Prince William County Divorce Records Search
Prince William County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Lee Avenue in Manassas. The 20th Judicial Circuit serves this large Northern Virginia county, with records going back to 1731. The cities of Manassas and Manassas Park also use this court. Electronic filing is available. The clerk processes requests for divorce case files, decrees, and certified copies, and online case searches are available through the Virginia Judicial System.
Prince William County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All Prince William County divorce cases go through the Prince William County Circuit Court. Virginia Code § 20-96 gives circuit courts exclusive authority over divorce. The county also provides information at pwcva.gov/department/circuit-court. The clerk in Manassas maintains all case files and issues certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Jacqueline C. Smith |
| Address | 9311 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA 20110 |
| Phone | (703) 792-6015 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/prince_william |
Note: The cities of Manassas and Manassas Park file divorce cases with this court. Electronic filing is available for Prince William County cases.
Staff can help you search records and explain fees. They cannot provide legal advice. For free help, contact Virginia Legal Aid or the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Getting Divorce Records
In-person requests at 9311 Lee Avenue in Manassas are the fastest way to access Prince William County divorce records. Bring a photo ID and both party names plus the approximate year of the divorce. Staff will search the index and pull the file or certified copy.
Mail requests are also accepted. Write to 9311 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA 20110 with the party names, case year, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and copy fee payment.
Under § 32.1-271, records under 25 years old are restricted to the named parties, their immediate family, and their attorneys. After 25 years, records are public. The first certified copy of a final decree is free under § 17.1-275. Additional copies cost $0.50 per page.
State Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health holds divorce certificates from 1918 onward. These brief records confirm a divorce took place and show the basic details. They do not include property terms, custody orders, 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 under § 32.1-268 applies to these records as well.
Filing for Divorce in Prince William County
You or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. Submit your Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the Manassas clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 covers both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault requires one year of separation. That drops to six months when both parties sign a property settlement and have no minor children. Fault grounds are adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony with imprisonment.
Property disputes are settled under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution. The final decree resolves all matters. For guidance, see the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Prince William County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.