Tazewell County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Tazewell County in 2026
TazewellRecords.org provides access to data and publicly available information related to divorce records in Tazewell County, Virginia. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness may vary depending on the age of the record and applicable privacy protections.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Virginia Judicial System's online case information portal, and the Virginia Department of Health's vital records office.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Tazewell Circuit Court maintains case records accessible through Virginia's Judicial System online portal. Basic case information — including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status — is available at no charge. Obtaining copies of actual documents requires payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
Virginia's Judicial System provides a statewide case information search tool that allows members of the public to search divorce and family law cases across jurisdictions. This consolidated database is the most efficient starting point for locating a case when the filing county is uncertain.
3. State Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records maintains divorce records for the Commonwealth. Virginia divorce records have been registered at the state level since 1918. Certified divorce certificates are available through this office for a fee and serve as official proof of dissolution of marriage.
In-Person Searches
Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk
101 Main Street
Tazewell, VA 24651
Phone: (276) 988-1222
Tazewell Circuit Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 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 with locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to the Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk at the address above. Written requests should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- 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 correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, though older or archived records may require additional time.
By Phone
The Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk may be reached at (276) 988-1222. Staff can confirm whether a case exists in the system, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of filings, and confidential information cannot be provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Virginia may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Virginia State Bar operates a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
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 Tazewell County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Virginia law, a divorce action is filed in the circuit court of the county or city where either spouse resides. Members of the public searching for a divorce record must search the county where one of the parties resided at the time of filing — not necessarily where the marriage took place. If the filing county is uncertain, Virginia's statewide case search portal allows searches across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.
Virginia's residency requirement, codified at § 20-97 of the Code of Virginia, requires that at least one party have been domiciled in Virginia for six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce action.
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 the record to be processed and indexed
- Contacting the Clerk's office directly is the most reliable method for recently finalized cases
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Digitization of older records varies; some pre-1990s files may require a special retrieval request
- Allow additional processing time for archived materials
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk at (276) 988-1222
- Try alternate name spellings and both parties' surnames
- Search Virginia's statewide case information portal
- Check the Virginia Department of Health vital records database for divorce certificates registered since 1918
What Are Tazewell County Divorce Records?
Tazewell County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Tazewell Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court as required by Virginia law.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding:
- Complaint for divorce (Bill of Complaint)
- Answer and cross-complaint, if filed
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Property settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final decree of divorce
Final Decree of Divorce
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date the marriage is legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Spousal support or alimony terms, 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 of the Circuit Court and serve as the primary legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name changes, and other legal proceedings.
Supporting Documents
Supporting materials filed in the case record may include:
- Marriage certificate submitted as evidence
- Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
- Property appraisals and business valuations
- Parenting plan details and custody evaluation reports
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Clerk of the Tazewell Circuit Court is the primary custodian of all divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates for the Commonwealth, covering divorces recorded since 1918. The vital records office provides a summary certificate rather than the complete court file.
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in Virginia are governed by Title 20 of the Code of Virginia, which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedures for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), which establishes a presumption in favor of public access to government records, including court filings.
Are Tazewell County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Tazewell Circuit Court are public court records under Virginia law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. Certain categories of information within those records are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to any member of the public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree of divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access upon court order
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain circumstances
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by the court
- Psychological evaluations involving children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records incorporated into the file are restricted
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be withheld
Sealed Records
A circuit court judge may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case, their attorneys, and certain government agencies may petition the court for access to sealed materials.
Who Can Access Records
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted sensitive information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed materials |
| Law enforcement | Access pursuant to legal process |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, genealogical research, background verification, news reporting, and academic research.
As the Virginia Freedom of Information Act states, "The affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government." This principle extends to court records, subject to the specific privacy protections described above.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Tazewell County?
The Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for copies and certifications of divorce records in accordance with the fee schedule established under Virginia law. The following current fees apply:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $2.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Uncertified copy of court document | $0.50 per page |
| Search fee (when no case number provided) | $1.00 per name searched |
| Divorce certificate from VDH vital records | $12.00 per certified copy |
Additional Fee Details:
- Inspection of records at the courthouse public access terminal is available at no charge
- Electronic copies, where available, are subject to the same per-page fee as paper copies
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court; credit card acceptance may vary
- The Virginia Department of Health charges $12.00 for the first certified copy of a divorce certificate and $12.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Fee Waivers:
- Indigent parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to waived or reduced fees for copies of their own case documents
- No general public fee waiver is available for third-party requestors
Copy fees for court records are governed by § 17.1-275 of the Code of Virginia, which establishes the schedule of fees applicable to circuit court clerks statewide.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Tazewell County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk contains all documents filed from the initiation of the proceeding through post-judgment actions. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information
Every case file includes a case caption identifying the court, case number, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date the action was commenced, the case type, and the jurisdictional basis for the filing.
Initial Pleadings
The Bill of Complaint for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and place of marriage, the date of separation, the grounds for divorce, information regarding any minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's Answer addresses each allegation and may include a Cross-Bill seeking affirmative relief. Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement funds, as well as all outstanding liabilities.
Property-Related Documents
Contested cases involving marital property include inventories of marital and separate assets, appraisals of real property and business interests, retirement account statements, and expert reports on valuation. Debt inventories cover mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is filed as a separate court order directing the plan administrator to divide the benefit.
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan or custody agreement specifying legal and physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular weeks, holidays, and school breaks, and a child support calculation worksheet. If the court ordered a custody evaluation, the evaluator's report is part of the file, though it may be subject to restricted access. Guardian ad litem reports, when filed, are similarly restricted.
Settlement Documents
An uncontested divorce typically includes a Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) signed by both parties and notarized, resolving all issues of property division, spousal support, and, where applicable, child custody and support. Mediation agreements, if reached, may be incorporated into the PSA or filed separately. Mediation communications themselves are confidential and do not become part of the public record.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case address interim custody, support, and use of marital property. The Final Decree of Divorce is the court's conclusive order dissolving the marriage, incorporating or referencing all agreements and adjudicated issues, and bearing the judge's signature and the court's seal.
Post-Judgment Documents
After entry of the final decree, the case file may be supplemented by petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and any subsequent court orders addressing those matters.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
The following categories of information are redacted from publicly accessible documents or sealed by court order:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence evidence and victim location information
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse treatment records
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
- Settlement negotiations and mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Tazewell County
Proof of divorce in Tazewell County may be obtained in two primary forms: a certified copy of the final decree of divorce from the Tazewell Circuit Court, or a certified divorce certificate from the Virginia Department of Health. Each serves different purposes, and requestors should determine which document is required before submitting a request.
Certified Copy of Final Decree from the Circuit Court
A certified copy of the final decree bears the Clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for most purposes, including remarriage, name changes with the Social Security Administration and DMV, and legal proceedings.
Steps to obtain a certified copy:
- Contact the Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk at (276) 988-1222 to confirm the case number and verify the record is available
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as directed by the Clerk's office
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known
- Pay the applicable fee of $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee
- Allow processing time of one to two weeks for mail requests; in-person requests may be fulfilled the same day if the file is readily available
Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk
101 Main Street
Tazewell, VA 24651
Phone: (276) 988-1222
Tazewell Circuit Court
Certified Divorce Certificate from the Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records issues certified divorce certificates for divorces recorded in Virginia since 1918. This certificate provides summary information — including the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county of filing — and is accepted for many administrative purposes.
Steps to obtain a divorce certificate from VDH:
- Complete the application form available on the VDH vital records website
- Submit the application with a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
- Pay the $12.00 fee per certified copy
- Submit by mail, in person at a VDH local health department, or through the VDH online ordering system
Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Office of Vital Records
As the Virginia Department of Health notes, "Virginia birth and death records from 1912 to the present, divorce records since 1918, and marriage records since 1936 are now available" through the Office of Vital Records, providing a centralized state-level resource for obtaining proof of dissolution of marriage.
The Virginia Judicial System Court Self-Help resource provides additional guidance on divorce proceedings, including information on how a divorce decree addresses the end of the marriage, division of property and debt, support of a spouse, child custody and visitation, and restoration of a former name.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Tazewell County?
A divorce proceeding in Tazewell County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, by order of the circuit court judge. Confidentiality is not automatic; a party must file a motion and demonstrate good cause for sealing the record or specific documents within it.
Circumstances under which confidentiality may be granted include:
- Cases involving documented domestic violence, where disclosure of a party's address or identifying information could endanger the victim's safety
- Cases in which minor children's identifying information, school records, or psychological evaluations require protection
- Cases involving trade secrets or proprietary business information submitted during property division proceedings
- High-profile cases where a court finds that public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access
- Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute and do not become part of the public court record regardless of court order
What remains public even in partially sealed cases:
- The existence of the case and the names of the parties
- The filing date and case number
- The final decree of divorce (unless the entire case is sealed)
- Docket entries reflecting the procedural history
Virginia's public records framework, established under § 2.2-3705.1 of the Code of Virginia, identifies specific categories of records that may be withheld from public disclosure, including certain personal information in family law proceedings. Any sealing order is subject to challenge by members of the public or the press asserting a First Amendment or common law right of access.
How Long Does Tazewell County Keep Divorce Records?
The Tazewell Circuit Court retains divorce records permanently as part of the official court record of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia law does not authorize the destruction of final court judgments, and divorce decrees are considered permanent records of the circuit court.
Retention periods by record type:
- Final decrees of divorce: Retained permanently; never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained permanently in the circuit court's custody
- Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained permanently
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file permanently
- Financial affidavits and supporting documents: Retained as part of the case file; older paper records may be transferred to archival storage
- Divorce certificates at VDH: Retained permanently by the Virginia Department of Health for all divorces registered since 1918
Older paper records that predate electronic filing systems may be stored in off-site archival facilities. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time, and members of the public should contact the Tazewell Circuit Court Clerk in advance to confirm availability and arrange retrieval.
Virginia's records retention requirements for circuit court records are established by the Library of Virginia under the authority of § 42.1-82 of the Code of Virginia, which directs the Library of Virginia to establish retention schedules for public records, including court records. The permanent retention of final judgments reflects the Commonwealth's recognition that dissolution of marriage records serve ongoing legal, genealogical, and administrative purposes for the parties and their descendants.