Search Brunswick County Divorce Records

Brunswick County divorce records are maintained at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 228 North Main Street in Lawrenceville, Virginia. All divorce cases in Brunswick County go through the circuit court, and the clerk's office is the official keeper of those records. Divorce records date back to 1732, making Brunswick one of Virginia's earliest counties. The Virginia Department of Health holds certified divorce certificates from 1918. This page explains how to search for records, what they contain, and what fees apply.

Circuit Court Clerk Office

Brunswick County is part of Virginia's 6th Judicial Circuit. Under § 20-96, circuit courts have sole jurisdiction over all divorce and annulment cases. The clerk's office at 228 North Main Street in Lawrenceville maintains all Brunswick County divorce records, including case files, decrees, and certified copies.

Clerk Hon. Delores M. Jones leads the office. Brunswick County is a rural county in south-central Virginia. If you are traveling from far away to access records, call (434) 848-2215 first to confirm the case file is available and discuss what documents exist.

How to Search Brunswick Divorce Records

Online case searches are available through the Virginia Judicial System at vacourts.gov. You can search by party name, case number, or hearing date. Online results show basic case details. Full documents require an in-person visit or mailed request.

For in-person searches, visit 228 North Main Street in Lawrenceville during business hours. Bring the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Staff will locate the case file and allow you to review it. Copies are $0.50 per page. Ask for specific documents rather than copying the entire file to keep costs manageable.

Mail requests go to P.O. Box 31, Lawrenceville, VA 23868. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date, a money order for estimated fees, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Staff will process the request and mail copies back to you.

Under § 2.2-3700, Virginia's Freedom of Information Act makes government records presumptively open. Divorce records under 25 years old are restricted to named parties, immediate family, and attorneys under § 32.1-271. Records over 25 years old are public information.

What Brunswick Divorce Records Contain

Three types of divorce records exist for Brunswick County. Each contains different information and is held by a different agency.

The final divorce decree is the official court order ending the marriage. It names both parties, states the date of the decree, and includes all court decisions on property, debt, support, and custody. Under § 20-107.3, Virginia courts use equitable distribution to divide marital property. The decree documents how that was done in each specific case. Most people searching Brunswick divorce records are looking for this document.

The full case file holds every document filed during the divorce proceeding, including the complaint, motions, financial disclosures, and the final decree. These files can be large. Request specific documents rather than everything in the file unless you need it all. Copies are $0.50 per page.

VDH divorce certificates are brief records confirming that a divorce was granted in Brunswick County on a specific date. They name the parties and are available for divorces going back to 1918. VDH charges $12 per certificate. Certificates do not include property or custody terms.

Fees for Brunswick Divorce Records

Brunswick County follows the state fee schedule under § 17.1-275. At case closing, the first certified copy of the final decree is free to either party. After that, copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $2.00 per document. For a 12-page certified decree, the total would be around $8.00.

For mail requests, include a money order. Do not mail cash. Call (434) 848-2215 to get an estimate before sending payment. VDH charges $12 per certified divorce certificate. Walk-in service at VDH is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Mail requests go to VDH, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000 and take approximately two to four weeks.

Getting Copies of Divorce Records

For copies from the Brunswick Circuit Court, visit in person at 228 North Main Street, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 or send a mail request to P.O. Box 31, Lawrenceville, VA 23868. In-person visits let you review the file before choosing what to copy. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties.

For VDH divorce certificates, go to vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records. Print and sign the application, attach a copy of your photo ID, and mail with a $12 payment per certificate to VDH, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Records sealed under § 20-124 are not accessible regardless of age. All other records over 25 years old are public.

Legal Help in Brunswick County

Virginia allows both fault and no-fault divorce under § 20-91. No-fault requires one year of continuous separation. If no minor children are involved and both parties have a written separation agreement, six months is enough. You must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing for divorce.

The Virginia State Bar publishes a free guide on Virginia divorce law. For qualifying residents, Virginia Legal Aid provides free civil legal services. The Virginia Court Self-Help Center has guides and resources for people representing themselves. Court staff cannot give legal advice.

Nearby Counties

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