Madison County Divorce Records Search
Madison County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Main Street in Madison. The 16th Judicial Circuit covers Madison County, with records dating back to 1831. The clerk's office handles all requests for divorce case files, final decrees, and certified copies. Online case index searches through the Virginia Judicial System are also available.
Madison County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All divorce cases in Madison County are filed with the Madison County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96 of the Virginia Code, circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce. The clerk on Main Street maintains all case files and provides certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Madison County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Leeta D. Louk |
| Address | P.O. Box 220, 2 Main St, Madison, VA 22727 |
| Phone | (540) 948-6888 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/madison |
The clerk's staff can help you search for records and explain fee requirements. They cannot give legal advice. For free help, contact Virginia Legal Aid or the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Requesting Divorce Records
In-person requests at the Madison courthouse are the fastest option. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties plus the approximate case year. Staff will search the case index and provide the file or decree copy you need.
Mail requests are accepted. Write to P.O. Box 220, Madison, VA 22727 with both party names, the year, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees.
Records under 25 years old are restricted under § 32.1-271 to the named parties, immediate family, and their attorneys. After 25 years, records become public. The first certified copy of a final decree is free under § 17.1-275. Additional copies cost $0.50 per page.
State Divorce Certificates
The Virginia Department of Health holds divorce certificates from 1918 onward. These records confirm a divorce took place and show the basic facts. They do not include property terms, custody decisions, or case specifics.
VDH charges $12 per certificate. Write to 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227 or call 804-662-6200. The 25-year access restriction from § 32.1-268 applies to VDH records as well.
Filing for Divorce in Madison County
At least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for six months before filing. Submit a Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the Madison clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 allows no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault needs one year of separation. That shortens to six months when both spouses sign a property agreement and have no minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony with imprisonment.
Disputed property is divided under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution. The final decree covers all matters in the case. For help, read the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or reach out to Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Madison County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.