Find Divorce Records in Caroline County
Caroline County divorce records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Bowling Green. The county's court records go back to 1728, making this one of Virginia's older record repositories. The 15th Judicial Circuit covers Caroline County, and the clerk's office processes requests for decrees, case files, and certified copies. Online index searches through the Virginia Judicial System are available as a starting point.
Caroline County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All divorce filings in Caroline County go through the Caroline County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96 of the Virginia Code, circuit courts have sole jurisdiction over divorce cases. The clerk maintains case files and issues certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Caroline County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Susan Minarchi |
| Address | P.O. Box 447, 102 Courthouse Lane, Bowling Green, VA 22427 |
| Phone | (804) 633-5800 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/caroline |
The clerk's staff can help you find records and explain what fees apply. They are not permitted to give legal advice. For free help, reach out to Virginia Legal Aid or use the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Requesting Divorce Records
You can get Caroline County divorce records in person at the Courthouse Lane location or by mail. In-person is typically the fastest route. Have your ID ready along with both party names and the year of the divorce. Staff will search the index and pull up what you need.
Mail requests go to P.O. Box 447, Bowling Green, VA 22427. Include names, case year, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. The clerk will send the records once processed.
Records under 25 years old are restricted under § 32.1-271 to the named parties, their immediate family, and attorneys. Older records are open to the public. The first certified copy of a final decree is free under § 17.1-275. Further copies run $0.50 per page.
State Vital Records for Divorce Certificates
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records holds statewide divorce certificates from 1918 onward. These records confirm a divorce occurred and show the basic details. They do not include case terms, property rulings, or custody orders.
VDH charges $12 per certificate. Write to 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227 or call 804-662-6200. The same 25-year access restrictions from § 32.1-268 apply here as well.
Filing for Divorce in Caroline County
You or your spouse must have resided in Virginia for at least six months before filing. Submit a Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the Bowling Green clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault requires a year of separation, reduced to six months when a property settlement is in place and no minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony conviction with imprisonment.
Property disputes are handled under § 20-107.3, which sets up equitable distribution. The court looks at several factors to reach a fair division. The final decree will address property, support, and custody as needed.
For general guidance, the Virginia State Bar divorce guide is a good starting point. Virginia Legal Aid helps qualifying residents free of charge.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Caroline County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.