Search Manassas Divorce Records

Manassas divorce records are maintained at the Prince William County Circuit Court, which handles divorce filings for both the City of Manassas and the surrounding county under the 31st Judicial Circuit. The City of Manassas is an independent city in Northern Virginia, but it uses the Prince William County Circuit Court for all judicial matters including divorce. The clerk's office is at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110, and the phone is (703) 792-6015. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Records in this system date to 1975.

Where Manassas Divorce Records Are Kept

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110. Call the office at (703) 792-6015, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This office maintains all divorce case records for both the City of Manassas and Prince William County. Records here go back to 1975.

The City of Manassas has been an independent city since 1975, which is why records start at that year. Prior to incorporation as an independent city, records from this area would have been held under Prince William County's older record system. If you are looking for records from before 1975 involving what is now Manassas, contact the Prince William County clerk and explain the time period.

How to Request Divorce Records

Visit the clerk's office in person at 9311 Lee Avenue, or send a mail request. In-person visits are usually faster. Bring a photo ID and whatever information you have about the case. The names of both parties and the approximate year are the most useful details. A case number helps but is not required.

For mail requests, write to the clerk's office with the case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. The clerk will confirm the exact amount before mailing documents. Call (703) 792-6015 if you want to check what to include before sending a mail request.

More details on court services are available on the Prince William County circuit court page and the Virginia Courts site. The county page covers procedures, fee schedules, and how to contact different sections of the court.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records holds statewide divorce certificates from 1918. A VDH certificate costs $12 and is a quick way to confirm a divorce occurred without getting the full case file. It shows names, date, and court only. For more on Prince William County records, see Prince William County.

What Divorce Records Include

Manassas divorce records take the same forms as those throughout Virginia. Three main document types are available.

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 equitably. It may also cover spousal support, child custody and visitation, and name restoration if those were at issue. More contested cases produce longer, more detailed decrees.

The case file holds every document filed during the proceedings. That means the complaint, the other party's response, financial disclosures, motions, any interim orders, and the final decree. If you need to trace the full history of a case, request the complete file.

A VDH divorce certificate is a brief summary. It lists names, date, and court only. People use it as quick proof of a prior divorce, for example when applying to remarry. Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of Virginia divorce records.

Fees and Access

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

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 public. Courts can seal records under § 20-124. Sealed records remain private regardless of how old they are. If you are unsure about access, ask the clerk before making a trip.

Virginia Divorce Law in Manassas

Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces in Virginia. All Manassas divorce cases go through the 31st Judicial Circuit at 9311 Lee Avenue. No other court in Manassas or Prince William County can issue a final 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 a signed settlement agreement and no minor children, the separation period can be six months. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for more than a year, and a 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 public access to government records, but the 25-year restriction under vital records law limits access to recent divorce cases.

The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center and the Virginia State Bar both publish free guides to the divorce process in Virginia that are useful for Manassas residents.

Legal Help in Manassas

Virginia Legal Aid serves Northern Virginia including the Manassas area. Qualifying residents can get free or reduced-cost help with divorce, custody, and family law matters. Income limits apply. Check the website for the current service area and eligibility rules before reaching out.

The Prince William County Circuit Court may have self-help resources available at the courthouse for unrepresented litigants. For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a family law attorney in the Northern Virginia region. Court staff at the clerk's office can answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice on your case.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities near Manassas each have circuit courts that handle divorce records for their residents.