Find Divorce Records in Martinsville
Martinsville divorce records are kept at the Henry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Martinsville. As an independent city, Martinsville shares circuit court services with Henry County, so all divorce filings and records for the city are handled through the same office. Records go back to 1928. You can request copies in person or by mail, and the clerk's office can help you locate a specific case if you have the names of the parties and the year of the divorce.
Martinsville Overview
Henry County Circuit Court for Martinsville
Martinsville is part of the 22nd Judicial Circuit. The court clerk's office is located at 3160 Kings Mountain Road, Suite B, in Martinsville. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (276) 634-4880 to reach the clerk before you visit.
Because the city shares its circuit court with Henry County, the same staff handle all divorce cases for both Martinsville residents and Henry County residents. This is common among Virginia's smaller independent cities. If your divorce was granted here, the records are at this office regardless of whether you were a city or county resident at the time.
| Office | Henry County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 3160 Kings Mountain Road, Suite B, Martinsville, VA 24112 |
| Phone | (276) 634-4880 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 22nd Judicial Circuit |
| Records From | 1928 |
How to Request Martinsville Divorce Records
The simplest way to get divorce records is to visit the clerk's office in person. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties involved in the case. The year of the divorce is also helpful. Staff will search the index and let you know if the record is on file and whether you are eligible to receive a copy.
To request records by mail, write a letter that includes the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, the case number if you have it, and your reason for the request. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for the copy fees. Call the office first to confirm acceptable payment methods, as policies can vary.
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds divorce certificates for divorces granted in Virginia since 1918. A VDH certificate costs $12. It shows the names of both parties, the date, and the court that granted the divorce but does not include the full decree or case file details.
What Martinsville Divorce Records Include
Virginia produces three main types of divorce documents. Knowing which one you need will help you ask the right question when you contact the clerk's office or the VDH.
The final divorce decree is the court order that officially ends the marriage. It covers everything the judge decided or that both parties agreed to, including property division under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, spousal support, child custody and visitation, and any name changes. A contested divorce decree can be quite long.
The divorce case file contains all the documents filed during the case. This includes the complaint, answers, motions, financial statements, and the final decree. These files can be thick for contested cases.
A VDH divorce certificate is a brief summary document. It confirms the divorce happened and gives basic details like the parties' names and the court that granted it. It does not include custody terms or property division details.
Social security numbers are always redacted from any copy released to the public, as required by state law.
Access Rules and Fees
Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, divorce records that are less than 25 years old are not open to the general public. Only the parties named in the record, their immediate family members, and their attorneys can get copies during that period. Immediate family means parents, spouse, children, siblings, and grandparents. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws cannot access the record during the restricted period.
Once a record is 25 years old, it becomes public. At that point, anyone can request a copy. Records may also transfer to the Library of Virginia after the 25-year mark.
The filing fee for a divorce case in Virginia is $60. Of that, $10 goes to the Courts Technology Fund. This fee is set by state law and applies at every circuit court in Virginia, including the Henry County court for Martinsville cases.
Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of the final divorce decree is free. This free copy is given when the decree is first issued. Later requests cost $0.50 per page for standard copies. The filing fee covers one free certified copy at the time of the decree.
Courts may also seal records under § 20-124 at any point. If a party can show good reason, the judge may order the file sealed. Sealed records do not become public even after 25 years.
Virginia Divorce Law and Martinsville Courts
Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces. No other court in the state has that authority. That is why all Martinsville divorce records are kept at the circuit court level and not in general district or city courts.
Virginia allows both fault and no-fault divorce. The primary no-fault ground under § 20-91 requires the parties to live separately for one full year without cohabitation. If both parties have signed a property settlement agreement and there are no minor children, the waiting time is just six months.
Fault grounds include adultery, felony conviction with imprisonment of more than a year, cruelty, and willful desertion. These require proof and affect how the judge decides on property and support.
At least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for six months before the case is filed. The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center explains the full process in plain language. The Virginia State Bar also has a free guide on Virginia divorce law.
Legal Help in Martinsville
Virginia Legal Aid provides free help to eligible residents. Staff attorneys can answer questions about divorce, help with forms, and sometimes represent clients in court. Income limits apply, so check the website to see if you qualify.
If you do not qualify for legal aid, you can look for a private family law attorney in the Martinsville or Henry County area. The Virginia State Bar's referral service can connect you with a local attorney who handles divorce cases.
Self-represented filers should note that Virginia does not have official state court forms for divorce. You will need to draft your own documents or use templates from legal aid organizations. Court staff at the Henry County Circuit Court can answer procedural questions but are not allowed to give legal advice.
Henry County Court for Martinsville Divorce Records
All Martinsville divorce records are filed through the Henry County Circuit Court. The county and city share the same court and clerk's office for all civil and family law matters.
Nearby Cities
These Virginia cities are near Martinsville. Each uses a circuit court for divorce records.