2)

☐ No — Not a Business Court case

If yes, has the Notice of Designation been filed? ☐ Yes ☐ No

SECTION 6: JURY DEMAND

☐ Jury Trial Demanded (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, Rule 38)

☐ Non-Jury / Court Trial

☐ Jury demand reserved

Note: Under N.C. Rule of Civil Procedure 38(b), a party may demand a jury trial by serving a written demand on the other parties no later than 10 days after service of the last pleading directed to the jury-triable issue. Failure to demand timely results in waiver.

Number of jurors: ☐ 12 (standard in Superior Court)

SECTION 7: RELATED CASES

Are there related cases pending or previously filed in any North Carolina court?

☐ No
☐ Yes — Provide details:

Is consolidation being sought? ☐ Yes ☐ No

SECTION 8: FILING FEE INFORMATION

North Carolina Court Costs — Civil Actions (G.S. § 7A-305, effective January 1, 2025):

Superior Court Division:

District Court Division:

Payment Method:
☐ Check / Money Order payable to "Clerk of Superior Court, [County] County"
☐ Cash (at clerk's window)
☐ Credit / Debit Card (via eCourts e-filing)
☐ Fee Waiver Granted (Petition to Proceed as Indigent — G.S. § 1-110)

Note: Under G.S. § 1-110, a party may petition to proceed as an indigent and have court costs waived or deferred. The petition must demonstrate inability to pay.

SECTION 9: VENUE CERTIFICATION

Venue is proper in this county because (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-82 et seq.):

☐ Defendant resides in this county (§ 1-82)
☐ Cause of action arose in this county (§ 1-82)
☐ Contract was made or to be performed in this county
☐ Real property at issue is located in this county (§ 1-76)
☐ Plaintiff resides in this county and defendant is a nonresident (§ 1-82)
☐ Defendant corporation maintains registered agent or principal office in this county
☐ Mandatory venue statute applies: [________________________________]
☐ Other basis: [________________________________]

SECTION 10: SERVICE OF PROCESS

Method of Service (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, Rule 4):

☐ Personal Service by Sheriff (Rule 4(j)(1)(a))
☐ Personal Service by Private Process Server (Rule 4(h))
☐ Service by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested (Rule 4(j)(1)(c))
☐ Service by Designated Delivery Service (Rule 4(j)(1)(c1))
☐ Service by Publication (Rule 4(j1)) — Court order required
☐ Acceptance / Waiver of Service (Rule 4(j2))
☐ Service on Secretary of State (as registered agent for foreign corporation — Rule 4(j)(6))

Note: Summons must be issued within 5 days of filing the complaint (Rule 4(a)). Service must be completed within 60 days of issuance of the summons, or the action is subject to dismissal (Rule 4(c)).

SECTION 11: MEDIATION AND ADR

Superior Court Mediated Settlement Conference (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-38.1):

☐ This case is subject to mandatory mediated settlement conference (Superior Court cases)
☐ Parties request mediation
☐ Parties request arbitration (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-37.1)
☐ Parties request neutral evaluation
☐ No ADR planned at this time

Note: Under G.S. § 7A-38.1 and the Rules for Mediated Settlement Conferences in Superior Court Civil Actions, the senior resident superior court judge may order mediation in any Superior Court civil action. Most judicial districts have standing orders requiring mediated settlement conferences.

District Court Mediation:
☐ This case is subject to district court mediation
☐ N/A — Filing is in Superior Court

Mediator selected: [________________________________]
NC DRC Certified: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Proposed mediation date: [__/__/____]

SECTION 12: ADDITIONAL COVER SHEET INFORMATION

Does this action complete the litigation on this file number?
☐ Yes
☐ No

Is this filing associated with a motion?
☐ Yes — Complete AOC-CV-752 (Motion Cover Sheet) in addition
☐ No

Court action codes for this filing (per AOC-CV-753, if applicable):
[________________________________]

SECTION 13: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Interpreter needed: ☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, language: [________________________________]

ADA accommodation needed: ☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, describe: [________________________________]

Sealed or confidential filing: ☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, statutory basis: [________________________________]

Does this case involve a minor? ☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, is a guardian ad litem needed? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Does this case involve a constitutional challenge to a North Carolina statute?
☐ Yes — Notice to Attorney General required (G.S. § 1-260)
☐ No

SECTION 14: ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I certify that the information provided on this Civil Action Cover Sheet is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this cover sheet is required by the Administrative Office of the Courts and that the claim type code(s) selected above are used for case classification and tracking purposes. Filing this cover sheet does not relieve me of the obligation to file all required pleadings and pay applicable costs.

Date: [__/__/____]

_____________________________________________
Signature

_____________________________________________
Printed Name

NC State Bar Number: [________________]

Firm: [________________________________]

Address: [________________________________]

City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]

Telephone: [________________________________]

Email: [________________________________]

SECTION 15: E-FILING INSTRUCTIONS

North Carolina eCourts / Odyssey File & Serve

1. Portal: Access at https://www.nccourts.gov/ecourts
2. Registration: Create an eCourts account; attorneys must link their NC State Bar number
3. Case Initiation: Select the appropriate court division (Superior or District), county, and case type
4. Cover Sheet: The e-filing system generates the equivalent of AOC-CV-751 from the case information entered; upload this paper form only if filing on paper
5. Fee Payment: Court costs are paid electronically via credit/debit card or approved account
6. Document Format: All documents must be in PDF format; maximum file size per document is typically 25 MB
7. Service: E-service on registered parties is available through the eCourts system
8. Confirmation: Retain the electronic filing confirmation; the File Number is assigned upon clerk acceptance

eCourts Rollout: North Carolina has been rolling out the eCourts system statewide. As of 2025, most counties have transitioned to the Odyssey-based system. Check the NC Courts website for your county's status.

Mandatory E-Filing: E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in counties where eCourts has been deployed. Self-represented litigants may file on paper at the clerk's office.

Clerk of Superior Court Contact:

County of [________________________________]

Address: [________________________________]

Telephone: [________________________________]

Hours: [________________________________]

Website: [________________________________]

PRACTITIONER NOTES

1. AOC Forms System: North Carolina uses a standardized system of Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) forms. The CV-751 (General Civil Action Cover Sheet) must accompany initial and subsequent filings. The CV-752 (Motion Cover Sheet) is used for motions. The CV-753 (Court Action Cover Sheet) is used for court actions/orders.

2. Superior vs. District Court: Superior Court has unlimited original civil jurisdiction. District Court handles civil cases up to $25,000. Cases filed in the wrong division may be transferred. Some case types (e.g., injunctions, condemnation) must be filed in Superior Court regardless of amount.

3. Business Court: North Carolina's Business Court handles complex business disputes. Mandatory designation applies to cases involving corporate/partnership disputes, securities, antitrust, IP, trade secrets, and cases exceeding $5 million. The additional $1,100 fee is due upon assignment.

4. Mediation Requirement: Most Superior Court civil cases are subject to mandatory mediated settlement conferences. The senior resident superior court judge issues standing orders governing the timing and procedures for mediation in the district.

5. Statute of Limitations — Common Actions:
   - Personal Injury: 3 years (G.S. § 1-52(16))
   - Contract (written): 3 years (G.S. § 1-52(1))
   - Contract (sealed instrument): 10 years (G.S. § 1-47(2))
   - Property Damage: 3 years (G.S. § 1-52(4))
   - Medical Malpractice: 3 years, max 4 years (G.S. § 1-15(c))
   - Fraud: 3 years from discovery (G.S. § 1-52(9))
   - Real Property: 20 years (G.S. § 1-40)

6. Summons Timing: The summons must be issued within 5 days of filing the complaint, and service must be completed within 60 days of issuance. Failure to comply may result in dismissal without prejudice.

7. Answer Deadline: The defendant must file an answer within 30 days after service of the summons and complaint (Rule 12(a)).

8. Venue: North Carolina follows a transitory/local action distinction. For transitory actions, venue lies in the county where the cause of action arose or where the defendant resides. For local actions (real property), venue lies where the property is located.

9. Fee Waiver (Indigent Status): Under G.S. § 1-110, a party may file a Petition to Proceed as Indigent (AOC-G-106) to have costs waived. The petition must be supported by a sworn affidavit of financial status.

10. Local Rules: Individual judicial districts have local rules that supplement the General Rules of Practice. Always check the senior resident judge's local rules and standing orders for your district at nccourts.gov.

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• AOC-CV-751 (General Civil Action Cover Sheet) — nccourts.gov/forms/cv751
• AOC-CV-752 (Motion Cover Sheet) — nccourts.gov/forms/cv752
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-305 (Costs in Civil Actions) — ncleg.gov
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-45.4 (Complex Business Cases) — ncleg.gov
• NC Court Costs and Fees Chart (January 2025) — nccourts.gov
• North Carolina eCourts — nccourts.gov/ecourts
• Rules for Mediated Settlement Conferences — nccourts.gov
• General Rules of Practice for Superior and District Courts — nccourts.gov