Patrick County Divorce Records
Patrick County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Stuart, Virginia. The 22nd Judicial Circuit has kept these records since the county was formed in 1791. This page covers how to request divorce records in Patrick County, what documents are on file, who is allowed access to recent filings, and how fees work for certified copies.
Patrick County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Virginia Code § 20-96 gives circuit courts exclusive authority over divorce in Virginia. Patrick County's divorce cases are filed and heard in Stuart at the Circuit Court. The clerk's office stores all divorce decrees and case files for the county.
| Office | Patrick County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Cindy S. Pettitt |
| Address | 1 Court Street, Suite 200, Stuart, VA 24171 |
| Phone | (276) 694-7213 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov - Patrick Circuit Court |
Patrick County is a rural county in the Blue Ridge foothills of southern Virginia, bordering North Carolina. Stuart is a small town and the courthouse is a central community landmark. The clerk's office is accessible during business hours. If you are coming from outside the area, calling ahead is a good idea to confirm what you need and whether staff can prepare the records in advance.
Who Can Access Records
Patrick County divorce records filed in the past 25 years are not open to the public. Under § 32.1-271, access to those records is limited to the parties, their immediate family members, and their attorneys. Immediate family includes parents, children, siblings, spouses, and grandparents. Extended relatives do not qualify under the statute.
After 25 years, records become public. That means Patrick County's divorce files from 1791 through the early 2000s are generally available to anyone. Genealogists and researchers often access these older records for family history purposes. The Library of Virginia in Richmond also holds indexes and microfilm of some historical records if you can't travel to Stuart.
Even public records have restrictions. Social security numbers are always removed from copies. If a judge sealed part or all of a case file under § 20-124, those portions remain confidential regardless of age. The Virginia FOIA supports open access to government records generally, but vital records protections for divorce files take precedence.
Getting Copies of Divorce Documents
To request a Patrick County divorce record, contact the clerk's office by phone or in person. Provide the names of both parties and the approximate year. Staff will look up the case and tell you what's on file. Have your government-issued ID ready, especially for records filed within the past 25 years.
Copy fees are set by state law. The first certified copy of the final decree is free to the parties under § 17.1-275. After that, copies are $0.50 per page. For mail requests, include your ID, the case details, and a self-addressed stamped envelope along with any payment for copies.
State divorce certificates are handled by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The VDH fee is $12 per copy and they have records from 1918 to the present. Walk-in hours at the VDH are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227.
Note: Patrick County is rural and the clerk's office has limited staff. For complex or voluminous record requests, give the office extra time to prepare materials before your visit.
Divorce Filing Process
Filing for divorce in Patrick County starts at the Circuit Court clerk's office in Stuart. One spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months. The complaint is filed with the $60 filing fee and required state forms. The fee covers the clerk's processing and includes a certified copy of the final decree once the case concludes.
Virginia's no-fault divorce under § 20-91 requires one full year of living separately. For couples without minor children who have signed a separation agreement, that drops to six months. Fault grounds, including adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction with imprisonment over a year, are also available and do not require the same waiting period, though they require more evidence.
Property division follows Virginia's equitable distribution rules under § 20-107.3. Marital assets and debts are divided based on what is fair, taking into account how long the marriage lasted, what each spouse contributed financially and otherwise, and each party's situation after the divorce. Spousal support and child custody are handled in the same proceeding when applicable.
For residents handling their own divorce, the Virginia Courts Self-Help Center provides guidance on forms and procedures. VA Legal Aid serves residents in rural Southwest Virginia who meet income requirements.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Patrick County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.