Roanoke County Divorce Records Search
Roanoke County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on East Main Street in Salem. Roanoke County is a separate jurisdiction from the City of Roanoke, and its courthouse is located in the City of Salem. The 23rd Judicial Circuit serves the county, with records going back to 1838. The clerk handles all requests for divorce case files, decrees, and certified copies.
Roanoke County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All Roanoke County divorce cases are filed with the Roanoke County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96 of the Virginia Code, circuit courts have exclusive authority over divorce. The clerk in Salem maintains all original case files and issues certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Roanoke County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Steve H. Lucas |
| Address | 305 East Main St, Salem, VA 24153 |
| Phone | (540) 387-6205 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | roanokecountyva.gov/26/Circuit-Court-Clerks-Office |
Note: Roanoke County is a separate jurisdiction from the City of Roanoke. The county courthouse is located in Salem, Virginia.
Clerk staff can help you find records and explain fees. They cannot provide legal advice. For free assistance, contact Virginia Legal Aid or the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Getting Divorce Records
Visit the clerk's office at 305 East Main Street in Salem for in-person record requests. 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 305 East Main St, Salem, VA 24153. 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 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 forward. These records confirm a divorce took place and show the basic facts. They do not include property terms, custody orders, or case details.
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 VDH records as well.
Filing for Divorce in Roanoke 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 Salem clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 allows 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.
Property is divided under § 20-107.3 when contested. Virginia uses equitable distribution. The final decree resolves all issues. For help, see the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Roanoke County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.