Find Divorce Records in Grayson County
Grayson County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Davis Street in Independence. The 27th Judicial Circuit serves Grayson County, with court records going back to 1793. The clerk's office handles all requests for divorce case files, decrees, and certified copies. You can search case indexes online through the Virginia Judicial System or the county's own website.
Grayson County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Grayson County divorce cases are filed with the Grayson County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96, Virginia circuit courts have exclusive authority over divorce. The county also maintains its own court page at graysoncountyva.gov. The clerk holds all original case files and provides certified copies of decrees.
| Office | Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Renee Hall Nester |
| Address | P.O. Box 130, 129 Davis St, Independence, VA 24348 |
| Phone | (276) 773-2231 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/grayson |
Clerk staff can help with record searches and explain fees. They cannot give legal advice. For free assistance, contact Virginia Legal Aid or check the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Getting Divorce Records
Visit the Independence courthouse in person for the quickest access to Grayson County divorce records. Bring a photo ID and both party names, along with the approximate year of the divorce. Staff will search the index and retrieve the file or certified decree you request.
Mail requests are also handled. Write to P.O. Box 130, Independence, VA 24348 with the names, 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, immediate family, and attorneys. After 25 years, they are public. The first certified copy of a final 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 forward. These brief documents confirm a divorce took place and show the parties and date. 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 rule under § 32.1-268 applies to VDH records.
Filing for Divorce in Grayson County
You or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months to file. Submit a Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the Independence courthouse. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 provides for no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault requires one year of separation, which drops to six months if both parties sign a property agreement and have no minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony with imprisonment.
If property is disputed, the court divides it under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution principles. The final decree resolves all matters. Review the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid for help.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Grayson County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.