King and Queen County Divorce Records
King and Queen County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the county courthouse in King and Queen Court House, Virginia. If you need a copy of a divorce decree or want to look up an old case, the clerk's office is where to start. King and Queen County has divorce records going back to 1864, following the destruction of earlier records by courthouse fires in 1828 and 1865. This guide explains how to request records, what fees apply, and who can access them.
King and Queen County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk Office
All King and Queen County divorce cases are filed in the Circuit Court. Virginia Code § 20-96 gives circuit courts exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and annulment proceedings throughout Virginia. The clerk's office is the official keeper of all divorce filings and decrees for this county.
| Office | King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 67, 242 Allen Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085 |
| Phone | (804) 785-5985 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov |
Hon. Deborah B. Carden serves as the Clerk of Circuit Court for King and Queen County. The county is rural and small, so the clerk's office has limited staff. Calling ahead before visiting is a good idea, especially for older record searches that may require extra time. The office handles divorce filings, deed recordings, marriage licenses, and probate for the county.
Note: Courthouse fires in 1828 and 1865 destroyed all records prior to 1864. If you are researching a divorce that took place before that date, no King and Queen County court records exist. VDH records begin in 1918.
What Divorce Records Are Available
Virginia maintains three types of divorce records. Each one contains different information, and they are held at different offices.
Divorce certificates are issued by the Virginia Department of Health. VDH has records from 1918 forward. A certificate is a short document confirming the divorce occurred. It lists both parties' names, the date, and the county. It does not include any of the divorce terms such as property settlement or custody.
Final divorce decrees are the court orders that legally ended the marriage. They include all terms ordered by the court: property division under § 20-107.3, spousal support, custody, and name restoration if requested. These are held at the King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Divorce case files are all the documents that were filed during the proceedings: the complaint, summons, financial statements, motions, and any interim orders. These are also kept by the clerk and represent the most complete record of how the divorce was handled from filing to final decree.
How to Request Records
You can get King and Queen County divorce records in person, by mail, or look up basic case information online.
To visit in person, go to 242 Allen Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties. Knowing the approximate year of the divorce is helpful. Staff can search for the record and provide copies. Given the small size of the office, calling ahead is a good idea.
Mail requests go to P.O. Box 67, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085. Include both parties' names, the approximate year of the divorce, your contact information, a check or money order for copy fees, and a stamped return envelope. Allow extra time for processing.
The Virginia Judicial System's online case search allows lookups of basic case data for many circuit courts. You can check case status and find case numbers. Actual documents are only available from the clerk's office directly.
Note: The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700) supports public access to records generally, but vital records statutes restrict access to divorce records for the first 25 years after the divorce date.
Fees and Who Can Access Records
Virginia law sets the fee schedule for divorce records through § 17.1-275. The first certified copy of a final divorce decree is free to the parties. That is the same rule used across all Virginia circuit courts. Additional copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies of other documents are $2.00 each plus per-page fees.
Divorce certificates from VDH cost $12 per copy. You can start a request at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records, but the application must be printed, signed, and submitted with valid ID and payment. Mail to: VDH, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000.
Under § 32.1-271, VDH divorce records are restricted for 25 years from the date of divorce. Only parties, immediate family members, or attorneys may request them during that time. After 25 years, the records become public. Even then, courts can seal records under § 20-124, and sealed records remain off-limits indefinitely.
The filing fee for a new divorce case in Virginia is $60 statewide.
Divorce Law and Resources
Virginia requires six months of state residency before you can file for divorce. The grounds for divorce are found in § 20-91. No-fault divorce requires one full year of separation without interruption. If both parties have a written separation agreement and there are no minor children, the waiting period is six months.
Virginia divides marital property through equitable distribution under § 20-107.3. Courts look at multiple factors including each party's contributions and the length of the marriage. Equal division is not required.
For self-help, the Virginia Judicial System's divorce self-help page explains the process in plain terms. The Virginia State Bar's guide to divorce is another free resource covering both types of Virginia divorce and property rights. Low-income residents can seek free assistance from Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near King and Queen County. Each operates its own Circuit Court and keeps local divorce records.