Access Tazewell County Divorce Records

Tazewell County divorce records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk in Tazewell, Virginia, with records going back to 1800. Whether you need a certified divorce decree, a full case file, or want to verify a divorce occurred, you can contact the 29th Judicial Circuit clerk's office in Tazewell or reach the Virginia Department of Health for certificates dating from 1918 forward.

Circuit Court Clerk

The Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk's office is at 135 Court Street, Suite 202, Tazewell, VA 24651. Phone: (276) 385-1200. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The current clerk is Hon. Charity D. Hurst. The Tazewell courthouse is the official keeper of all divorce records filed in Tazewell County.

Tazewell County is part of the 29th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Russell County and Buchanan County. The circuit serves the southwestern part of Virginia and hears all civil and domestic cases, including divorce. The county seat is also named Tazewell, so the court address and county name match, which makes location straightforward.

The county has its own government website with information on the clerk's office at tazewellcountyva.org, where you can check for updates, office hours, and contact details before submitting a request. Staff at the clerk's office can help locate records but are not able to give legal advice.

Getting Tazewell County Divorce Records

You can request Tazewell County divorce records in person or by mail. Bring valid photo ID when visiting in person. Staff can search by name and year even without a case number. For mail requests, write a letter with both parties' full names, the approximate year of the divorce, your return address, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call ahead to confirm payment methods.

Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the first certified copy of a final divorce decree is free. Additional copies cost $0.50 per page. The $60 filing fee for a divorce case covers that first certified copy. Confirm current payment policies before sending any money by mail.

The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records issues basic divorce certificates from 1918 onward. These certificates show names, date, and county. Decree terms are not included. Each copy costs $12. Mail requests to VDH, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Walk-in service is at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.

Note: A VDH certificate is often enough for administrative and legal purposes where you just need to show a divorce occurred. For case file details or specific decree language, contact the Tazewell clerk.

Who May Access These Records

Access to Tazewell County divorce records follows state law under Virginia Code § 32.1-271. For 25 years after the date of the final decree, access is limited to the named parties, their immediate family, and licensed attorneys. Valid photo ID is required when requesting restricted records.

Immediate family includes parents, spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents. Cousins, in-laws, aunts, and uncles do not qualify under this definition. After 25 years, the record becomes public and anyone may request it. Social security numbers are always removed from copies before they are released, no matter the age of the record.

Courts may seal divorce records under Virginia Code § 20-124. Sealed records stay closed even after 25 years. If the clerk indicates a record is unavailable, sealing or archival storage may be the reason.

Filing for Divorce in Tazewell County

Divorce cases in Tazewell County must be filed with the Circuit Court. Under Virginia Code § 20-96, only Virginia circuit courts can grant divorces. At least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for six months before filing. The $60 filing fee is paid at the clerk's office and includes the first certified copy of the final decree.

Virginia allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce under Virginia Code § 20-91. No-fault requires one full year of continuous separation with no shared home or cohabitation. If both parties have signed a settlement agreement and there are no minor children, six months is sufficient. Fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, felony conviction, and desertion require stronger proof and usually involve more court time.

The Virginia Court Self-Help Center provides free guides on the divorce filing process. The Virginia State Bar also offers a plain-language overview of Virginia divorce law. Low-income Tazewell County residents who need legal help may qualify for free assistance through Virginia Legal Aid.

Divorce Decree Contents

A Tazewell County divorce decree is the court's final order ending the marriage and addressing all issues the parties raised during the case. Property and debt division, spousal support, and, when children are part of the case, custody, visitation, and support amounts are commonly included.

Virginia uses equitable distribution to divide marital property under Virginia Code § 20-107.3. Courts look at each spouse's contributions to the marriage, financial situations, and other relevant factors. Equal division is not guaranteed. Only the Tazewell County Circuit Court holds the full text of any decree issued in the county.

Nearby Counties

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