Sussex County Divorce Record Lookup

Sussex County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk in Sussex, Virginia, with records available from 1754. The clerk's office maintains all divorce decrees and case files for the 6th Judicial Circuit, and the Sussex County Clerk of Court also has a dedicated website at sussexvacocc.org where you can find contact details and guidance for requesting divorce records.

Clerk of Circuit Court

The Sussex County Circuit Court Clerk's office is at 15088 Courthouse Road, Sussex, VA 23884 (mailing address: P.O. Box 1337, Sussex, VA 23884). Phone: (434) 246-1012. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The current clerk is Hon. Gary M. Williams.

Sussex County is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit along with Surry County and Prince George County. The Sussex clerk's office has its own dedicated website at sussexvacocc.org, which is a useful resource for checking current procedures, fees, and office updates before you visit or mail a request.

When contacting the office, have both parties' full names and the approximate year of the divorce on hand. Staff can look up records by name and year even without a case number. They can tell you what documents are available and how to request them, but cannot provide legal guidance.

How to Request Sussex County Divorce Records

Sussex County divorce records can be obtained in person or by mail. If you go in person, bring a valid photo ID and any information you have about the case. For mail requests, include both parties' full names, the approximate year of the divorce, your return address, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Check the clerk's website at sussexvacocc.org for current payment methods before sending money.

The first certified copy of a final divorce decree is free, as required by Virginia Code § 17.1-275. Extra page copies cost $0.50 each. The $60 divorce case filing fee covers that first certified copy.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records issues basic divorce certificates from 1918 to the present. These show the names of the parties, the date, and the county. They do not include the terms of the decree. Each copy costs $12. Mail requests go to VDH, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Walk-in hours at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Note: Use the VDH certificate when you just need to confirm a divorce occurred. For the complete case file or specific decree language, go to the Sussex County clerk in Sussex.

Access Restrictions

Sussex County divorce records are restricted for 25 years from the date of the final decree under Virginia Code § 32.1-271. During that window, only the named parties, their immediate family, and licensed attorneys may obtain copies. You must show valid photo ID when requesting restricted records.

Immediate family means parents, spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws do not qualify. After 25 years, the record becomes public and anyone may request it. Social security numbers are always redacted from any copy released, no matter the age of the record.

If a record has been sealed under Virginia Code § 20-124, it stays closed even after 25 years. The clerk can tell you a record is unavailable, though they may not be able to confirm the reason if sealing is involved.

Divorce Filing in Sussex County

All divorce cases in Sussex County must be filed with the Circuit Court. Under Virginia Code § 20-96, Virginia circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over all divorce proceedings. You or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. The filing fee is $60, which includes the first certified copy of the final decree.

Virginia allows no-fault and fault-based divorce under Virginia Code § 20-91. No-fault requires one full year of continuous separation. If both parties have a written separation agreement and no minor children, six months of separation is enough. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, felony conviction with imprisonment, and willful desertion. Proving fault typically requires stronger evidence and more time in court.

Free help with the divorce process is available at the Virginia Court Self-Help Center and through the Virginia State Bar's divorce guide. Sussex County residents who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for free assistance through Virginia Legal Aid.

What Is in a Sussex County Divorce Decree

A Sussex County divorce decree is the court's final ruling on the marriage and all related matters. It formally dissolves the marriage and typically addresses how marital property and debts are divided, whether either spouse will receive support payments, and, if children are involved, custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support amounts.

Virginia divides marital property using equitable distribution under Virginia Code § 20-107.3. The court considers each spouse's contributions during the marriage and other factors before deciding. The result is not always a 50-50 split. If you need the specific terms of a decree, the Sussex County Circuit Court clerk is the only official source for that document.

Nearby Counties

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