Petersburg County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Petersburg County in 2026
PetersburgRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Petersburg County, Virginia. Members of the public may use this resource to locate case filings, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Virginia's judicial system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Petersburg County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Virginia Court Case Information system provides online access to circuit court case records statewide, including Petersburg. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information at no cost. Basic case details — including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status — are available without charge. Obtaining copies of actual documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
Virginia's judicial system maintains a consolidated statewide portal through which members of the public may search across jurisdictions. The Virginia's Judicial System case search allows searches by party name or case number and returns results from circuit courts throughout the Commonwealth, including the Petersburg Circuit Court.
3. State Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records maintains divorce records filed in Virginia since 1918. These records provide a divorce certificate rather than the full court file and are subject to applicable fees. Vital records divorce certificates are useful for proof-of-divorce purposes when a full case file is not required.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Petersburg Circuit Court:
Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Petersburg Circuit Court — Virginia's Judicial System
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clerk of the Circuit Court, 7 Courthouse Avenue, Petersburg, VA 23803
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties (including 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: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (804) 733-2367
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Virginia may access divorce case records on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a showing of good cause for sealed materials. The Virginia State Bar lawyer referral service may assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records or custody evaluations.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Petersburg or surrounding jurisdictions
- 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 independent city where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Petersburg is an independent city in Virginia; its circuit court handles divorce matters for residents of the city. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing jurisdiction may need to search multiple localities. Under Virginia Code § 20-96, venue for divorce actions lies in the county or city where the parties last cohabited, or where either party resides.
Residency Requirement:
Virginia requires that at least one party to a divorce action have been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth for at least six months preceding the filing of the suit, pursuant to Virginia Code § 20-97.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after entry of the final decree.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form and may require additional retrieval time.
- Records from earlier decades may be archived off-site; staff can advise on retrieval procedures.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county or independent city
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (804) 733-2367 to request assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the online search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Virginia Office of Vital Records for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Virginia attorney for cases involving sealed or restricted records
What Are Petersburg County Divorce Records?
Petersburg Circuit Court divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. These records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and constitute part of the permanent public court file, subject to applicable confidentiality provisions under Virginia law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed with the court from initiation through final judgment, including:
- Complaint for divorce (Bill of Complaint)
- Defendant's Answer and any Cross-Bill
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Property settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings (if ordered)
- Final Decree of Divorce
Final Decree of Divorce
The Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or alimony provisions, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the Final Decree are available from the Clerk's office upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in the case may include:
- Original marriage certificate
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan details and modifications
- Post-decree modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Clerk of the Petersburg Circuit Court is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk's office indexes records by party names, maintains the official docket, and provides certified copies upon request. The Petersburg Circuit Court serves as the official repository for all dissolution of marriage proceedings filed within the city.
State Vital Records Office
The Virginia Department of Health maintains a statewide index of divorce records since 1918. The Office of Vital Records issues divorce verification letters and certificates, which contain limited information compared to the full court file but serve as official proof of marital status for many administrative purposes.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Virginia are governed by Virginia Code § 20-91, which sets forth the grounds upon which a divorce from the bond of matrimony may be granted. Virginia recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. Public access to court records is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.) and the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Are Petersburg County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Petersburg Circuit Court are public court records under Virginia law, and members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of 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 from public filings)
- 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:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
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. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition for access to sealed materials with appropriate showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court authorization.
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any existing protective order
- Any use prohibited by applicable Virginia law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Petersburg County?
The Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's office charges fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with the Virginia Code. Current fees applicable to divorce record requests are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection of public records | No charge |
| Photocopy of court document (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of Final Decree or court order | $2.00 per document + $0.50 per page |
| Divorce certificate (Virginia Vital Records) | $12.00 per copy |
| Exemplified (triple-certified) copy | $5.00 + copy fees |
- Fees for copies from the Clerk of Court are set pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-275.
- The Virginia Office of Vital Records charges $12.00 for the first certified copy of a divorce record and $12.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
- Accepted payment methods at the Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, money order, and checks made payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Credit card acceptance may vary; members of the public should confirm current payment options by contacting the office directly.
- Members of the public may inspect divorce records at the courthouse at no charge. Fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for divorce record requests; however, parties who are indigent and represented by legal aid may inquire with the Clerk's office regarding applicable provisions.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Petersburg County
A complete Petersburg Circuit Court divorce case file contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-decree actions. The following categories of documents are part of the official court record.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Bill of Complaint for Divorce: Sets forth the petitioner's grounds for divorce, marriage date and location, date of separation, information regarding minor children, and relief requested, including property division, support, and name restoration.
- Answer and Cross-Bill: The respondent's formal response, including admissions, denials, and any affirmative claims for relief.
- Financial Affidavits: Sworn statements from both parties disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, personal property), and liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and sworn answers
- Requests for production of documents and responses
- Depositions (transcripts, if filed with the court)
- Subpoenas and returns
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory including mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit obligations
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations and expert reports
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnights, health insurance, and childcare costs
- Child support orders specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Spousal support or alimony orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and expense analyses supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) or Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) resolving all issues by consent, including property division, debt allocation, support terms, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreements incorporated into the PSA (mediation communications themselves remain confidential)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property pending final hearing
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final Decree of Divorce containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and visitation provisions, and name restoration if requested
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, visitation, or support
- Court orders on modification petitions
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Domestic violence evidence in cases with protective orders
- Sealed custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports
- Mediation communications (confidential by Virginia statute)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Petersburg County
Proof of divorce in Petersburg County may be obtained through two primary channels: the Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Virginia Office of Vital Records.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Circuit Court):
A certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce and is issued directly by the Clerk of the Petersburg Circuit Court. To obtain a certified copy:
- Identify the case number using the Virginia Court Case Information system or by contacting the Clerk's office.
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or by phone to the Clerk's office at 7 Courthouse Avenue, Petersburg, VA 23803, (804) 733-2367.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate year of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee ($2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page).
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Divorce Certificate (Virginia Vital Records):
For purposes requiring only confirmation of marital status rather than the full decree, a divorce certificate may be obtained from the Virginia Office of Vital Records. Virginia has maintained divorce records since 1918. The certificate contains the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county of filing. The fee is $12.00 per certified copy.
Self-Help Resources:
Members of the public who need assistance navigating the court system may consult the Virginia Judicial System Court Self-Help Center, which provides procedural information and forms for family law matters. Court employees and self-help center staff may provide legal information but are not permitted to provide legal advice.
Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office
7 Courthouse Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
Petersburg Circuit Court — Virginia's Judicial System
Virginia Department of Health — Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Office of Vital Records — Virginia Department of Health
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Petersburg County?
Divorce proceedings in Petersburg Circuit Court are presumptively public, but Virginia law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A judge may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a finding of good cause, such as cases involving allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, or other sensitive circumstances where public disclosure would cause harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
- Automatic redactions: Under Virginia court rules, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain identifying information for minor children are redacted from publicly accessible filings as a matter of course.
- Domestic violence protections: Cases in which a protective order is in effect may have residential address information withheld from public view to protect the safety of the protected party.
- Mediation confidentiality: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential under Virginia law and do not become part of the public court record.
- Mental health and medical records: Psychological evaluations, mental health records, and medical records filed in connection with custody proceedings may be restricted from public access by court order.
- Sealed custody evaluations: Guardian ad litem reports and court-ordered custody evaluations are subject to restricted access and are not available to the general public without a court order.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted divorce records must file a motion with the Petersburg Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
How Long Does Petersburg County Keep Divorce Records?
The Petersburg Circuit Court retains divorce records in accordance with the Virginia Records Retention Schedule established by the Library of Virginia, which governs the preservation of court records throughout the Commonwealth.
- Final Decrees of Divorce: Retained permanently. Final judgments dissolving marriages are considered permanent court records and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Circuit court case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case for most civil matters. However, family law cases involving children may be retained for longer periods.
- Post-decree modification records: Orders modifying custody, support, or other provisions of a final decree are retained as part of the original case file and follow the same retention schedule.
- Archived records: Older case files that have been transferred to archival storage remain retrievable upon request to the Clerk's office, though additional processing time may be required.
- Vital records divorce index: The Virginia Office of Vital Records maintains its divorce index permanently, with records available from 1918 to the present through the Office of Vital Records.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Virginia court case management system and are accessible through the Virginia Court Case Information portal for as long as the system retains active and archived case data.
The Library of Virginia's records retention schedules are established pursuant to the Virginia Public Records Act, Va. Code § 42.1-76 et seq.