Norfolk Divorce Records Search
Norfolk divorce records are kept at the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 150 St. Paul's Boulevard, 7th Floor. Norfolk is one of Virginia's oldest independent cities and holds divorce records dating back to 1680, making it one of the longest continuous records repositories in the state. All divorce filings for Norfolk go through the 4th Judicial Circuit Court. You can reach the clerk's office at (757) 664-4380 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Norfolk Overview
Where Norfolk Divorce Records Are Kept
The Norfolk Circuit Court is at 150 St. Paul's Boulevard, 7th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510. This is the main phone number for the clerk's office: (757) 664-4380. If you need to request copies through the Copy Center specifically, that number is (757) 793-3516. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Norfolk holds records going back to 1680, which is one of the most extensive records archives among Virginia's independent cities. The court has been in continuous operation for centuries, and its archives contain historical divorce and civil records that span several generations. More recent records are indexed in digital systems, while very old records may require manual search.
| Office | Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 150 St. Paul's Boulevard, 7th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 |
| Phone | (757) 664-4380 |
| Copy Center | (757) 793-3516 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 4th Judicial Circuit |
| Records From | 1680 |
How to Get Norfolk Divorce Records
The clerk's office at 150 St. Paul's Boulevard handles in-person and mail requests for divorce records. When you visit, bring a valid photo ID and as much information as you have about the case. Party names and the approximate year of the divorce are the most useful search tools. For copy requests, contact the Copy Center directly at (757) 793-3516.
For mail requests, write to the clerk's office with the case details and your reason for the request. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees. The office will let you know the exact amount before sending documents.
The Norfolk city website has information on court services and procedures. The Norfolk Circuit Court official site may also have details on how to submit specific requests.
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds divorce certificates statewide from 1918. VDH certificates cost $12 per copy and are useful for proving a divorce occurred without needing the full case file.
What Norfolk Divorce Records Contain
Virginia divorce records come in three main forms. Each serves a different purpose, so it helps to know which one fits your needs.
The final divorce decree is the court's written order ending the marriage. It includes the judge's rulings on property division under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, spousal support, child custody and visitation, and name changes if requested. In contested divorces the decree can be long and detailed.
The divorce case file holds every document filed during the proceedings. This covers the complaint, the response, motions, financial statements, any court orders issued before the final decree, and the decree itself. Anyone who needs to review how a case developed should request the full file.
A VDH divorce certificate is a shorter summary document. It confirms the names of both parties, the date the divorce was granted, and which court handled it. It does not include custody or property details. People use certificates when they need simple proof of a prior divorce, such as when applying to remarry.
Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of divorce documents under state law. This applies to both court-issued copies and VDH certificates.
Fees and Eligibility
Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of your final divorce decree is free. This free copy is given out when the decree is first issued by the court. Copies requested later cost $0.50 per page. The $60 filing fee to start a divorce case is set by state law and applies in Norfolk as it does everywhere in Virginia.
Who can access these records depends on how old the case is. Under § 32.1-271, records less than 25 years old are restricted to the parties, their immediate family, and their attorneys. After 25 years, the record is open to the public. Courts may also seal records under § 20-124, and sealed records stay private even after the 25-year period.
Virginia Divorce Law and Norfolk
Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces. All Norfolk divorce cases are heard by the 4th Circuit Court, and records are maintained by the elected Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Virginia recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorce. The no-fault ground under § 20-91 requires living separately for one year without cohabitation. If both parties have a signed separation agreement and no minor children are involved, the waiting period is six months. Fault grounds include adultery, felony conviction with imprisonment over one year, cruelty, and willful desertion.
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 divorce records are specifically restricted for 25 years under the vital records statutes.
The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center is a useful resource for anyone unfamiliar with the divorce process. The Virginia State Bar also publishes a plain-language guide to divorce in Virginia.
Legal Help in Norfolk
Virginia Legal Aid serves the Norfolk area and can provide free or low-cost help to eligible residents. Staff attorneys handle family law cases and can assist with divorce filings, custody matters, and related proceedings. Income limits apply, so check the website to confirm eligibility.
For those who do not qualify for legal aid, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a private family law attorney in the Norfolk area. Many local attorneys handle divorce cases and offer reduced-cost initial consultations.
Court staff at the Norfolk Circuit Court can answer general procedural questions but are not permitted to give legal advice. If you are unsure whether you qualify for legal aid or need a referral, start with the Virginia State Bar's resources online.
Nearby Cities
These Virginia cities are near Norfolk. Each has its own circuit court or shared court handling divorce records.