Find Rockbridge County Divorce Records
Rockbridge County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on South Randolph Street in Lexington. The 25th Judicial Circuit covers the county, with records dating back to 1778. The Lexington courthouse also serves the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista. The clerk handles requests for divorce case files, decrees, and certified copies, and online case searches are available through the Virginia Judicial System.
Rockbridge County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Divorce cases in Rockbridge County are filed with the Rockbridge County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96, circuit courts have exclusive authority over divorce in Virginia. The Lexington clerk's office maintains all original case files and provides certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Rockbridge County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Charles E. Whitaker |
| Address | 20 South Randolph St, Suite 101, Lexington, VA 24450 |
| Phone | (540) 463-2232 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.rockbridge.va.us/circuit-clerk |
Note: The Rockbridge County Circuit Court in Lexington also serves the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista, Virginia.
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 the Lexington courthouse are the fastest option for Rockbridge County divorce records. Bring your ID and both party names plus the approximate year of the divorce. Staff will search the index and pull the file or certified decree copy.
Mail requests go to 20 South Randolph St, Suite 101, Lexington, VA 24450. Include 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, 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 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 here as well.
Filing for Divorce in Rockbridge 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 Lexington clerk's office. The 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 agreement and have no minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony with imprisonment.
When property is disputed, the court divides it under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution. The final decree resolves all issues. Review the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid for help.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Rockbridge County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.