Williamsburg Divorce Record Lookup

Williamsburg divorce records are held at the James City County Circuit Court, which serves both the City of Williamsburg and James City County under the 9th Judicial Circuit. Williamsburg is an independent city in coastal Virginia, but it shares circuit court services with James City County. All divorce filings by Williamsburg residents go to the shared clerk's office at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 6, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The clerk is Hon. Mona A. Foley, and the office phone is (757) 564-2242. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Records date to 1884.

Where Williamsburg Divorce Records Are Kept

The James City County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 6, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The phone is (757) 564-2242. Clerk Hon. Mona A. Foley runs the office. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. This office handles all divorce filings and maintains all divorce records for both the City of Williamsburg and James City County from 1884 forward.

Williamsburg is an independent city but uses a shared court arrangement with James City County. This is a common setup for smaller Virginia cities. The combined clerk's office at 5201 Monticello Avenue is the single location for all 9th Judicial Circuit records. Records for Williamsburg cases are stored alongside James City County records within the same system.

How to Request Divorce Records

Visit the clerk's office in person at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 6, or submit a mail request. In-person visits are typically faster. Bring a valid photo ID and information about the case. Names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce are the key details. A case number helps but is not required to begin the 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 mailing any documents. Call (757) 564-2242 if you want to verify what to include before mailing your request.

The James City County Circuit Court Clerk page has detailed information on court services for the combined jurisdiction. For additional context on James City County records, see James City County.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records holds statewide divorce certificates from 1918. A VDH certificate costs $12 and confirms the divorce with names, date, and court. It does not include custody or property details, so it is best used when you just need proof that a divorce occurred.

What Divorce Records Include

Williamsburg divorce records follow the same structure 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 and debts are divided equitably. The decree may also include spousal support, child custody arrangements, and name restoration if those issues were raised. Contested cases produce more detailed and lengthy decrees.

The full case file includes every document filed during the proceedings. That means the complaint, the other party's response, financial disclosures, motions, any temporary orders, and the final decree. Request the complete file if you need to trace the history of a case or find specific factual findings from the record.

A VDH divorce certificate is a short summary document. It confirms the names, divorce date, and which court issued the order. It is used mainly when someone needs basic proof of a prior divorce. Social security numbers are removed from all publicly released divorce records under Virginia law.

Fees and Access

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 open a divorce case applies in Williamsburg 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 open to the public. Courts can seal cases under § 20-124. Sealed records remain private regardless of age. Call the clerk if you are not sure whether a specific case is accessible before making a trip.

Virginia Divorce Law in Williamsburg

Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only circuit courts can grant divorces in Virginia. All Williamsburg divorce cases go through the 9th Judicial Circuit at 5201 Monticello Avenue. No other court in Williamsburg or James City County has authority to issue a final 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 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 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 access to government records broadly, but the 25-year restriction on divorce records under vital records law limits access to recent cases.

The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center offers step-by-step guidance on the divorce process. The Virginia State Bar also publishes a plain-language guide covering Virginia divorce law.

Legal Help in Williamsburg

Virginia Legal Aid serves the Williamsburg and Peninsula area. 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 requirements. William and Mary Law School, located in Williamsburg, also operates legal clinics that may assist eligible residents.

For private representation, the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a family law attorney in the Williamsburg or Hampton Roads area. Court staff at the clerk's office can answer procedural questions and help with forms, but they cannot advise you on the legal aspects of your specific situation.

Nearby Cities

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