Salem Divorce Records Search

Salem divorce records are kept at the Salem Circuit Court, located at 2 East Calhoun Street, Salem, VA 24153. Salem is an independent city in southwestern Virginia adjacent to the City of Roanoke, and it has maintained its own circuit court since 1968. All divorce filings by Salem residents go through the 23rd Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office phone is (540) 387-6205, and office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Salem shares the 23rd Judicial Circuit with both Roanoke City and Roanoke County, but each has its own separate clerk's office and records.

Where Salem Divorce Records Are Kept

The Salem Circuit Court Clerk's Office is at 2 East Calhoun Street, Salem, VA 24153. The phone is (540) 387-6205. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, weekdays only. This office holds all Salem divorce case records from 1968 forward, which is when Salem became an independent city.

Salem became an independent city in 1968. That is why records start at that year. Divorces from Salem-area residents before 1968 would have been handled by Roanoke County. If you believe a case predates Salem's incorporation, contact Roanoke County's clerk. Otherwise, the Salem clerk's office at 2 East Calhoun Street is the right place to start for Salem City cases.

How to Request Divorce Records

You can get Salem divorce records in person or by mail. Visiting the clerk's office at 2 East Calhoun Street is usually the fastest option. Bring a valid photo ID and information about the case. The names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce are the most important details. A case number helps speed things up but is not required.

For mail requests, write to the clerk's office with all case details you have, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. The clerk will confirm the total before sending documents. Call (540) 387-6205 if you want to check what to include before mailing your request.

The Salem Circuit Court page on the Virginia Courts website provides contact details and basic procedural information. This is a useful starting point for understanding what the court can provide.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records holds statewide divorce certificates from 1918. A VDH certificate costs $12 and is a fast way to confirm a divorce without getting the full case file. It lists names, date, and court.

What Divorce Records Include

Salem 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. Under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the decree addresses how marital property is distributed equitably. It may also cover spousal support, child custody, and name restoration if those were issues in the case. The decree is shorter in uncontested cases and longer when the parties disputed major issues.

The full case file holds all documents submitted during the proceeding. That includes the complaint, responses, financial disclosures, motions, interim orders, and the final decree. Request the complete file if you need to understand how a case developed or need specific factual findings from the record.

A VDH divorce certificate is a brief summary. It confirms names, divorce date, and which court granted the divorce. People use it mainly as proof of a prior divorce for purposes like applying for a new marriage license. Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of divorce documents.

Fees and Access Rules

Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of the final divorce decree is free when the court issues it. Copies requested later cost $0.50 per page. The $60 filing fee to start a divorce case applies in Salem as it does throughout Virginia.

Under § 32.1-271, records less than 25 years old are available only to the parties, their immediate family, and their legal representatives. Records older than 25 years are public. Courts can seal cases under § 20-124. Sealed records remain private regardless of how old they are. Ask the clerk if you are uncertain whether a specific case is accessible.

Virginia Divorce Law in Salem

Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces in Virginia. All Salem divorce cases go through the 23rd Judicial Circuit at 2 East Calhoun Street. No other court in Salem can issue a divorce decree.

Virginia allows both fault and no-fault 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 is reduced to six months. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion lasting more than a year, and felony conviction with imprisonment over one year.

At least one spouse must have been a Virginia resident for six months before filing. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act under § 2.2-3700 supports public access to government records broadly, but the 25-year restriction on divorce records under vital records law applies specifically to divorce cases.

The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center has step-by-step guidance on the divorce process. The Virginia State Bar also publishes a free guide covering the basics of Virginia divorce law.

Legal Help in Salem

Virginia Legal Aid serves the Roanoke Valley area, including Salem. Qualifying residents can get free or low-cost help with divorce and family law matters. Income limits apply. Check the website for the current service area and eligibility criteria before reaching out.

For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service covers the Salem and Roanoke region. Many local attorneys handle family law and divorce cases. Court staff at the Salem clerk's office can answer general questions about procedures and forms but cannot give legal advice.

Nearby Cities

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