Radford Divorce Records

Radford divorce records are kept at the Radford Circuit Court, located at 619 Second Street, Radford, VA 24141. Radford is an independent city in southwestern Virginia with its own circuit court that holds divorce records going back to 1892. All divorce cases filed by Radford residents go through the 27th Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office phone is (540) 731-3652, and office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Radford's city website also maintains a dedicated divorce information page that can help with the filing process.

Where Radford Divorce Records Are Kept

The Radford Circuit Court Clerk's Office is at 619 Second Street, Radford, VA 24141. The phone number is (540) 731-3652. Office hours run 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This office holds all divorce case records for the City of Radford from 1892 forward.

Radford is an independent city in the New River Valley. Its court handles a modest volume of cases. Records from the earlier decades of the court may need to be retrieved manually, while more recent records are typically indexed digitally. Let the clerk know the approximate year of the case when you contact them, so they can guide your search efficiently.

How to Request Divorce Records

Visit the clerk's office in person at 619 Second Street, or submit a mail request. In-person is usually faster. Bring a photo ID and know the names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. A case number helps but is not required to begin a search.

For mail requests, write to the clerk's office with all case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. The clerk will confirm the total before sending any documents. Call (540) 731-3652 if you want to check what to include before mailing.

The Radford city divorce information page is a useful resource. It explains what forms are needed, how to file in Radford specifically, and what to expect from the process. This page is maintained by the city and may include local guidance that is not covered on the state court website.

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 that a divorce occurred, with names, date, and court listed. It does not include full case details.

What Divorce Records Include

Radford divorce records are structured the same as divorce records throughout Virginia. Three main document types are available.

The final divorce decree is the court's written order ending the marriage. It addresses property division under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, spousal support, child custody, and any name restoration. The length and detail of the decree depends on how contested the case was.

The full case file holds all documents from the case. That means the initial 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 or find specific factual findings, request the complete file.

A VDH divorce certificate is a short summary. It lists names, date, and court. It is used mainly to confirm a prior divorce for purposes like applying to remarry. Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of Virginia divorce documents.

Fees and Access

Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of the final divorce decree is free when issued at the time of the court order. Later copies cost $0.50 per page. The filing fee to open a divorce case in Virginia is $60. This applies in Radford as it does throughout the state.

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 specific cases under § 20-124. Sealed records stay restricted regardless of age. If you are unsure about access to a specific case, call the clerk before visiting.

Virginia Divorce Law in Radford

Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces in Virginia. All Radford divorce cases go through the 27th Judicial Circuit Court at 619 Second Street. No other court in the city has the power to issue a divorce decree.

Virginia recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorce under § 20-91. No-fault divorce requires at least one year of separation. If both spouses have signed a settlement agreement and no minor children are involved, six months of separation is enough. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion lasting more than one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment over one year.

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 generally, but the 25-year restriction under vital records law limits public access to recent divorce cases.

The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center explains the divorce filing process in plain language. The Virginia State Bar publishes a free guide to Virginia divorce that covers the legal steps and requirements.

Legal Help in Radford

Virginia Legal Aid serves southwestern Virginia and may be able to help qualifying Radford residents. Income limits apply. Check the website for the current service area and eligibility requirements. Radford University is located in the city, and the surrounding region has a range of legal services available.

For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a family law attorney in the New River Valley area. Court staff at the Radford clerk's office can answer general questions about the filing process and what forms to use, but they cannot advise you on the merits of your case.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities near Radford each have their own circuit courts that handle divorce filings and maintain records.