Search Russell County Divorce Records

Russell County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in Lebanon, Virginia, and cover cases going back to 1786 when the county was formed. You can search for divorce decrees, full case files, and other court documents through the 29th Judicial Circuit, or request a divorce certificate through the Virginia Department of Health.

Circuit Court Clerk Office

The Russell County Circuit Court Clerk is located at 28 East Main Street in Lebanon, VA 24266. You can call the office at (276) 889-8020, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The current clerk is Hon. Michele S. Delp. This office handles all divorce filings and maintains the official court record for every case decided in Russell County.

When you visit or write in, bring the full names of both parties and the approximate year the divorce was granted. A case number will speed up any search. Staff can look up records and confirm whether a file exists, but they are not permitted to give legal advice or tell you how to interpret what you find in a record.

Russell County is part of the 29th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Tazewell and Buchanan counties. The court in Lebanon handles all civil and domestic matters for Russell County residents, including divorce proceedings under Virginia Code § 20-96.

Requesting Divorce Records

You have two main options for getting Russell County divorce records. Both are official and both provide certified documents, but they serve different needs.

The Circuit Court Clerk's office in Lebanon holds the full case file, which includes the final divorce decree, all motions, hearings, and supporting documents. The first certified copy of the final decree is free, per Virginia Code § 17.1-275. Additional page copies cost $0.50 each. Certified copies cost $2.00 plus the per-page fee. To request by mail, send a written request with names, year, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call the office first to confirm payment methods accepted.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records issues divorce certificates from 1918 forward. These certificates contain basic facts: names, date, and county. They do not include property orders or custody arrangements. Each copy costs $12. Mail requests to VDH, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000, or visit in person at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond. Walk-in hours are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.

Note: If you only need proof a divorce happened, the VDH certificate is often enough. If you need the terms of the decree or a full case file, go to the Russell County clerk.

Who May Request Records

Access rules for Russell County divorce records follow state law. Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, divorce records are restricted for 25 years after the date of the final decree. During that time, access is limited to the parties named in the record, their immediate family, and attorneys with a valid purpose.

Immediate family includes parents, spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents. You must show a valid government-issued photo ID when requesting restricted records. Cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and others do not qualify for restricted access under this rule.

Once 25 years have passed, the records become public and anyone may request them. Social security numbers are always redacted from any copy provided. Courts may also seal records at either party's request under Virginia Code § 20-124, and sealed records stay closed even after the 25-year window opens.

Filing Divorce in Russell County

Divorce cases in Russell County must be filed with the Circuit Court. You or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. The court filing fee is $60, which covers the first certified copy of the final decree at no extra cost.

Virginia recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorce grounds under Virginia Code § 20-91. For a no-fault divorce, you must live separately for one full year. If both parties have a written separation agreement and there are no minor children, that period shortens to six months.

Fault grounds include adultery, felony conviction with imprisonment, cruelty, and willful desertion. These require proof. Most Russell County residents choose the no-fault route because it is simpler and less costly to prove in court.

The Virginia Court Self-Help Center provides free guides for people who file without a lawyer. The Virginia State Bar also has a free guide on divorce that covers property, support, and custody in plain language. For low-income residents of Russell County, Virginia Legal Aid may be able to help at no cost.

Property Division and Divorce Decrees

Russell County divorce decrees often include rulings on marital property, debts, and spousal support. Virginia uses equitable distribution to divide assets during divorce, as set out in Virginia Code § 20-107.3. This does not mean equal division. The court weighs many factors, including each spouse's financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage.

If you need a full copy of a decree that includes property orders or support terms, the Circuit Court Clerk in Lebanon is the right place to go. The VDH divorce certificate does not include those details. Allow some time for staff to locate older files, which may be stored in a separate archive.

Note: Records from the earlier years of Russell County's history may have gaps or damage. The clerk's office can tell you what is available for a given time period before you pay any fees.

Nearby Counties

These Virginia counties are near Russell County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.