Staunton Divorce Records

Staunton divorce records are held at the Staunton Circuit Court, located at 113 E. Beverley Street, 3rd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401. Staunton is an independent city in the Shenandoah Valley with its own circuit court that has maintained divorce records since 1908. All divorce cases filed by Staunton residents go through the 25th Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office phone is (540) 332-3874, and office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Where Staunton Divorce Records Are Kept

The Staunton Circuit Court Clerk's Office is on the 3rd Floor at 113 E. Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401. The phone number is (540) 332-3874. The office is open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, weekdays only. This office holds all divorce case records for the City of Staunton from 1908 forward.

Staunton is one of several independent cities in the 25th Judicial Circuit along with Waynesboro and Lexington. Each city has its own clerk's office. Staunton's records are maintained separately from those at Waynesboro or Lexington. If you are not sure which city a case was filed in, start with the city where the filing party lived at the time of the divorce.

How to Request Divorce Records

Visit the clerk's office in person at 113 E. Beverley Street, 3rd Floor, or submit a mail request. In-person is typically faster. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties along with the approximate year of the divorce. A case number is helpful but not required to begin a search.

For mail requests, send a written description of the case, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees to the clerk's office address. The clerk will confirm the exact amount before mailing documents. Call (540) 332-3874 ahead of time if you are not sure what to include.

The Staunton Circuit Court page on the Virginia Courts website provides contact information and procedural details for the court.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records holds statewide divorce certificates from 1918. A VDH certificate costs $12 and provides a summary confirmation of the divorce, listing names, date, and court. It is useful when you need quick proof of a prior divorce without requesting the full case file.

What Divorce Records Include

Staunton divorce records follow the same structure as divorce records throughout Virginia. Three main document types are available, and each serves a different purpose.

The final divorce decree is the judge's written order ending the marriage. Under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, it addresses property division, using the equitable distribution standard for marital assets and debts. The decree may also cover spousal support, child custody, and name restoration if those issues were raised.

The full case file includes all documents submitted during the proceedings. That covers the initial complaint, the other party's response, financial disclosures, any motions, interim orders, and the final decree. Request the full file if you need to understand how the case developed or locate specific factual findings.

A VDH divorce certificate is a short summary. It lists names, date, and which court handled the case. People use it mainly as basic proof of a prior divorce. Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of divorce documents under Virginia law.

Fees and Access

Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of the final divorce decree is issued at no charge at the time the court enters it. Later copies cost $0.50 per page. The filing fee to open a divorce case is $60 under state law, and this applies in Staunton as it does throughout Virginia.

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 public. Courts can seal cases under § 20-124. Sealed records remain private regardless of how old they are. If you are not sure whether you can access a specific case, call the clerk before visiting.

Virginia Divorce Law in Staunton

Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces in Virginia. All Staunton divorce cases are heard by the 25th Judicial Circuit Court at 113 E. Beverley Street. No other court in Staunton has authority to issue a final divorce decree.

Virginia recognizes 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 is six months. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for more than one year, and a 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 access to government records generally, but the 25-year restriction on divorce records under vital records law limits access to recent cases.

The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center and the Virginia State Bar both have useful resources for anyone navigating a divorce in Staunton or elsewhere in Virginia.

Legal Help in Staunton

Virginia Legal Aid serves the Shenandoah Valley area including Staunton. Qualifying residents may be able to get free or low-cost help with divorce and family law matters. Income limits apply. Check the website for current service area details and eligibility requirements.

For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a family law attorney in the Staunton or Shenandoah Valley area. Court staff at the Staunton clerk's office can answer questions about filing procedures and forms but cannot give legal advice on your specific case.

Nearby Cities

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