Accomack County Divorce Records

Accomack County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Accomac, Virginia. If you need to find a divorce decree, verify a past case, or get certified copies of divorce documents, the clerk's office handles all requests for filings made in this county. Records from the Virginia Department of Health go back to 1918, while the circuit court holds divorce case files from 1860 to the present day. This guide walks you through the search process, fees, and where to go.

Circuit Court Clerk Office

All divorce cases in Accomack County go through the Circuit Court, as required by Virginia Code § 20-96, which gives circuit courts sole jurisdiction over divorce and annulment proceedings. The clerk's office is the central record keeper for all case filings, decrees, and divorce documents in the county.

The Clerk of Circuit Court is a constitutional officer elected by Accomack County voters for an eight-year term. The office processes divorce cases, records deeds, issues marriage licenses, and probates wills. Clerk Hon. J. Paul Johnson can be reached at jpauljohnson@vacourts.gov.

How to Search Accomack County Divorce Records

There are two main ways to search for Accomack divorce records: online case lookups and in-person visits to the clerk's office. Online access is limited to basic case information. Full documents and certified copies require a visit or a mailed request.

The Virginia Judicial System provides an online case search portal at vacourts.gov. You can search by party name, case number, or hearing date. This is a good starting point if you just need to confirm a case exists or get a case number before requesting documents. Keep in mind that not every county loads all historical cases online, so older Accomack records may require a direct inquiry to the clerk.

To search in person, visit the clerk's office at 23316 Courthouse Avenue in Accomac during business hours. Bring the full names of both parties and the approximate year the divorce was finalized. Staff can pull case files, let you review them, and make copies on request. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 2.2-3700, requires that court records be open to the public unless a specific exemption applies.

For divorce certificates, the Virginia Department of Health is a separate source. VDH holds records from 1918 to the present and issues certified divorce certificates for $12 each. Their office is at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Phone: 804-662-6200. Note that VDH records are more basic than what you'll find in the circuit court file. They confirm a divorce happened but don't include property settlements or custody terms.

What Accomack County Divorce Records Contain

There are three types of divorce records you may need from Accomack County. Each one contains different information and is kept by a different agency.

The divorce decree is the final court order signed by the judge. It ends the marriage and spells out any agreements on property, debt, support, and custody. Under § 20-107.3, the court determines the value and title of all marital and separate property when it issues a decree. This document is held by the Accomack Circuit Court Clerk and is typically what people need most when searching for a divorce record.

The divorce case file is the full set of documents filed during the case. This includes the original complaint, any motions, summonses, financial disclosures, and the final decree. Case files can be thick, and copies cost $0.50 per page. If you only need one document from a large file, tell the clerk which one you want to minimize costs.

The divorce certificate is issued by VDH and is a short summary document. It shows the names of the parties, the county where the divorce was granted, and the date. It does not include terms of the divorce. This is usually enough for legal name changes or simple proof of divorce status.

Fees for Accomack County Divorce Records

Fees in Accomack County follow state law under § 17.1-275. The first certified copy of a final divorce decree is free to either party named in the case. This applies only at the time the case closes. After that, standard copy fees apply.

Regular copies from the circuit court run $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $2.00 per document, plus the per-page copy fee. If you need a certified decree that is 10 pages long, expect to pay around $7.00 total. The clerk does not accept personal checks. Bring cash, a money order, or a cashier's check if you visit in person. Mail requests should include a money order.

VDH charges $12 per divorce certificate copy. If you need multiple copies, you pay $12 for each one. This fee covers VDH's cost of searching their records and producing the certificate. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks.

Getting Copies of Divorce Records

To get copies from the Accomack County Circuit Court, you have two options: visit the office or mail a written request. Either way, you need to provide the names of both parties and the approximate date or year of the divorce. A case number helps speed things up but is not always required.

In person, bring valid photo ID. The clerk's staff will locate the case, let you review it, and make copies as requested. Payment is due at the time of service. If you mail your request, send it to P.O. Box 126, Accomac, VA 23301. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope, a description of the case, and payment. Staff will mail copies back to you once they process the request.

For VDH divorce certificates, download the application form at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records. Print it, fill it out, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your ID and a $12 check or money order per copy to: VDH Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Walk-in service is also available at 8701 Park Central Drive Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Some Accomack divorce records may have been sealed by court order under § 20-124. Sealed records are not available to the public, even after the 25-year confidentiality period. If you believe a record is sealed, speak with an attorney before submitting a request.

Legal Help in Accomack County

If you need legal advice about a divorce case or have trouble getting records, several resources can help. The Virginia State Bar publishes a free guide on divorce in Virginia covering grounds, process, property, and support. It's a solid starting point if you're unfamiliar with Virginia divorce law.

Virginia Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to qualifying residents. Visit valegalaid.org to check eligibility and find the nearest office. The Virginia Court Self-Help Center also has divorce guides and links to forms used in circuit court cases. Remember that court staff cannot give legal advice, so these outside resources matter if you plan to handle a case on your own.

Under § 20-91, Virginia allows both fault-based and no-fault divorce. No-fault requires living separate and apart for one year, or six months if there are no minor children and both parties have signed a separation agreement. Knowing which type applies to your case is important before you file or request records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border or are near Accomack County. Each one has its own Circuit Court for divorce cases.