Richmond Divorce Record Lookup
Richmond divorce records are maintained at the Richmond City Circuit Court, housed in the John Marshall Courts Building at 400 North 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The City of Richmond is Virginia's capital and an independent city with court records dating to 1782. All divorce cases filed by Richmond residents go through the 13th Judicial Circuit. Clerk Hon. Edward F. Jewett oversees the office. The phone number is (804) 646-6505, and office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Richmond should not be confused with Richmond County, which is a separate jurisdiction in another part of the state.
Richmond Overview
Where Richmond Divorce Records Are Kept
The Richmond Circuit Court Clerk's Office is at the John Marshall Courts Building, 400 North 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The main phone is (804) 646-6505. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Clerk Hon. Edward F. Jewett oversees the office. Email contact is available at Edward.Jewett@richmondgov.com for general inquiries.
Richmond holds divorce and civil court records dating to 1782, making this one of the most extensive historical records archives in Virginia. The court processes a high volume of cases as the capital city. Older records may be held in archived storage and may need additional retrieval time. Recent records are searchable in digital systems. Let the clerk know the approximate year when you call or visit.
| Office | Richmond Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | John Marshall Courts Building, 400 North 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Phone | (804) 646-6505 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 13th Judicial Circuit |
| Records From | 1782 |
How to Request Divorce Records
In-person visits to the John Marshall Courts Building are the most direct way to access records. Bring a valid photo ID and whatever case information you have. Names of both parties and the approximate year are the most useful details. Case numbers are helpful but not required.
For mail requests, write to the clerk's office at 400 North 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Include all case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. The clerk will confirm the total before mailing any documents. For general inquiries, you can also email the clerk's office before mailing a formal request.
The Richmond city clerk page and the Virginia Courts site for Richmond Circuit Court both have procedural information and contact details. The city page in particular is well-maintained and updated with current office information.
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records is also located in Richmond and holds statewide divorce certificates from 1918. A VDH certificate costs $12 per copy and shows names, date, and court. It does not include property or custody information.
What Richmond Divorce Records Contain
Richmond divorce records follow the same structure as divorce records throughout Virginia. Knowing what each type of document contains helps you request the right one.
The final divorce decree is the judge's written order ending the marriage. Under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, it addresses how marital property and debts are divided equitably between the parties. The decree may also include terms for spousal support, child custody and visitation, and any name restoration. Contested cases result in longer and more detailed decrees.
The full case file contains every document filed during the proceedings. That includes the original complaint, the other party's response, financial disclosures, motions, temporary orders, and the final decree. If you need to understand how a case developed, or if you need evidence from specific filings, you need the complete case file.
A VDH divorce certificate is a shorter summary. It lists names, the date the divorce was granted, and which court handled it. It does not include custody, property, or financial information. People use it mainly when they need proof of a prior divorce, such as when applying for a new marriage license. Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of divorce records.
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 filing fee to open a divorce case is $60 under state law. This applies in Richmond as it does throughout Virginia.
Under § 32.1-271, divorce 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 cases under § 20-124. Sealed records remain private even after the 25-year window closes. If you are not sure about access to a specific case, call the clerk's office before making a trip downtown.
Virginia Divorce Law in Richmond
Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts have the power to grant divorces in Virginia. All Richmond divorce cases are heard by the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. No other court in the city can issue a divorce decree.
Virginia allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce under § 20-91. No-fault divorce requires at least one year of living separately. If both parties have signed a settlement agreement and no minor children are involved, the required separation drops to 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 been a Virginia resident for six months before filing for divorce. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act under § 2.2-3700 supports public access to government records broadly, but the 25-year access restriction under vital records law applies specifically to divorce cases.
The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center provides step-by-step guidance on the divorce process. The Virginia State Bar offers a free plain-language guide to Virginia divorce law covering grounds, procedures, and what to expect at each stage.
Legal Help in Richmond
Virginia Legal Aid serves the Richmond area. Qualifying residents can get free or low-cost legal help with divorce and family law matters. Income limits apply. Check the website for current eligibility requirements and service area details.
The Richmond area has several law school clinics, including those at the University of Richmond School of Law and Virginia Commonwealth University, that may assist eligible residents with family law matters. For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a Richmond-area family law attorney. The Richmond Circuit Court also has a law library that is open to the public during business hours. Court staff can answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice.
Nearby Cities
These Virginia cities near Richmond each operate independent circuit courts that handle divorce cases and maintain records.