Pender court space shortage sends cases to New Hanover

PENDER COUNTY (WWAY) — A lack of courtroom space in Pender County is forcing some residents to attend family court proceedings in neighboring New Hanover County.

Several cases scheduled for next week will be moved out of the county due to limited space at the Pender County Courthouse in Burgaw. The building, while historic, no longer has the capacity to handle current demand.

“We have been asking for adequate court facilities, formally, since 2007,” said Jay Corpening.

Chief District Court Judge Jay Corpening, who serves both Pender and New Hanover counties, said the shortage has reached a point where relocating proceedings is necessary.

“It’s not fair to the citizens to come here, but it’s not fair to the citizens to be denied access to court,” said Corpening.

Pender County Clerk of Court Elizabeth Craver also acknowledged the issue, saying, “We are simply out of space at the Pender County courthouse. We are all trying to do the best that we can to make sure that cases still continue to move along for the citizens, even with our lack of space.”

Local attorney Zachary Rivenbark said the situation places a burden on residents, particularly those who must travel long distances for court.

“It’s not fair for our clients who have to drive from one of the largest counties in the state, over an hour sometimes an hour and a half, to get to Wilmington when they filed their action here in court,” said Rivenbark.

Rivenbark said some clients have objected to the move and refused to appear. He argues it is the responsibility of county commissioners to ensure adequate court space.

“I would have liked for those officials, who are chief judicial officials again, to reach out to the commissioners and let us know their needs,” said Jimmy Tate.

Pender County Commissioner Jimmy Tate said he recognizes the space issue and believes better communication is needed to address it.

“Let us know why it is critically important that we invest into our courthouse, and we expand those services, and to share with us that if we didn’t invest in those that, what’s happening now would be a reality, rather than it being a reality,” said Tate.

Rivenbark also said he believes Pender County should separate from New Hanover County’s judicial district to better serve residents.

“I think New Hanover County has enough of a population to sustain its own judicial district and let Pender County go with other more rural counties, which we more align with, and I think that in doing so, Pender County would have much more say, and it would serve the citizens better,” said Rivenbark.

The family court cases being moved will be held in New Hanover County on April 6.