Find Rappahannock County Divorce Records
Rappahannock County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on California Street in Washington, Virginia. The 16th Judicial Circuit serves this Piedmont county, with records going back to 1833. The clerk handles requests for divorce case files, final decrees, and certified copies. Online case index searches are available through the Virginia Judicial System as well.
Rappahannock County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All divorce cases in Rappahannock County go through the Rappahannock County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96, Virginia circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce. The clerk's office in Washington, VA maintains original case files and provides certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Rappahannock County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Carla M. Berry |
| Address | P.O. Box 517, 29 California St, Washington, VA 22747 |
| Phone | (540) 675-5350 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/rappahannock |
Staff can help you find records and explain fees. They cannot give legal advice. For free help, contact Virginia Legal Aid or the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Getting Divorce Records
Visit the courthouse on California Street in Washington, Virginia to request Rappahannock County divorce records in person. 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 go to P.O. Box 517, Washington, VA 22747. Include party names, case year, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and copy fee payment.
Records under 25 years old are restricted under § 32.1-271 to the named parties, 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. More copies cost $0.50 per page.
State Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health holds divorce certificates from 1918 onward. These short records confirm a divorce took place and show the basic details. They do not include case terms, property rulings, or custody orders.
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 rule from § 32.1-268 applies here as well.
Filing for Divorce in Rappahannock County
At least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for six months before filing. Submit a Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the Washington, VA clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 provides for both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault requires one year of separation, reduced to six months when both parties sign a property agreement and have no minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony with imprisonment.
Property disputes are decided under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution principles. The final decree addresses all issues. Consult the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid for assistance.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Rappahannock County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.