Washington County Public Records /Washington County Divorce Records

Washington County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Washington County in 2026

WashingtonVARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Washington County, Virginia. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final decree information through official court resources. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.

Records may be searched through the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals located at the courthouse, the Virginia Supreme Court's online case information system, and the Virginia Department of Health's Division of Vital Records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Virginia Judiciary's online case information system allows members of the public to search circuit court case records by party name or case number at no charge. Basic case information, including filing dates and case status, is available without a fee. Obtaining copies of actual documents requires payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The Virginia Supreme Court's case information portal provides access to circuit court records across all Virginia jurisdictions, including Washington County. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The portal consolidates docket information from courts statewide.

3. State Vital Records

Virginia registers divorce records through the Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records. Divorce certificates are available for dissolutions finalized in Virginia. Fees apply for certified copies of divorce verifications.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
189 East Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210
Phone: (276) 676-6224
Washington County Circuit Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include:

Searching case files by party name or case number
Viewing documents at public access terminals
Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
Staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains both active and archived divorce case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in paper format and require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for older cases should be submitted directly to the Clerk's office.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to:

Washington County Circuit Court Clerk
189 East Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210
Phone: (276) 676-6224
Washington County Circuit Court

Written requests should include:

Full legal names of both parties
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of request, if required
Payment for applicable copy fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case age and current workload.

By Phone

Limited Information:

The Clerk's office at (276) 676-6224 may confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Virginia may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of need, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Virginia State Bar's lawyer referral service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys for assistance with complex records requests or sealed case matters.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Washington County
Names of minor children
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Divorce proceedings in Virginia are filed in the circuit court of the county or city where either spouse resides. Members of the public searching for a Washington County divorce record must confirm that at least one spouse resided in Washington County at the time of filing. Under Virginia Code § 20-96, venue for divorce suits lies in the county or city where the parties, or either of them, reside.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed
Contacting the Clerk's office directly provides the most current status

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
Not all older records have been digitized

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Incorrect county — divorce may have been filed where the other spouse resided
Name variations, including married versus maiden name
Spelling differences in party names
Case still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records held in off-site storage
Case sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Clerk's office at (276) 676-6224
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the Virginia Department of Health's vital records divorce verification service
Retain an attorney for sealed or complex records

What Are Washington County Divorce Records?

Washington County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Washington County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access laws.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files:

Petition for divorce or bill of complaint
Respondent's answer or cross-bill
Financial disclosure statements
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Property settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
Final decree of divorce

Final Decree:

The final decree of divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Spousal support provisions, if any
Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

Supporting Documents:

Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
Financial disclosure documents
Property inventories and appraisals
Parenting plan details
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Name change documentation
Property transfer and title recording
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings
Social Security benefit determinations

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal records verification
Confirmation of divorce terms

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Washington County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Virginia Department of Health's Division of Vital Records maintains a statewide index of divorce records and issues divorce verifications, which contain limited information compared to the full court file.

Legal Framework:

Virginia divorce proceedings are governed by Virginia Code § 20-91, which establishes the grounds for divorce in the Commonwealth. Public access to court records is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which presumes that all public records are open to inspection unless a specific exemption applies.

Are Washington County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Washington County Circuit Court are public court records under Virginia law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of sensitive information are subject to restriction or redaction under court rules and state statute.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (spouses)
Attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments
Final decree of divorce
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to court rules)
Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some circumstances)

Children's Information:

Addresses where minor children reside
Schools children attend
Medical and psychological evaluations of children
Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Medical records submitted as exhibits

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Virginia law and are not part of the public record.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public:

May access most case information and public documents
May view docket summaries and filed orders
May obtain copies upon payment of applicable fees
May be required to present identification at the Clerk's office

Parties to the Case:

Have full access to their own case file
May obtain all documents, including those with restricted information
Are not subject to the same access limitations as third parties

Attorneys:

Have access to case files on behalf of clients
May petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing

Researchers and Media:

Have access to the public portions of case files
Must obtain court permission to access sealed records
First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on public court proceedings

Prohibited Uses:

Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of parties
Identity theft or fraud
Violation of existing protective orders
Any use prohibited by applicable Virginia law

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Washington County?

The Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's office charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the Virginia Code § 17.1-275, which establishes the fee schedule for circuit court clerks statewide.

Current Fee Structure:

Service	Fee
Copies (paper, per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$2.00 per document + $0.50 per page
Clerk's certification fee	$2.00
Search fee (when no case found)	$5.00
Divorce verification (Vital Records)	$12.00 per copy

Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
Electronic copies, where available through the online case information system, may be accessed without a fee for basic docket information.
Certified copies required for legal purposes, such as remarriage or name change, carry the certification fee in addition to per-page copy costs.
The Virginia Department of Health charges $12.00 per copy for a divorce verification certificate issued through the Division of Vital Records.

Accepted Payment Methods:

The Circuit Court Clerk's office accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person and mail requests. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Credit and debit card acceptance may vary; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods by contacting the Clerk's office at (276) 676-6224 prior to submitting a request.

Fee Waivers:

Virginia law does not provide a general fee waiver for divorce record copies. Parties who are indigent and represented by legal aid organizations may inquire with the Clerk's office regarding applicable provisions. Court-appointed attorneys and certain government agencies may be entitled to copies without charge under specific statutory authority.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Viewing case docket information online through the Virginia Judiciary's case information system
Inspecting public case files in person at the Clerk's office
Confirming case existence and status by telephone

What's Included in Divorce Records in Washington County

A complete Washington County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The contents of a given file vary depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case number and court division
Names of petitioner and respondent
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record
Filing date and case type

Initial Pleadings:

The Bill of Complaint for Divorce (Virginia's equivalent of a divorce petition) includes:

Petitioner and respondent identifying information
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation
Grounds for divorce (no-fault separation or fault-based grounds under Virginia law)
Information regarding minor children, if applicable
Property and support claims
Relief requested

The Answer or Cross-Bill contains the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterclaims for relief.

Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
Debt inventory including mortgages, car loans, and credit obligations
Real property appraisals
Business valuations, if applicable
Expert reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Parenting Plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules (regular, holiday, summer, and vacation), transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
Child Support Calculation Worksheet reflecting both parties' incomes, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
Custody evaluation reports, if ordered by the court
Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed (access may be restricted)

Settlement Documents:

A Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues between the parties, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation. The PSA is incorporated into the final decree upon court approval.

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
Pendente lite support orders
Injunctions and restraining orders, if issued
Final Decree of Divorce — the court's conclusive order dissolving the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, all property and support provisions, custody and child support orders, and the judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts are divided

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody or support
Court orders on modification requests
Contempt motions and enforcement orders
Income deduction orders for support enforcement

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details (may be sealed upon motion)
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Washington County

Proof of divorce in Washington County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of divorce issued by the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk or through a divorce verification certificate issued by the Virginia Department of Health.

Certified Copy of Final Decree (Circuit Court):

A certified copy of the final decree is the most comprehensive and widely accepted form of proof of divorce. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:

Appearing in person at the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 189 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Submitting a written request by mail with the required identifying information, applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope
Searching the Virginia Judiciary online case information system to locate the case number prior to requesting copies

Divorce Verification Certificate (Vital Records):

The Virginia Department of Health issues divorce verification certificates for dissolutions finalized in Virginia. This document confirms that a divorce occurred and provides the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county of filing. It does not contain the full terms of the decree. Requests may be submitted through the Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records.

Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
189 East Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210
Phone: (276) 676-6224
Washington County Circuit Court

Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Virginia Division of Vital Records

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Washington County?

Divorce proceedings in Washington County are presumptively public under Virginia law; however, specific portions of a case file or, in limited circumstances, an entire case may be sealed by court order upon a proper showing of good cause.

Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained a protective order or when the case involves allegations of abuse, the court may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim.
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children may be redacted from public documents or filed under seal pursuant to Virginia court rules.
Mental health and medical records: Records submitted as exhibits that contain protected health information are subject to restriction under both state court rules and federal HIPAA protections.
Mediation communications: Under Virginia law, all mediation communications are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
Sealed by court order: Any party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that are not incorporated into the final decree and are not filed with the court remain private between the parties.

Members of the public seeking access to a sealed case file must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act governs the standards applied to such requests.

How Long Does Washington County Keep Divorce Records?

Washington County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Virginia Supreme Court's Records Retention Schedule for Circuit Courts, which establishes minimum retention periods for all categories of court records.

Final decrees and permanent orders: Retained permanently. Final judgments of divorce, including the final decree and any incorporated property settlement agreements, are part of the permanent court record and are not subject to destruction.
Complete case files: Circuit court case files for divorce proceedings are retained for a minimum of ten years following the date of final judgment under the Virginia court records retention schedule. Many jurisdictions retain these records permanently.
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Supporting financial documents filed with the court are retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period.
Post-judgment modification files: Modification proceedings generate separate case entries that are retained according to the same schedule as original divorce files.
Archived records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and should be requested directly through the Clerk's office.
Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Virginia court case management system and are accessible through the Virginia Judiciary online case information system for the duration of the retention period.

Members of the public seeking records from older cases are advised to contact the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's office at (276) 676-6224 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials.