Find Divorce Records in Hanover County

Hanover County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Hanover, Virginia. The clerk maintains case files, final decrees, and all related divorce documents for cases filed in this county. Records go back to 1865, following the loss of earlier files during the Civil War. This page covers how to request records, who can access them, what fees apply, and what other resources exist for divorce-related searches in Hanover County.

Circuit Court Clerk Office

All Hanover County divorce cases go through the Circuit Court. Virginia Code § 20-96 gives circuit courts sole jurisdiction over divorce and annulment cases in Virginia. The clerk's office keeps the official record of every case filed here.

Hon. Frank D. Hargrove Jr. serves as the Clerk of Circuit Court for Hanover County. The office processes divorce filings, records deeds, issues marriage licenses, and handles probate. Staff can tell you what documents exist and how to request copies, but they cannot give legal advice. Mailing address differs from the physical address, so use the P.O. Box for all correspondence.

What You Can Request

Virginia maintains three distinct types of divorce records. Each serves a different purpose, and each comes from a different source.

Divorce certificates are issued by the Virginia Department of Health. These are short documents that prove a divorce occurred. They show the parties' names, the date of the divorce, and the county. VDH has records from 1918 to the present. These are the records that fall under the 25-year access restriction in § 32.1-271.

Final divorce decrees are the actual court orders. They include the full terms of the divorce: property division under § 20-107.3, any support arrangements, custody terms, and name changes. These are at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Hanover.

Divorce case files are everything that was filed with the court. This includes the complaint, summons, answers, financial affidavits, and motions. Case files are the most complete source of information about a divorce case and are also held by the clerk.

How to Get Records

You can request Hanover County divorce records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or by searching online for basic case information.

In-person visits are the most direct option. Come to 7507 Library Drive in Hanover during clerk hours. Bring photo ID. Tell the clerk both parties' names and the approximate year of the divorce. A case number helps but is not required. Staff will locate the file and can provide copies while you wait or within a short time.

By mail, write to P.O. Box 39, Hanover, VA 23069. Include a description of the case, both names, the year, a check or money order for copying fees, and a stamped return envelope. Allow extra time for mail requests to be processed.

The Virginia Judicial System website allows online searches of some circuit court case information. You can check case status, find a case number, and confirm basic details. But actual documents can only be obtained from the clerk's office directly.

Fees and Costs

The fee rules for Hanover County divorce records are set by state law. Under § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of a final divorce decree is free to the parties. That applies at the Hanover Circuit Court just as it does everywhere else in Virginia.

Beyond the first copy, the rate is $0.50 per page for copies and $2.00 per document for certified copies, plus any per-page fees. Searches for older records may include a small search fee depending on the clerk's office procedures.

Divorce certificates from VDH cost $12 each. Requests go to the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. The phone number is 804-662-6200. You can also start a request online at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records, though the form must be printed and submitted with ID and payment.

Filing a divorce case in Hanover costs $60, the statewide rate. That includes the first certified copy of the final decree once the case concludes.

Access Rules

Access to Hanover County divorce records depends on whether the divorce is recent or older than 25 years. Under § 32.1-271, VDH records are restricted for 25 years. During that window, only the parties, their immediate family, or attorneys can get copies.

After 25 years, VDH divorce records go public. They are transferred to the Library of Virginia for archival access. Anyone can request them at that point, and social security numbers are redacted from public copies.

Records at the Circuit Court Clerk's office are generally accessible but may be more restricted for recent cases. Either party can ask the court to seal the record under § 20-124. Once sealed, even attorneys need a court order to review the file.

Help and Resources

Several free resources can help Hanover County residents understand divorce law and the records process in Virginia.

The Virginia Judicial System's divorce self-help page covers the basics: what a circuit court can do in a divorce case, what paperwork is needed, and how custody and support are handled. It is designed for people who are not attorneys.

The Virginia State Bar's guide to divorce explains the two types of divorce in Virginia and what equitable distribution means for dividing marital property. It is clear and does not assume legal knowledge.

For low-income residents, Virginia Legal Aid may be able to help. Legal Aid provides free assistance with divorce filings and other family law matters for those who qualify based on income. Contact them to check eligibility.

Virginia requires six months of state residency before filing. The grounds for divorce are in § 20-91. No-fault divorce requires one year of separation (six months if there are no minor children and a written separation agreement is in place).

Nearby Counties

These Virginia counties are near Hanover County. Each has its own Circuit Court and divorce record archives.