Access Richmond County Divorce Records
Richmond County divorce records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Court Circle in Warsaw. Richmond County is a separate jurisdiction from the City of Richmond. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves this Northern Neck county, with records dating back to 1693 as one of Virginia's original shires. The clerk handles requests for divorce case files, decrees, and certified copies.
Richmond County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All divorce cases in Richmond County go through the Richmond County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96, Virginia circuit courts have exclusive authority over divorce. The Warsaw clerk's office maintains all original case files and issues certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Richmond County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Patricia A.K. Shands |
| Address | P.O. Box 1000, 101 Court Circle, Warsaw, VA 22572 |
| Phone | (804) 333-3781 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/richmond |
Note: This is Richmond County with its county seat in Warsaw. It is a separate jurisdiction from the City of Richmond, which has its own Circuit Court.
Staff can help you search 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
In-person requests at the Warsaw courthouse are the fastest way to get Richmond County divorce records. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties plus the approximate case year. Staff will search the index and provide the file or certified decree copy.
Mail requests go to P.O. Box 1000, Warsaw, VA 22572. Include both party names, the 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. 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 facts. They do not include case terms or property decisions.
VDH charges $12 per certificate. Write to 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227 or call 804-662-6200. The 25-year restriction under § 32.1-268 applies to VDH records as well as court records.
Filing for Divorce in Richmond County
You or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. Submit a Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the Warsaw 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 include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony with imprisonment.
When property is contested, the court applies equitable distribution under § 20-107.3. The final decree addresses all issues. For guidance, consult the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Richmond County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.