Find Divorce Records in New Kent County
New Kent County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in New Kent, Virginia. As one of Virginia's oldest counties, New Kent has court records dating to 1654. This page covers how to find divorce records, what documents are available, who can access restricted records, and how to request copies from the 9th Judicial Circuit.
New Kent County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
New Kent County divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court, per Virginia Code § 20-96. The courthouse is located off Courthouse Circle in the county seat of New Kent. Court staff maintain both current and historical records, with filings going back to the county's founding.
| Office | New Kent County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. S. Callie Rhodes |
| Address | P.O. Box 98, 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124 |
| Phone | (804) 966-8520 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov - New Kent Circuit Court |
New Kent is a small, fast-growing county east of Richmond. The courthouse sits in the rural county seat. Most residents handle record requests by calling ahead or visiting in person. Mail requests are also accepted for those who can't come in. Bring or include a copy of your ID with any request.
Who Can Get Divorce Records
Access to New Kent County divorce records depends on how old the record is. Virginia law under § 32.1-271 restricts records less than 25 years old to the parties in the case, their immediate family, and their attorneys. After 25 years, the record becomes public and can be accessed by anyone.
Immediate family means parents, children, siblings, spouses, and grandparents. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws do not qualify under this definition. If you are not sure whether you qualify, call the clerk's office before making the trip. They can confirm what's available and what ID you'll need to bring.
Even public records may have portions that are redacted. Social security numbers are always removed from copies provided to the public. If a judge sealed portions of a case under § 20-124, those portions stay confidential regardless of age.
Note: New Kent County records from the colonial era are rare and fragile. If you're researching historical divorce records, contact the Library of Virginia for assistance with pre-1800 materials.
Fees and Copy Requests
Getting copies of New Kent County divorce records involves two possible sources. The Circuit Court Clerk handles court decrees and case files. The Virginia Department of Health handles divorce certificates at the state level.
At the Circuit Court, the first certified copy of a final divorce decree is free to the parties under § 17.1-275. After that, copies run $0.50 per page. For a simple document search, staff will assist you in person or by phone. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope, a copy of your ID, and payment if copies are needed.
VDH divorce certificates cost $12 each. These certificates confirm the fact of the divorce but don't include the terms. They are useful when someone needs to prove a divorce occurred for identification, insurance, or remarriage purposes. The VDH office is at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227, and can be reached at 804-662-6200.
Filing for Divorce in New Kent County
To file for divorce in New Kent County, at least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for six months prior to filing. You'll bring the divorce complaint, statistical form, and $60 filing fee to the Circuit Court in New Kent. The clerk's office processes the filing and assigns a case number.
Under § 20-91, Virginia's no-fault divorce requires one year of continuous separation. The time drops to six months if there are no minor children and both parties have signed a separation agreement. Fault grounds like adultery or desertion are also available and do not require a waiting period, though they're harder to prove.
Property division follows Virginia's equitable distribution law under § 20-107.3. Marital property is divided fairly based on each spouse's contributions, the length of the marriage, and other factors. Separate property, such as assets brought into the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance, generally stays with the original owner.
The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center has guides for those representing themselves. VA Legal Aid offers free or low-cost assistance to qualifying residents in the region.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near New Kent County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.