Arlington Public Records /Arlington County Divorce Records

Arlington County Divorce Records

What Are Arlington County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Arlington County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Virginia Code § 20-121.1, which governs divorce proceedings in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial petition to the final decree.

The Arlington Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of divorce records for marriages dissolved within Arlington County. These records document the legal termination of marital relationships and contain pertinent information regarding the parties involved, grounds for divorce, and court determinations on related matters.

Divorce records serve multiple purposes, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling individuals to legally remarry
Supporting name change processes
Verifying eligibility for Social Security benefits
Documenting status for loan applications
Establishing marital status for immigration matters
Facilitating property transfers and estate planning

The Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records maintains a separate system of divorce certificates, which serve as official verification of divorce decrees issued by Virginia courts. These certificates contain basic information about the divorce but do not include the detailed court filings found in the complete divorce case file.

Are Arlington County Divorce Records Public?

Arlington County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act § 2.2-3700, which establishes the presumption of openness for government records. However, this public access is subject to significant limitations and exceptions.

The following components of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:

Case indices showing parties' names and case numbers
Basic docket information
Final divorce decrees (with certain information potentially redacted)
Court hearing schedules
General pleadings and motions

However, numerous exceptions restrict public access to sensitive information within divorce files. Under Virginia Code § 20-124, the following elements may be restricted or sealed:

Financial affidavits and statements
Child custody evaluations and reports
Medical and mental health records
Social Security numbers and financial account information
Information regarding minor children
Allegations of domestic violence or abuse
Records sealed by judicial order

Certified divorce certificates issued by the Virginia Department of Health are not public records and are available only to:

The divorced parties themselves
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a demonstrated legitimate interest
Government agencies for official purposes

The Arlington Circuit Court maintains divorce records in accordance with these access provisions, balancing the public's right to information with individual privacy protections.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Arlington County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Arlington County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain these documents. The primary custodian of divorce case files is the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk's Office.

To locate a divorce record, individuals may:

Visit the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person:

Arlington Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Arlington Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Submit a written request by mail to the above address, including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Required search fees
Request a certified divorce certificate from the Virginia Department of Health:

Virginia Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
(804) 662-6200
Virginia Department of Health
Utilize the Virginia Judicial System's online case information system for basic case status information.

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies. Current fees include:

Record search fee: $12.00
Copy fee: $0.50 per page
Certified copy fee: $2.50 per document

Proper identification is required when requesting records in person. For certified divorce certificates from the Virginia Department of Health, additional identity verification and documentation of eligibility may be necessary.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Arlington County Online?

Arlington County provides limited online access to divorce record information through the Virginia Judiciary's Case Information System. This system allows for basic case status verification but does not provide access to complete divorce file documents.

To search for divorce records online:

Visit the Virginia Judicial System's Case Information portal
Select "Circuit Court Case Information"
Choose "Arlington County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
Select "Civil Cases" as the case type
Enter search criteria (name of party, case number, or filing date)
Review the search results for basic case information

The online system provides:

Case numbers
Party names
Filing dates
Case type
Current status
Scheduled hearing dates
Basic docket entries

It is important to note that the online system has several limitations:

Complete case documents are not available for download
Detailed pleadings and exhibits are not accessible
Cases filed before the system's implementation may not be included
Sealed or restricted cases will not appear in search results
Information is provided for verification purposes only and is not certified

For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, individuals must still contact the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk's Office directly or the Virginia Department of Health for official divorce certificates.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Arlington County?

Arlington County residents and interested parties may access certain divorce record information without payment, though comprehensive access typically involves fees. The following methods provide limited free access to divorce record information:

Public access terminals at the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk's Office:

Arlington Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Arlington Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

These terminals allow free searching of case indices and basic docket information, though printing fees may apply.
The Virginia Judicial System's online case information portal provides free basic case status information:
- Visit Virginia's Case Information System
- No account creation or fees required for basic searches
- Limited to verification of case existence and status
Arlington Public Library resources:

Arlington Central Library
1015 N Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-5990
Arlington Public Library

The library may provide access to legal research databases that include court records.

While these methods provide free access to basic information, fees will apply for:

Copies of actual divorce documents
Certified copies of divorce decrees
Comprehensive searches by court staff
Divorce certificates from the Virginia Department of Health

Individuals representing themselves in court proceedings (pro se litigants) may be eligible for fee waivers under certain financial hardship circumstances as provided by Virginia Code § 17.1-606.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Arlington County

Divorce records in Arlington County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire divorce proceeding. These records typically contain multiple components that document the legal dissolution of marriage.

The complete divorce case file generally includes:

Petition for Divorce (Complaint) - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
Proof of Service - Documentation showing the non-filing spouse received legal notice
Answer and Counterclaim - The responding spouse's formal reply and any counter-requests
Property Settlement Agreements - Negotiated division of assets and liabilities
Child Custody and Support Orders - Determinations regarding minor children
Visitation Schedules - Parenting time arrangements
Temporary Orders - Court directives during the pendency of proceedings
Financial Affidavits - Sworn statements of income, assets, and debts
Court Hearing Transcripts - Official records of proceedings before the judge
Final Decree of Divorce - The court's ultimate judgment dissolving the marriage

The divorce certificate issued by the Virginia Department of Health contains more limited information:

Full names of both parties
Date and place of divorce
Case number
Court that granted the divorce
Date the divorce was granted
Type of decree (absolute/final)
Legal grounds for divorce

Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed in publicly accessible versions of these records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Minor children's identifying information
Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
Medical and mental health records
Information sealed by specific court order

The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and whether the parties reached settlement agreements or required judicial determination of disputed issues.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Arlington County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Arlington County have two primary options for obtaining legally recognized documentation. The type of proof needed will determine which option is most appropriate.

For comprehensive proof with detailed divorce terms:

Request a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce from the Arlington Circuit Court:

Arlington Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Arlington Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Required information includes:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's relationship to the case
- Valid government-issued photo identification
The certified decree fee is $2.50 in addition to copy fees.

For simplified proof of marital status change:

Obtain a certified divorce certificate from the Virginia Department of Health:

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

This can be requested:
- In person at the Division of Vital Records office
- By mail using the official application form
- Online through the VDH vital records portal
- Through DMV Select offices
The current fee is $12 per certificate.

Eligible requestors for divorce certificates include:

Either party to the divorce
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Immediate family members with demonstrated legitimate interest
Government agencies for official purposes

For international use, divorce decrees or certificates may require additional authentication through apostille or certification processes available through the Virginia Secretary of Commonwealth's office.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Arlington County?

Divorce proceedings in Arlington County are presumptively public under Virginia law, but various mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in certain circumstances, to maintain confidentiality of all or portions of divorce records.

Under Virginia Code § 20-124.2, the court may order confidentiality protections in the following circumstances:

When domestic violence or abuse is alleged
To protect the safety and welfare of parties or children
When sensitive financial information requires protection
When disclosure would cause undue embarrassment or harm
When the parties mutually agree to confidentiality provisions

Methods of maintaining confidentiality in divorce proceedings include:

Sealing specific documents:
- Financial affidavits and statements
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Child custody reports and recommendations
- Documents containing sensitive personal identifiers
Redaction of sensitive information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's identifying information
- Addresses in cases involving safety concerns
Protective orders limiting disclosure:
- Restricting parties from disclosing specific information
- Limiting access to certain documents to attorneys and the court
- Requiring confidentiality agreements for experts and witnesses
Complete file sealing:
- Rare and requires demonstration of compelling interest
- Requires judicial finding that no less restrictive means will suffice
- Subject to periodic review and potential modification
Confidential alternative dispute resolution:
- Mediation proceedings are confidential by statute
- Collaborative divorce processes typically include confidentiality provisions
- Settlement negotiations may remain private even if agreement is filed

Parties seeking confidentiality protections must file appropriate motions with the Arlington Circuit Court demonstrating good cause for such measures. The court balances privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records when making determinations regarding confidentiality.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Arlington County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Arlington County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Under Virginia law, different procedural timelines apply depending on the circumstances of the divorce.

Minimum statutory waiting periods:

Six-month separation for no-fault divorce with no minor children and a written settlement agreement
One-year separation for no-fault divorce with minor children or without a settlement agreement
No waiting period for fault-based grounds such as adultery, felony conviction, or cruelty, though evidence gathering may extend timeframes

Typical timeframes for Arlington County divorces:

Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:
- 2-4 months from filing to finalization (after meeting separation requirements)
- Expedited processing possible through deposition procedure rather than court hearing
Contested divorces with partial agreements:
- 6-9 months depending on issues requiring judicial resolution
- May involve temporary hearings, discovery, and settlement conferences
Fully contested divorces:
- 12-18 months or longer
- Multiple court appearances, extensive discovery, and potential trial

Factors affecting timeline:

Court docket congestion in Arlington Circuit Court
Complexity of asset division, especially with businesses or substantial property
Child custody disputes requiring guardian ad litem involvement
Discovery disputes and motions practice
Judicial officer availability
Attorney and party scheduling conflicts
Engagement of experts for valuations or evaluations

According to the Arlington Circuit Court, contested divorce cases are typically scheduled for initial case management conferences within 30-45 days of filing, with final hearings set based on the court's assessment of time needed for preparation and the estimated length of proceedings.

The court encourages alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation and settlement conferences, which can significantly reduce the time to resolution when successful.

How Long Does Arlington County Keep Divorce Records?

Arlington County maintains divorce records according to the retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Supreme Court. These schedules dictate the minimum periods for which different types of court records must be preserved.

Divorce records retention periods in Arlington County:

Final Divorce Decrees:
- Permanent retention
- Never destroyed or purged
- Eventually transferred to archival storage but remain accessible
Complete Divorce Case Files:
- Minimum 20-year retention from date of final order
- Files with ongoing child support or alimony obligations retained until all obligations terminate
- Cases of historical or precedential significance may be selected for permanent retention
Exhibits and Evidence:
- Retained for 1 year after final disposition if no appeal filed
- May be returned to submitting parties after this period
- Parties must request return of exhibits within specified timeframes
Digital Records:
- Subject to same retention periods as paper records
- Maintained in court case management systems
- Backed up according to judicial information technology protocols

The Virginia Department of Health maintains divorce certificates permanently as vital records pursuant to Virginia Code § 32.1-252, providing an additional source for basic divorce verification even after court records might be archived.

Individuals seeking older divorce records may need to:

Contact the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk's Office for records within retention period
Request a search of archived records for older cases
Obtain a divorce certificate from the Virginia Department of Health
Consult the Library of Virginia for historically significant or very old records

Special provisions exist for records that have been sealed by court order, which follow separate retention protocols while maintaining their confidential status.

How To Get a Divorce In Arlington County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Arlington County must follow specific procedures established by Virginia law and local court rules. The divorce process varies depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested.

To initiate a divorce in Arlington County:

Establish eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have been a Virginia resident for at least six months
- Arlington County venue is proper if either spouse resides there or the parties last cohabited there
Determine grounds for divorce:
- No-fault: Living separate and apart for required statutory period
- Fault-based: Adultery, felony conviction, cruelty, desertion, or abandonment
Prepare and file initial documents with:

Arlington Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Arlington Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Required documents include:
- Complaint for Divorce
- VS-4 Form (statistical reporting form)
- Cover Sheet for Filing Civil Actions
- Service documents (summons)
- Filing fee payment (currently $91)
Serve the non-filing spouse according to Virginia rules of civil procedure:
- Personal service by sheriff or private process server
- Certified mail with return receipt in some circumstances
- Publication if the spouse cannot be located
- Waiver of service if the spouse agrees
Follow subsequent procedural steps:
- Uncontested: Submit proposed decree and supporting affidavits
- Contested: Participate in discovery, pretrial conferences, and hearings
Finalize the divorce:
- Uncontested: Judge reviews and signs decree, often without hearing
- Contested: Court trial followed by entry of decree
- Obtain certified copies of final decree for official purposes

Arlington County offers resources for self-represented litigants through the Arlington Law Library and the Virginia Judicial System Self-Help website.

Parties are strongly encouraged to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances, as divorce proceedings involve complex legal and financial considerations.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Arlington County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Arlington County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. The required paperwork varies based on the specific circumstances of the divorce case.

To obtain divorce papers in Arlington County:

Visit the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk's Office:

Arlington Circuit Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Arlington Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The clerk's office provides basic form packets for uncontested divorces, though these may not address all situations.
Access forms through the Virginia Judicial System website:
- Visit the Virginia Judicial System Forms page
- Navigate to the Circuit Court Civil forms section
- Download applicable divorce-related forms
- Forms include complaints, financial statements, and VS-4 vital statistics forms
Utilize the Arlington Law Library resources:

Arlington Law Library
1425 N. Courthouse Road, 1st Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7000
Arlington Law Library

The law library provides:
- Form books with sample pleadings
- Legal research materials
- Limited procedural guidance (not legal advice)
Consult with legal aid organizations:

Legal Services of Northern Virginia
3103 N. 10th Street, Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 778-6800
Legal Services of Northern Virginia

Eligible low-income residents may receive assistance with form preparation.
Hire an attorney to prepare customized documents:
- The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can provide referrals
- Many attorneys offer unbundled services for document preparation only

Required forms typically include:

Complaint for Divorce
Domestic Case Coversheet
VS-4 Form (statistical reporting)
Summons
Property settlement agreement (if applicable)
Child support worksheets (if children involved)
Final Decree of Divorce

All forms must comply with Virginia law and Arlington Circuit Court local rules. Improperly prepared documents may be rejected by the clerk's office or result in procedural delays.

Lookup Divorce Records in Arlington County

Arlington Circuit Court | Virginia Court System

Vital Records: Birth, Marriage, Divorce, and Death Certificates

Vital Records – Virginia Department of Health

Case Status and Information | Virginia Court System

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