Find Divorce Records in Lexington

Lexington divorce records are held at the Rockbridge County Circuit Court, which serves both the City of Lexington and Rockbridge County under the 25th Judicial Circuit. Lexington is an independent city in the Shenandoah Valley, but it shares circuit court services with Rockbridge County. All divorce filings by Lexington residents go through the clerk's office at 20 S. Randolph Street, Suite 101, Lexington, VA 24450. The clerk's phone number is (540) 463-2232. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Records in this system go back to 1778, making this one of the older county court archives in Virginia.

Where Lexington Divorce Records Are Kept

The Rockbridge County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is at 20 S. Randolph Street, Suite 101, Lexington, VA 24450. The phone is (540) 463-2232. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This office handles divorce filings and maintains all court records for both Lexington and Rockbridge County.

Lexington is an independent city under Virginia law, but the city and Rockbridge County share a single combined circuit court. When a Lexington resident files for divorce, the case goes to this same clerk's office and is maintained alongside Rockbridge County records. Records here date to 1778. This is a long-standing archive, though older records may require manual retrieval.

How to Request Divorce Records

Visit the clerk's office in person at 20 S. Randolph Street, Suite 101, or submit a mail request. In-person is usually faster. Bring a photo ID and whatever details you have about the case. Names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce are the key pieces of information. A case number helps but is not required.

For mail requests, include all case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. The clerk will confirm the exact amount before sending documents. If you have questions, call (540) 463-2232. For more information on court records access, visit the Rockbridge County Circuit Court Clerk page.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records holds statewide divorce certificates from 1918. A VDH certificate costs $12 and provides basic confirmation of a divorce without the full case file. It lists the names, date, and court but does not include custody, property, or financial details.

For the county-level page with more details on Rockbridge records, see Rockbridge County.

What Divorce Records Include

Lexington divorce records take the same forms as those throughout Virginia. There are three main document types.

The final divorce decree is the court's order ending the marriage. It covers property division under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, spousal support, child custody, and name restoration if requested. Uncontested cases produce shorter decrees. Contested cases can be much longer with detailed findings from the judge.

The full case file includes all documents from the start of the case to the end. That includes the complaint, the other party's response, financial disclosures, any motions, temporary orders, and the final decree. Request the full file if you need to understand how the case developed or need to find specific rulings.

A VDH divorce certificate is a short summary. It lists names, the date of divorce, and which court handled it. People use it as quick proof of a prior divorce, such as when applying to remarry. Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of divorce records under Virginia law.

Fees and Access Rules

Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of the final divorce decree is free at the time the court issues it. Additional copies cost $0.50 per page. The $60 filing fee to start a divorce case applies in Lexington as it does everywhere in Virginia.

Under § 32.1-271, divorce records less than 25 years old are restricted to the parties, their immediate family, and their lawyers. Records older than 25 years are public. Courts can seal records under § 20-124. Sealed records stay private regardless of how old they are. If you are uncertain about access to a specific case, ask the clerk first.

Virginia Divorce Law in Lexington

Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces in Virginia. All Lexington divorce cases go through the 25th Judicial Circuit at 20 S. Randolph Street. No other court in Lexington or Rockbridge County can issue a final divorce decree.

Virginia allows both fault and no-fault divorce under § 20-91. The no-fault ground requires one year of living separately. If both parties have signed a settlement agreement and no minor children are involved, the required separation is six months. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for more than one year, and felony conviction with over 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 on divorce records under vital records law limits access to recent cases.

The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center and the Virginia State Bar both publish useful guides to the Virginia divorce process that apply in Lexington and Rockbridge County.

Legal Help in Lexington

Virginia Legal Aid serves the Lexington and Rockbridge County area. Qualifying residents may be able to get free or low-cost legal help with divorce and family law matters. Income limits apply. Check the website for the current service area and eligibility rules. Washington and Lee University School of Law, located in Lexington, also operates legal clinics that may assist eligible residents.

For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a family law attorney in the Shenandoah Valley region. Court staff at the clerk's office can answer questions about forms and filing procedures but cannot advise you on legal strategy.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities near Lexington each have circuit courts that handle divorce filings and maintain court records.