Access York County Divorce Records
York County divorce records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk's office on Ballard Street in Yorktown. One of Virginia's original eight shires established in 1634, York County holds some of the oldest continuous court records in the United States. The 9th Judicial Circuit serves the county. The court also serves the City of Poquoson. The clerk handles requests for divorce case files, decrees, and certified copies, with dedicated divorce information available at the court's own site.
York County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
All York County divorce cases are filed with the York County Circuit Court. Under § 20-96 of the Virginia Code, circuit courts have exclusive authority over divorce. The court also maintains a dedicated divorce page at ypcircuitcourt.com/divorce. The Yorktown clerk maintains all case files and provides certified copies of final decrees.
| Office | York County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Hon. Kristen Nelson |
| Address | 300 Ballard St, P.O. Box 371, Yorktown, VA 23690 |
| Phone | (757) 890-3350 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/york |
Note: The York County Circuit Court also serves the City of Poquoson. The dedicated divorce page at ypcircuitcourt.com has local filing guidance.
Clerk staff can help you search 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
Visit the Yorktown courthouse at 300 Ballard Street to request York County divorce records in person. The clerk opens at 8 AM and closes at 4 PM. Bring your ID and both party names plus the approximate year of the divorce. Staff will search the index and pull the file or certified copy.
Mail requests go to P.O. Box 371, Yorktown, VA 23690. Include party names, 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 onward. These records confirm a divorce took place and show the basic facts. They do not include property terms, custody orders, or case specifics.
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 York 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 Yorktown clerk's office. The filing fee is $60. The court's divorce page at ypcircuitcourt.com also has local guidance for filers.
Virginia Code § 20-91 allows 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 uses equitable distribution under § 20-107.3. The final decree addresses all matters in the case. For guidance, see the Virginia State Bar divorce guide or contact Virginia Legal Aid.
Nearby Counties
These Virginia counties are near York County. Each has its own Circuit Court for divorce records.