Henrico County Divorce Records
Henrico County divorce records are managed by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, located at 4301 East Parham Road in Henrico. If you need a copy of a divorce decree, want to check a past case, or are confirming divorce details for legal or family purposes, the clerk is the right place to start. Henrico County has divorce records going back to 1781. This guide explains how to search for records, what to expect when you request them, and what other sources are available.
Henrico County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk Office
Henrico County divorce cases are filed in the Circuit Court. Under Virginia Code § 20-96, circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce proceedings across the state. All final decrees, case files, and divorce documents are kept by the clerk's office.
| Office | Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 90775, 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23273 |
| Phone | (804) 501-4202 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov |
Hon. Heidi S. Barshinger is the Clerk of Circuit Court for Henrico County. As one of Virginia's most populous counties, Henrico handles a large volume of divorce cases. The clerk's office can be busy, so calling ahead or coming early in the day may reduce wait times. Staff cannot give legal advice but can point you toward documents and help you understand what is available.
Note: Henrico County uses a P.O. Box for all mail. Do not use the physical address for mailed requests. Include both party names, year of divorce, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Types of Divorce Records
Virginia keeps three kinds of divorce records at two levels: state and local. Each type serves a different purpose and may be held by a different office.
Divorce certificates come from the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records. VDH has maintained these records since 1918. The certificate is a brief document confirming that a divorce occurred. It lists both parties' names, the date, and the county. It does not include the terms of the divorce.
Final divorce decrees are the court orders that legally ended the marriage. They include detailed terms for property division under § 20-107.3, spousal support, child custody, and any other matters the court resolved. Decrees are kept at the Henrico Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Divorce case files are the full set of documents filed during the case. This includes the complaint, financial disclosures, motions, and any orders issued along the way. These files are the most thorough record of a divorce case. They are also kept at the clerk's office.
How to Request Henrico Divorce Records
You have three main options: in-person, by mail, or online for basic case lookups. In-person requests are usually fastest, especially for recent cases.
Go to 4301 East Parham Road in Henrico. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Provide both parties' names and the year of the divorce if possible. Case numbers help but are not required. The clerk's office can search the records and provide copies during your visit or within a few business days.
For mail requests, write to P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273. Your letter should include the names of both parties, the year of the divorce, your phone number, and payment for any copying fees. Add a stamped, self-addressed return envelope for the documents.
The Virginia Judicial System's online case information tool lets you search circuit court case data for many Virginia counties. You can check basic case status and find a case number. Full documents are not available online and must be requested from the clerk.
Note: Henrico is one of Virginia's larger counties. Processing times for mail requests may be longer than in smaller counties. If you need records quickly, an in-person visit is the better option.
Who Can Access Records and When
Access to divorce records in Henrico County depends on the age of the record and which office holds it. Virginia Code § 32.1-271 restricts VDH divorce records for 25 years from the date of the divorce. During that window, only the parties named in the record, their immediate family (parents, children, siblings, spouse, grandparents), or attorneys may request copies.
After 25 years, records become public. VDH transfers them to the Library of Virginia, where they are accessible as archival records. Social security numbers are redacted from all public copies.
Court records at the Circuit Court Clerk's office follow different rules. They are generally accessible, though courts have discretion on recent sensitive filings. Any party to a divorce can ask the court to seal the record under § 20-124. Sealed records stay restricted even after the 25-year period passes.
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700) creates a general presumption of public access to government records. But vital records statutes create a specific exception for divorce records during the 25-year period.
Fees
Fee rules are set by state law. Under § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of a final divorce decree is free to both parties named in the case. This applies in Henrico County as it does everywhere in Virginia.
Additional copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies of specific documents cost $2.00 per document plus per-page fees. If you need records for international use (apostille), there may be an additional $10 fee.
Divorce certificates from VDH cost $12 per copy. You can begin a request at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records, but the form must be printed, signed, and submitted by mail or in person with valid ID and payment. The VDH office in Richmond is open weekdays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM for walk-ins.
Filing a new divorce case in Henrico costs $60. That is the statewide standard rate, with $10 going to the Courts Technology Fund. No fee is charged for filing a counterclaim or cross-claim in an existing divorce proceeding.
Legal Resources
Several resources are available to help Henrico County residents navigate divorce records and the divorce process itself.
The Virginia Judicial System's self-help divorce page explains the process in plain terms. It covers what circuit courts handle in divorce cases, what forms are involved, and how custody and support work. It's a good first stop for anyone unfamiliar with the process.
The Virginia State Bar publishes a guide on divorce that covers both types of divorce in Virginia (partial and full), what equitable distribution means for property, and what the fault-based and no-fault grounds are. It's written for the general public, not lawyers.
For low-income Henrico County residents, Virginia Legal Aid provides free assistance with family law matters including divorce filings. Eligibility is income-based. Contact the nearest office to find out if you qualify for free representation or legal advice.
Virginia requires six months of state residency before you can file for divorce. § 20-91 sets out the grounds for divorce, including separation-based no-fault grounds. You need one year of separation unless you have a written agreement and no minor children, in which case six months is enough.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties border or are near Henrico County. Each operates its own Circuit Court and keeps local divorce records.