Access Charles City County Divorce Records
Charles City County divorce records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Courthouse Road. Charles City is one of Virginia's original shires, with court records dating back to 1619. The 9th Judicial Circuit serves Charles City County, and the clerk's office handles requests for divorce case files, final decrees, and certified copies. The Virginia Judicial System online portal also allows case index searches.
Charles City County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Divorce filings in Charles City County go through the Charles City County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96, Virginia circuit courts hold exclusive authority over divorce cases. The clerk maintains all case files and issues certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Charles City County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Victoria L. Northam |
| Address | P.O. Box 66, 10900 Courthouse Rd, Charles City, VA 23030 |
| Phone | (804) 829-9215 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/charles_city |
Note: Charles City County has no incorporated towns. The courthouse serves as the only government center for the county.
Staff can help you search records and explain fee schedules, but they cannot give legal advice. For free help, contact Virginia Legal Aid or visit the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
How to Request Divorce Records
Visit the courthouse on Courthouse Road to request Charles City County divorce records in person. Bring a photo ID along with the names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. The clerk will search the index and provide the file or a certified copy of the decree.
For mail requests, write to P.O. Box 66, Charles City, VA 23030. Include the names, case year, your return address, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment for copy fees should also be included.
Under § 32.1-271, records under 25 years old are available only to the named parties, their immediate family, and their attorneys. Records 25 years and older are open to the public. The first certified copy of a final decree costs nothing for the parties under § 17.1-275. Additional copies are $0.50 per page.
Virginia Vital Records for Divorce Certificates
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records holds divorce certificates from 1918 forward. These records confirm a divorce took place and show the basic details. They do not include property terms, custody rulings, or other case specifics.
Each certificate copy costs $12. Contact VDH at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227 or call 804-662-6200. The access restrictions under § 32.1-268 apply to VDH records as well.
Filing for Divorce in Charles City County
At least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for six months before filing. Submit a Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 permits both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault requires one year of separation. That drops to six months when both parties have signed a property agreement and have no minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony conviction with imprisonment.
When spouses disagree on property, the court uses equitable distribution under § 20-107.3. The final decree resolves all pending matters in the case. Consult the Virginia State Bar divorce guide for more information, or reach out to Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Charles City County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.