Hampton Divorce Records
Hampton divorce records are held at the Hampton Circuit Court, located at 22 Lincoln Street, Hampton, VA 23669. Hampton is an independent city in the Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia, and it has operated its own circuit court since 1890. All divorce filings by Hampton residents go through the 8th Judicial Circuit Court. The clerk's office number is (757) 726-6997, and the office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Anyone looking for divorce case files or final decrees from a Hampton case should contact this office directly.
Hampton Overview
Where Hampton Divorce Records Are Kept
The Hampton Circuit Court Clerk's Office is at 22 Lincoln Street, Hampton, VA 23669. Call the office at (757) 726-6997 during weekday hours from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This office holds all divorce case records filed by Hampton residents since the court was established in 1890.
Hampton is one of the larger independent cities in Virginia's coastal region. The circuit court here handles a substantial volume of civil and domestic cases each year. Records from the earlier decades of the court's history may need to be retrieved from archived storage. Records from more recent years are typically indexed in digital systems and can be located quickly. The clerk's staff can direct you to the right search method for the time period you need.
| Office | Hampton Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 22 Lincoln Street, Hampton, VA 23669 |
| Phone | (757) 726-6997 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 8th Judicial Circuit |
| Records From | 1890 |
How to Request Divorce Records
The clerk's office at 22 Lincoln Street accepts in-person and mail requests for divorce records. Visiting in person is usually the fastest option. Bring a photo ID and information about the case. Names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce are the most useful details. Case numbers help but are not required to begin a search.
For mail requests, send a written request with case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. The clerk will confirm the total before mailing any documents. Call (757) 726-6997 if you want to check what information to include before sending your request by mail.
The Hampton city website Circuit Court page has basic information on court services and contacts. The Hampton Circuit Court page on the Virginia Courts site also lists procedural information.
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records holds statewide divorce certificates from 1918. A VDH certificate costs $12 and gives you a short summary of the divorce without the full court file. It lists names, date, and court only.
What Divorce Records Contain
Hampton divorce records follow the same structure as divorce records throughout Virginia. There are three main types of documents, and each serves a different purpose.
The final divorce decree is the court's written order ending the marriage. Under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the decree addresses how marital property is divided. It may also cover spousal support, child custody, and name changes if those were issues in the case. Contested cases produce more detailed decrees.
The full case file includes every document submitted during the divorce proceeding. This covers the initial complaint, responses, motions, financial affidavits, temporary orders, and the final decree. If you need to trace the full history of a case, request the complete file rather than just the decree.
A VDH divorce certificate is a short summary. It lists both parties' names, the divorce date, and the court. It is used mostly to prove a prior divorce for purposes like remarrying. Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of divorce documents.
Fees and Eligibility
Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of the final divorce decree is free at the time the court issues it. Copies requested later cost $0.50 per page. The filing fee to start a divorce case in Virginia is $60 under state law. This applies in Hampton as it does everywhere in the state.
Access to records depends on age. Under § 32.1-271, records less than 25 years old are restricted to the parties, their immediate family, and their attorneys. Records older than 25 years are open to the public. Courts can seal cases under § 20-124, and sealed records stay restricted even after the 25-year window passes. If you are uncertain about access, call the clerk before visiting.
Virginia Divorce Law in Hampton
Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces in Virginia. All Hampton divorces are heard by the 8th Judicial Circuit Court. No other court in Hampton has the authority to issue a divorce decree.
Virginia allows both fault and no-fault divorce under § 20-91. The no-fault ground requires at least one year of separation. If both parties have signed a separation agreement and no minor children are involved, the required period is six months. Fault grounds cover adultery, cruelty, willful desertion lasting more than a year, and felony conviction with more than one year of imprisonment.
At least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for six months before filing. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act under § 2.2-3700 supports access to government records generally, but the 25-year restriction under vital records law applies specifically to divorce cases.
The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center is a useful free resource. The Virginia State Bar has a plain-language guide that covers divorce basics in Virginia, including the filing process and what to expect at each stage.
Legal Help in Hampton
Virginia Legal Aid serves the Hampton Roads area. Qualified Hampton residents can get free or reduced-cost legal help with divorce, custody, and related matters. Income limits apply. Check the website for the current service area and eligibility rules. The Hampton Circuit Court may also have self-help resources available for unrepresented litigants.
For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service covers the Hampton Roads region. Many local attorneys handle family law and divorce cases, and some offer reduced-rate initial consultations. Court staff at the clerk's office can answer general questions about how to file and what forms are needed, but they are not allowed to give legal advice.
Nearby Cities
These Virginia cities near Hampton each operate circuit courts that handle divorce filings and maintain divorce case records.