Virginia Beach Divorce Records

Virginia Beach divorce records are held at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10-A, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Virginia Beach is Virginia's most populous city and an independent jurisdiction with its own circuit court. Divorce records here go back to 1908. All divorce cases for Virginia Beach residents are handled through the 2nd Judicial Circuit. The clerk's phone is (757) 385-4181, and office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Where Virginia Beach Divorce Records Are Kept

The Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk's Office is in Building 10-A at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Call the office at (757) 385-4181, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This office maintains all divorce case records for Virginia Beach residents from 1908 forward.

Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia by population. The circuit court here handles a very high volume of civil and domestic cases each year, including a large number of divorce filings. More recent records are indexed in digital systems and can be located by name and year. Older records from the early decades of the court may require manual retrieval. Let the clerk know the approximate filing year when you call or visit so staff can direct you to the right search method.

How to Request Divorce Records

In-person visits to Building 10-A at 2425 Nimmo Parkway are the most direct way to access records. Bring a valid photo ID and information about the case. Full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce are the key details. A case number makes the search faster but is not required.

For mail requests, write to the clerk's office at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10-A, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Include all case details, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. The clerk will confirm the total before mailing documents. Call (757) 385-4181 to ask what to include before mailing if you are unsure.

The Virginia Beach Circuit Court page on the state court website provides useful contact information and procedural details.

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 get confirmation of a divorce without the full case file. The certificate lists names, date, and court but does not include custody or property information.

What Divorce Records Include

Virginia Beach divorce records are structured the same as those throughout Virginia. Three main document types are typically available.

The final divorce decree is the court's written order ending the marriage. Under Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the decree addresses equitable distribution of marital assets and debts. It may also cover spousal support, child custody arrangements, and name restoration if those issues were raised. Contested cases result in longer and more detailed decrees reflecting the judge's findings.

The full case file includes all documents submitted during the proceeding. That covers the initial complaint, the other party's response, financial disclosures, motions, temporary orders, and the final decree. If you need to trace the full history of a case or locate specific factual findings, request the complete case file rather than just the decree.

A VDH divorce certificate is a short summary. It confirms names, date of divorce, and which court handled it. People use it mainly as proof of a prior divorce, for example when applying to remarry. Social security numbers are removed from all public copies of Virginia divorce records.

Fees and Eligibility

Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of the final divorce decree is issued free at the time the court enters it. Later copies cost $0.50 per page. The $60 filing fee to start a divorce case applies in Virginia Beach 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 legal representatives. Records older than 25 years are public. Courts can seal cases under § 20-124. Sealed records remain private regardless of their age. If you are unsure about access to a specific case, call the clerk before visiting the courthouse.

Virginia Divorce Law in Virginia Beach

Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces in Virginia. All Virginia Beach divorce cases go through the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. No other court in the city has the authority to issue a divorce decree.

Virginia recognizes both fault and no-fault divorce under § 20-91. No-fault divorce requires at least one year of living separately. If both parties have a signed separation agreement and no minor children, the required separation period is six months. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for more than one year, and a felony conviction with over one year of imprisonment.

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 divorce records are subject to the 25-year restriction under vital records law.

The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center has clear step-by-step guidance on the divorce process. The Virginia State Bar also publishes a free plain-language divorce guide that applies throughout Virginia.

Legal Help in Virginia Beach

Virginia Legal Aid serves the Hampton Roads area, including Virginia Beach. Qualifying residents can get free or reduced-cost legal help with divorce and family law matters. Income limits apply. Check the website for current eligibility requirements and the service area before contacting them.

The Virginia Beach Circuit Court has a law library available to the public during court hours. For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a local family law attorney. Many Virginia Beach attorneys handle divorce cases and offer initial consultations at reduced rates. Court staff at the clerk's office can answer general procedural questions but cannot advise on the merits of your case.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities near Virginia Beach each have circuit courts that maintain divorce case records for their residents.