Search Westmoreland County Divorce Records
Westmoreland County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Polk Street in Montross. One of Virginia's original shires established in 1653, the county holds some of the oldest court records in the state. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves Westmoreland County, and the clerk handles requests for divorce case files, decrees, and certified copies. Online case searches are also available through the Virginia Judicial System.
Westmoreland County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All divorce cases in Westmoreland County go through the Westmoreland County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96 of Virginia Code, circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce. The Montross clerk's office maintains all case files and issues certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Westmoreland County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Anne B. Garner |
| Address | 175 Polk St, P.O. Box 307, Montross, VA 22520 |
| Phone | (804) 493-0108 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/Westmoreland |
Note: The Westmoreland County clerk's office opens at 9 AM, later than most Virginia circuit courts. Plan your visit accordingly.
Staff can help you search records and explain fees. They cannot give legal advice. For free help, contact Virginia Legal Aid or the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Getting Divorce Records
Visit the Montross courthouse on Polk Street to request Westmoreland County divorce records in person. Remember the clerk opens at 9 AM. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties along with the approximate case year. Staff will search the index and pull the file or certified decree you request.
Mail requests go to P.O. Box 307, Montross, VA 22520. Include both party names, the case year, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and copy fee payment.
Records less than 25 years old are restricted under § 32.1-271 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 run $0.50 per page.
State Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health holds divorce certificates from 1918 forward. These brief records confirm a divorce took place and show the parties' names, the date, and county. They do not include property terms, custody orders, or case specifics.
VDH charges $12 per certificate copy. Write to 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227 or call 804-662-6200. The same 25-year restriction from § 32.1-268 applies to VDH records.
Filing for Divorce in Westmoreland 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 Montross clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 permits 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 settlement and have no minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and a felony with imprisonment.
When property is contested, the court divides assets under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution. The final decree covers all matters. For guidance, consult the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Westmoreland County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.