Divorce Records in Pittsylvania County
Pittsylvania County divorce records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Chatham, Virginia. One of Virginia's largest counties by area, Pittsylvania has records going back to 1767. The 10th Judicial Circuit maintains all divorce filings, final decrees, and case files for the county. This guide covers how to request records, who can access them, and what steps to follow.
Pittsylvania County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All divorce proceedings in Pittsylvania County are heard in Circuit Court under Virginia Code § 20-96. The clerk's office in Chatham stores all divorce-related court records, including the final decrees and complete case files. Pittsylvania County borders the City of Danville but is a separate jurisdiction with its own court.
| Office | Pittsylvania County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Kathy C. Weiss |
| Address | P.O. Box 31, 1 North Main Street, Chatham, VA 24531 |
| Phone | (434) 432-7887 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov - Pittsylvania Circuit Court |
Pittsylvania County is located in Southside Virginia. Chatham, the county seat, is a small town north of Danville. The courthouse is on North Main Street. Records going back to 1767 give this county one of the longer archives in the state. Very old records may take additional time to locate, so calling ahead is helpful if you're researching early documents.
Access Rules for Divorce Records
Pittsylvania County divorce records less than 25 years old are restricted under § 32.1-271. Only the parties in the divorce, their immediate family (parents, children, siblings, spouses, grandparents), and attorneys of record may access those files. No one else qualifies, regardless of the reason for the request.
Records 25 years or older are public. For Pittsylvania County, that's everything filed before the early 2000s, which represents a substantial collection. Researchers and genealogists frequently use older court records for family history work. The Library of Virginia in Richmond also holds indexes and some microfilm copies if remote research is more practical.
All copies have social security numbers removed. Court orders that seal records under § 20-124 remain in effect permanently. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act governs general access to public records, but specific privacy protections for vital records supersede FOIA in the context of divorce files.
Note: If you need divorce records related to a Danville case, note that the City of Danville has its own separate Circuit Court from Pittsylvania County and maintains its own records independently.
Requesting Copies
To request a copy of a Pittsylvania County divorce record, contact the clerk's office by phone at (434) 432-7887 or visit in person. Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. The clerk will search for the case. For mail requests, include a legible copy of your ID, case details, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Under § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of the final decree is free to the parties in the case. Subsequent copies are $0.50 per page. Payment for copy fees can usually be made by check or money order at the clerk's office.
For state-level divorce certificates, contact the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. The VDH holds records from 1918 forward and charges $12 per certificate. Their address is 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Walk-in hours run from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. VDH certificates are simpler than court decrees and do not contain the terms of the settlement.
Filing for Divorce in Pittsylvania County
Filing for divorce in Pittsylvania County starts with the Circuit Court Clerk in Chatham. One spouse must have been a Virginia resident for at least six months. The $60 filing fee covers the clerk's processing and includes one certified copy of the final decree. The fee is established by § 17.1-275.
No-fault divorce under § 20-91 requires a full year of living apart without cohabitation. For couples with no minor children who have a signed separation agreement, the period drops to six months. Fault grounds, including adultery, desertion, cruelty, and felony imprisonment, are also an option. Fault cases require stronger evidence and more court involvement but allow filing without waiting for the separation period to end in some cases.
Marital property is divided under Virginia's equitable distribution statute, § 20-107.3. The court splits marital assets and debts based on what is fair, considering the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial and non-financial contributions, and the circumstances of each party after the divorce. Spousal support and, when children are involved, custody and visitation are also decided in the same proceeding.
Self-help resources are available at the Virginia Courts Self-Help Center. The Virginia State Bar publishes a free guide to divorce law in plain language. VA Legal Aid serves Southside Virginia residents who qualify for assistance.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Pittsylvania County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.