Search Lee County Divorce Records
Lee County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Main Street in Jonesville. The 30th Judicial Circuit serves Lee County in far southwest Virginia, with records going back to 1832. The clerk handles all requests for divorce case files, final decrees, and certified copies. Online case searches are also available through the Virginia Judicial System.
Lee County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Divorce cases in Lee County are filed with the Lee County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96, Virginia's circuit courts hold exclusive authority over divorce. The Jonesville clerk's office keeps all original case files and provides certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Lee County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Rene Lamey |
| Address | P.O. Box 367, 33640 Main St, Jonesville, VA 24263 |
| Phone | (276) 346-7763 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/lee |
The clerk's staff can help you find records and tell you what fees apply. They cannot provide legal advice. Contact Virginia Legal Aid or the Virginia Courts self-help portal for free guidance.
Getting Divorce Records
Come to the Jonesville courthouse in person for the fastest access to Lee County divorce records. Bring your ID and the full names of both parties plus the approximate case year. Staff will search the index and provide the file or certified decree copy you request.
Mail requests are handled as well. Write to P.O. Box 367, Jonesville, VA 24263 and include both party names, the case year, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and copy fee payment.
Records under 25 years old are restricted under § 32.1-271 to the parties named in the case, their immediate family, and their legal representatives. After 25 years, the records are open to the public. The first certified copy of a final decree is free under § 17.1-275. Additional copies are $0.50 per page.
Divorce Certificates at VDH
The Virginia Department of Health maintains statewide divorce certificates from 1918 onward. These short records confirm a divorce happened and show the parties' names, date, and county. They do not include case details or property orders.
VDH charges $12 per certificate. 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 restriction under § 32.1-268 applies to VDH records as it does to court records.
Filing for Divorce in Lee County
You or your 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 Jonesville clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 covers both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault requires one year of separation. That shortens to six months if both parties sign a property settlement and have no minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony with imprisonment.
Contested property is divided under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution principles. The final decree addresses all case issues. For guidance, read the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Lee County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.