Access Northumberland County Divorce Records
Northumberland County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk in Heathsville, Virginia. One of Virginia's original shires, Northumberland has records dating to 1652, making it among the oldest collections in the state. This page covers how to request divorce records from the 15th Judicial Circuit, who can access recent filings, and where to find certified copies of decrees.
Northumberland County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All divorce cases in Northumberland County are filed in Circuit Court under Virginia Code § 20-96. The clerk's office in Heathsville is the official repository for all divorce decrees, case files, and related court records. Northumberland is part of the Northern Neck region and shares the 15th Judicial Circuit with Richmond County.
| Office | Northumberland County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Laura C. Marshall |
| Address | P.O. Box 217, 39 Judicial Place, Heathsville, VA 22473 |
| Phone | (804) 580-3700 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov - Northumberland Circuit Court |
Northumberland County is on the Northern Neck peninsula, between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. Heathsville is a small town, and the courthouse serves a rural community. If you are traveling from outside the area, call ahead to confirm hours and what you'll need to bring. Mail requests are also accepted.
Access Rules and Privacy
Northumberland County divorce records less than 25 years old are restricted under § 32.1-271. Only the parties named in the record, their immediate family (parents, children, siblings, spouses, and grandparents), and attorneys of record may access these files. Everyone else must wait until the record is 25 years old.
Once 25 years have passed, the record becomes public information. That's a lot of records for a county with filings going back to the 1600s. Researchers and genealogists have long used Northumberland's old court records for family history work. Most pre-1918 divorce records would be at the courthouse or, for the oldest ones, the Library of Virginia in Richmond.
Even public records have limits. Social security numbers are always redacted from copies provided to anyone outside the court system. If a judge sealed a record under § 20-124, it stays sealed regardless of age. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act generally favors open access, but vital records protections take precedence for divorce files.
Note: For genealogical research on very old Northumberland County records, the Library of Virginia in Richmond may have indexes and microfilm copies that are easier to access remotely.
Requesting Copies
To get a copy of a divorce record, you'll need the names of both parties and an approximate year. The clerk's office will search for the case and let you know what's available. In-person visits during business hours are the most reliable way to get what you need quickly.
For certified copies, the first one is free to the parties under § 17.1-275. Additional copies are $0.50 per page. Mail requests are accepted. Include a copy of your government-issued ID, the details of the case, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment can usually be made by check or money order.
If you need a divorce certificate from the state rather than the court decree, contact the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Their fee is $12 per copy. The VDH has records from 1918 forward. For older records, the Circuit Court is your only option.
Filing for Divorce in Northumberland County
Filing a divorce in Northumberland County follows Virginia's standard process. One spouse must have lived in the state for six months before filing. The complaint goes to the Circuit Court Clerk in Heathsville, along with the $60 filing fee and required forms. The fee is set by § 17.1-275 and includes a certified copy of the final decree once it's issued.
Virginia's no-fault divorce path under § 20-91 requires one year of living separately without cohabitation. If there are no minor children and both parties have signed a separation agreement, the wait is only six months. Fault divorces on grounds like adultery or desertion are also an option but come with higher evidentiary burdens.
Marital property is divided under Virginia's equitable distribution statute, § 20-107.3. The court looks at the length of the marriage, what each spouse contributed, and how dividing the property would affect each party. It's not automatic 50/50. The same proceeding can address spousal support and, if children are involved, custody and visitation under § 20-124.
The Virginia Courts Self-Help Center and the Virginia State Bar's divorce guide are useful references. VA Legal Aid can assist income-qualifying residents with legal representation or advice.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Northumberland County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.