Henrico County Divorce Records
What Are Henrico County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Henrico County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office as part of their responsibility to preserve judicial proceedings and vital records. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 20-121.4, divorce records contain the final decree and supporting documentation that legally terminates a marriage.
The official divorce records typically include:
- Final Divorce Decree signed by a Circuit Court judge
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Name change authorizations (if applicable)
- Court orders related to the dissolution of marriage
These documents become part of the permanent public record once filed with the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The Clerk serves as the official custodian of these records and is responsible for maintaining their accuracy and accessibility in accordance with Virginia state law.
Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 4301 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 (804) 501-4202 Henrico Circuit Court Clerk Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Are Henrico County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Henrico County are considered public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and are generally accessible to members of the public. According to Virginia Code § 2.2-3700, the purpose of FOIA is to ensure that the people of the Commonwealth have ready access to public records in the custody of public officials.
The public status of divorce records means:
- Any individual may request access to view divorce records filed in Henrico County
- Basic information about divorce proceedings can be searched through public terminals at the courthouse
- Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained by any person upon payment of appropriate fees
However, certain components of divorce cases may be sealed or redacted under specific circumstances:
- Records containing sensitive financial information
- Documents with Social Security numbers or financial account numbers
- Cases involving minors where the court has determined confidentiality is necessary
- Instances where a protective order has been issued
The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records also maintains divorce data and can provide verification of divorces that occurred in Henrico County, though these records contain less detail than court files.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Henrico County in 2025
Locating divorce records in Henrico County requires following established procedures through the appropriate government agencies. The primary methods for finding divorce records in 2025 include in-person requests, mail requests, and limited online options.
For in-person requests, individuals may:
- Visit the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 4301 East Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
- Use the public access terminals to search for case information
- Request assistance from court clerks to locate specific divorce records
- Present valid photo identification when requesting certified copies
For mail requests, applicants must:
- Submit a written request to the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Include the full names of both parties to the divorce
- Provide the approximate date of the divorce (month and year)
- Enclose a check or money order for the applicable fees ($8.00 per certified copy as of 2025)
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
For verification of divorce only (not full court records), individuals may contact:
Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records P.O. Box 1000 Richmond, VA 23218-1000 (804) 662-6200 Virginia Vital Records Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 32.1-272, the State Registrar maintains a central registry of all divorces granted in Virginia, which can provide verification of divorce events that occurred in Henrico County.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Henrico County Online?
Henrico County offers limited online access to divorce record information through the Virginia Judiciary Case Information System. This system provides basic case data but does not include full document access for divorce proceedings. The online search capabilities are governed by Virginia Supreme Court policy regarding electronic access to court records.
To access the available online information:
- Visit the Virginia Judicial System's Case Information portal
- Select "Circuit Court" from the available options
- Choose "Henrico County" from the locality dropdown menu
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Review the basic case information displayed, including hearing dates and case status
The online system provides:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Names of parties involved
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Case status information
- Names of attorneys of record
It is important to note that the online system does not provide:
- Images of actual divorce decrees or filings
- Complete case documents or exhibits
- Detailed information about property settlements
- Child custody arrangements or support orders
For comprehensive divorce record information, individuals must still contact the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office directly or submit a request through approved channels as detailed in the Henrico County divorce services information.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Henrico County?
Members of the public may access basic divorce record information in Henrico County without charge through several methods, though fees apply for obtaining certified copies. Free access options are available pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, which provides for public inspection of court records.
Free access methods include:
- In-person inspection at the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office public terminals
- Viewing non-certified divorce case information in the court's public access area
- Researching case status information through the Virginia Judicial System's online case information portal
- Consulting historical divorce records at the Library of Virginia for genealogical research purposes
When visiting the courthouse in person:
- No fee is charged for viewing public records on-site
- Self-service computer terminals are available during regular business hours
- Court staff can provide guidance on using the search systems
- Personal note-taking from public records is permitted
Limitations to free access include:
- Printing fees may apply for copies made at the courthouse ($0.50 per page as of 2025)
- Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
- Staff research assistance may incur additional charges
- Some older records may be archived off-site and require advance notice to retrieve
The Henrico County vital records services page provides additional information about accessing divorce and other vital records maintained by the county.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Henrico County
Divorce records in Henrico County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution of marriage. These records are maintained in accordance with Virginia Code § 20-121.4 and include multiple components that document the court proceedings and final judgment.
A complete divorce record typically contains:
- The Petition or Complaint for Divorce - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Proof of Service - Documentation showing the respondent was properly notified of the proceedings
- Answer or Response - The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the divorce petition
- Property Settlement Agreement - Details how marital assets and debts are divided
- Child Custody and Support Orders - Legal determinations regarding minor children
- Final Decree of Divorce - The judge's final order that legally terminates the marriage
Additional documents that may be included:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Depositions or witness testimony
- Guardian ad litem reports (in cases involving children)
- Name change orders (if a spouse is resuming a former name)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
The Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk maintains these records in their entirety, while the Virginia Department of Health Vital Records Division maintains a statistical record of the divorce that includes basic information such as names, date of divorce, and the county where the divorce was granted.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Henrico County?
Obtaining official proof of divorce in Henrico County requires requesting a certified copy of the Final Divorce Decree from the appropriate government agency. This document serves as legal evidence that a marriage has been dissolved by court order.
To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree:
- Visit or write to the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Provide the full names of both parties to the divorce
- Include the approximate date the divorce was granted
- Pay the required fee ($8.00 per certified copy as of 2025)
- Present valid photo identification for in-person requests
For mail requests, send the following to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
- Written request including names of both parties and date of divorce
- Check or money order for the appropriate fee
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Daytime phone number for contact if there are questions about the request
For divorce verification certificates (not full court records), contact:
Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records P.O. Box 1000 Richmond, VA 23218-1000 (804) 662-6200 Virginia Vital Records
The Henrico County divorce services page provides detailed instructions for obtaining certified copies of divorce decrees, including current fee information and processing times.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Henrico County?
While divorce proceedings in Henrico County are generally public records, certain provisions exist under Virginia law to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to seal portions of divorce cases. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Virginia Code § 20-124 and related statutes concerning court records.
Circumstances where confidentiality may be granted include:
- Cases involving domestic violence or abuse where public access could pose safety risks
- Matters containing sensitive financial information that could lead to identity theft
- Proceedings involving minor children where publicity would not serve their best interests
- Cases where a protective order has been issued
To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings:
- File a motion with the court requesting specific documents be sealed
- Demonstrate compelling reasons why public access would cause harm
- Obtain a court order specifically directing which records should be restricted
- Follow all procedural requirements established by the Henrico Circuit Court
Even when portions of a case are sealed:
- The existence of the divorce case itself remains public information
- Basic case information including parties' names typically remains accessible
- Court hearings generally remain open unless specifically closed by judicial order
- The final divorce decree is usually public, though sensitive information may be redacted
The Virginia Court System provides additional information about court record access policies and procedures for requesting confidentiality in appropriate circumstances.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Henrico County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Henrico County varies based on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and the complexity of issues involved. Virginia law establishes certain minimum timeframes that affect all divorce cases.
For uncontested divorces with no minor children:
- Minimum six-month separation period required before filing (Virginia Code § 20-91(A)(9)(a))
- Approximately 1-3 months for processing after filing if all paperwork is complete
- Total time: 7-9 months from separation to final decree
For uncontested divorces with minor children:
- Minimum one-year separation period required before filing
- Approximately 2-4 months for processing after filing
- Total time: 14-16 months from separation to final decree
For contested divorces:
- Minimum separation period still applies (six months or one year)
- Discovery process typically takes 3-6 months
- Court scheduling may add 2-4 months depending on docket availability
- Total time: 12-24 months or longer from separation to final decree
Factors that may extend the timeline include:
- Disputes over property division or debt allocation
- Child custody and support disagreements
- Complex financial assets requiring valuation
- Limited court availability and scheduling conflicts
- Incomplete or incorrect paperwork submissions
The Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office can provide current information about processing times and procedural requirements for divorce filings in the county.
How Long Does Henrico County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Henrico County are maintained permanently as part of the county's vital and judicial records. In accordance with Virginia Code § 17.1-213 regarding court records retention, divorce decrees and related case files are preserved indefinitely for legal and historical purposes.
The permanent retention policy applies to:
- Final Divorce Decrees
- Property Settlement Agreements incorporated into decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Name change authorizations
- Other court orders related to the divorce
Record maintenance responsibilities are shared between:
- Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office - Maintains the complete court case files
- Virginia Department of Health Vital Records - Maintains statistical divorce data
- Library of Virginia - Archives historical court records
While all records are retained permanently, the physical location and format may change over time:
- Recent records (typically less than 10 years old) are maintained at the courthouse
- Older records may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilmed
- Some historical records may be digitized for preservation
- Very old records may be transferred to the Library of Virginia for archival purposes
Regardless of storage location, all divorce records remain accessible to the public through proper request procedures, though retrieval times may vary for older records.
How To Get a Divorce In Henrico County
Obtaining a divorce in Henrico County requires following specific legal procedures established under Virginia law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, but all divorces must be filed with the Henrico County Circuit Court.
For an uncontested divorce, the process typically includes:
- Meeting Virginia's residency requirements (at least one spouse must have been a resident for six months)
- Establishing grounds for divorce (typically separation for required period)
- Preparing and filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Circuit Court
- Paying the required filing fee ($91.00 as of 2025)
- Serving the non-filing spouse with divorce papers
- Submitting a property settlement agreement if applicable
- Attending any required hearings
- Obtaining the Final Decree of Divorce signed by a judge
For contested divorces, additional steps may include:
- Formal discovery process to exchange financial information
- Temporary hearings for support or custody during the pendency of the case
- Mediation or settlement conferences
- Trial on contested issues
- Post-trial motions if necessary
Legal assistance is recommended but not required. Resources available include:
- Private attorneys specializing in family law
- Legal aid services for qualifying low-income individuals
- Self-help divorce packets available from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Online resources through the Virginia Judicial System
The Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office can provide forms and procedural information but cannot offer legal advice regarding divorce proceedings.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Henrico County
Divorce papers, including the necessary forms to initiate or respond to a divorce proceeding in Henrico County, are available through multiple channels. These documents must comply with Virginia law and local court rules to be accepted for filing.
To obtain divorce papers, individuals may:
- Visit the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 4301 East Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
- Request basic divorce packets from the court clerk (fees may apply for copying)
- Download forms from the Virginia Judicial System website
- Consult with an attorney who can prepare customized documents
- Use approved legal document preparation services
Required forms typically include:
- Complaint for Divorce (for the filing spouse)
- Answer to Complaint (for the responding spouse)
- VS-4 Form (statistical information for vital records)
- Property Settlement Agreement (if applicable)
- Final Decree of Divorce (to be completed and signed by the judge)
- Child support worksheets (if minor children are involved)
Important considerations when obtaining divorce papers:
- Forms must be completed accurately and completely
- Notarization is required for certain documents
- Multiple copies may be needed for filing and service
- Local rules may require specific formatting or additional forms
The Henrico County divorce services page provides information about the divorce process and how to obtain the necessary documentation to proceed with a divorce in the county.
Lookup Divorce Records in Henrico County
Search Henrico County divorce records
Request certified divorce decree copies
Access Virginia vital records information
Check case status through Virginia courts
Contact Henrico Circuit Court Clerk
Find historical marriage and divorce records