Search Gloucester County Divorce Records
Gloucester County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Justice Drive in Gloucester. The county's court records date back to 1651, making it one of Virginia's oldest. The 9th Judicial Circuit serves Gloucester County, and the clerk handles all requests for divorce case files, decrees, and certified copies. The Virginia Judicial System also allows online case index searches.
Gloucester County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Gloucester County divorce cases are filed with the Gloucester County Circuit Court. Virginia Code § 20-96 gives circuit courts exclusive jurisdiction over divorce. The clerk at Justice Drive maintains all original case files and can issue certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Gloucester County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Gloria J. Owens |
| Address | 7400 Justice Dr, Room 327, Gloucester, VA 23061 |
| Phone | (804) 693-2502 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/gloucester |
Clerk staff can assist with record searches and explain copy fees. They cannot provide legal advice. For free help, use Virginia Legal Aid or the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Getting Divorce Records
In-person requests are the fastest option for Gloucester County divorce records. Visit the courthouse at 7400 Justice Drive with a photo ID and the names of both parties plus the approximate case year. Staff will search the index and pull the file or copy you need.
Mail requests are also accepted. Send your request to 7400 Justice Dr, Room 327, Gloucester, VA 23061 with party names, case year, return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and copy fee payment.
Under § 32.1-271, records less than 25 years old are available only to the named parties, their immediate family, and their attorneys. Older records are open to the public. The first certified copy of a decree is free under § 17.1-275. More copies cost $0.50 per page.
State Divorce Certificates
The Virginia Department of Health holds divorce certificates from 1918 onward. These brief records confirm a divorce happened and show the basic details. They do not include case terms, property decisions, or custody arrangements.
VDH certificates cost $12 each. Contact the Office of Vital Records at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227, or call 804-662-6200. The 25-year access rule under § 32.1-268 applies here too.
Filing for Divorce in Gloucester County
One spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. Submit a Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the Gloucester courthouse. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 provides for both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault requires one year of separation. That reduces to six months when both parties sign a property agreement and have no minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony conviction with imprisonment.
Contested property is divided under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution. The final decree addresses all matters in the case. Read the Virginia State Bar divorce guide for more detail, or contact Virginia Legal Aid for free help.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Gloucester County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.