Washington County Divorce Records Search
Washington County divorce records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on East Main Street in Abingdon. The 28th Judicial Circuit serves this southwest Virginia county, with records going back to 1777. The county also offers additional information through its own court website. The clerk handles requests for divorce case files, final decrees, and certified copies, and online case index searches are available through the Virginia Judicial System.
Washington County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Divorce cases in Washington County are filed with the Washington County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96, Virginia circuit courts have exclusive authority over divorce. The county also provides information at washcova.com/circuit-court-clerk. The Abingdon clerk maintains all original case files and provides certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Washington County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Patricia S. Moore |
| Address | 189 East Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210 |
| Phone | (276) 676-6224 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/Washington |
Clerk staff can help you search for 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 189 East Main Street in Abingdon are the fastest option. Note the clerk opens at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM, which is longer hours than many Virginia circuit courts. Bring your ID and both party names plus the approximate year of the divorce. Staff will search the index and provide the file or certified copy.
Mail requests go to 189 East Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210. Include both party names, the case year, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and copy fee payment.
Under § 32.1-271, records less than 25 years old are restricted to the named parties, their 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. More copies cost $0.50 per page.
State Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health holds divorce certificates from 1918 onward. These short records confirm a divorce happened and show the basic details. They do not include case terms, property decisions, or custody orders.
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 rule under § 32.1-268 applies here as well.
Filing for Divorce in Washington 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 Abingdon clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 allows no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault requires one year of separation, reduced 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.
Property disputes are resolved under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution principles. The final decree addresses all issues. See the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid for help.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Washington County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.