Wythe County Divorce Records Search
Wythe County divorce records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on South Fourth Street in Wytheville. The 27th Judicial Circuit serves Wythe County, with records going back to 1790. The clerk handles all requests for divorce case files, final decrees, and certified copies. Online case index searches are also available through the Virginia Judicial System portal.
Wythe County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All divorce cases in Wythe County are filed with the Wythe County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96, Virginia circuit courts hold exclusive authority over divorce proceedings. The clerk's office in Wytheville maintains all original case files and issues certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | Wythe County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Jeremiah E. Musser |
| Address | 225 South Fourth St, Room 105, Wytheville, VA 24382 |
| Phone | (276) 223-6050 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/Wythe |
Clerk staff can help you search for records and explain fees. They cannot give legal advice. For free assistance, contact Virginia Legal Aid or the Virginia Courts self-help portal.
Requesting Divorce Records
Come to the courthouse at 225 South Fourth Street in Wytheville to request records in person. Bring your photo ID and the full names of both parties plus the approximate year of the divorce. Staff will search the case index and pull the file or certified copy you need.
Mail requests go to 225 South Fourth St, Room 105, Wytheville, VA 24382. Include both party names, the case year, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and copy fee payment.
Records under 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 cost $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 contain case details, property terms, 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 restriction under § 32.1-268 applies to VDH records as well.
Filing for Divorce in Wythe County
You or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. Submit a Complaint, VS-4 Statistical Form, and Domestic Case Coversheet at the Wytheville clerk's office. The filing fee is $60.
Virginia Code § 20-91 covers 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 disputed, the court divides it under § 20-107.3 using equitable distribution. The final decree addresses all matters in the case. Consult the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid for help.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near Wythe County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.