Newkent County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In New Kent County in 2026
NewkentRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in New Kent County, Virginia. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the age of the case and applicable privacy protections.
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 New Kent County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The New Kent Circuit Court maintains the official index of divorce case filings. Members of the public may search basic case information at no charge through the Virginia court system's online portal. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
Virginia's Judicial System provides a statewide case information system that allows searches across jurisdictions. This consolidated database includes circuit court civil cases, which encompass divorce proceedings filed throughout the Commonwealth.
3. State Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records – Virginia Department of Health maintains divorce records for the Commonwealth of Virginia. At present, Virginia divorce records dating from 1918 onward are available through this office. Certified divorce certificates may be obtained for a fee. The New Kent Health Department also serves as a local point of access for vital records requests.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – New Kent Circuit Court:
New Kent Circuit Court Clerk's Office
12001 Courthouse Circle
New Kent, VA 23124
Phone: (804) 966-9520
New Kent Circuit Court – Virginia's Judicial System
- Services available in person include:
- Search of case files by party name or case number
- Viewing of filed documents at public access terminals
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance with locating records
New Kent Health Department (Vital Records):
New Kent Health Department
7911 Courthouse Circle
New Kent, VA 23124
Phone: (804) 966-9610
Birth, Marriage, Divorce, and Death Certificates – VDH Chickahominy
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: New Kent Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full 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 of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
- New Kent Circuit Court Clerk: (804) 966-9520
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Virginia may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be subject to restricted access. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. The Virginia State Bar provides 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
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in New Kent County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Case number, if previously obtained
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Virginia are filed in the circuit court of the county or city where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing location may need to search multiple jurisdictions. Under Virginia Code § 20-96, venue for divorce actions lies in the county or city where the parties last cohabited, or where the defendant resides if a Virginia resident.
Residency Requirement:
Under current Virginia law, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce action, as required by Virginia Code § 20-97.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after entry of the final decree
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Records not yet digitized may require an in-person visit or written request
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case is still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- Case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the New Kent Circuit Court Clerk at (804) 966-9520
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Virginia Department of Health vital records for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Virginia attorney for assistance with complex searches
What Are New Kent County Divorce Records?
New Kent County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the New Kent Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the public court file maintained by the Clerk of Court and encompass all documents submitted to the court in connection with the legal dissolution of a marriage.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for divorce or bill of complaint
- Respondent's answer or cross-bill
- 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
The final decree of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support 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 through the New Kent Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details and custody evaluation reports
- Post-divorce modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for name change proceedings
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of the New Kent Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, maintaining complete records indexed by party names and case numbers. The Office of Vital Records at the Virginia Department of Health maintains statewide divorce records from 1918 to the present, providing an alternative source for divorce certificates when the full case file is not required.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Virginia are governed by Virginia Code § 20-91, which establishes the grounds for divorce and the legal standards applicable to dissolution of marriage actions. Public access to court records is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., which establishes a presumption in favor of public access to government records, including court filings.
Are New Kent County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the New Kent Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. Certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status information
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may be filed under seal
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
- Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
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, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause.
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files. Court permission is required to access sealed records. First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in New Kent County?
The New Kent 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 |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $2.00 per document plus copy fees |
| Search fee (when applicable) | Varies |
| Divorce certificate from VDH Vital Records | $12.00 per certified copy |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copies of documents are subject to the per-page fee established under Virginia law.
- Certified copies of the final decree of divorce carry an additional certification fee.
- The Virginia Department of Health charges a fee of $12.00 for the first certified copy of a divorce certificate, with additional copies available at a reduced rate when ordered simultaneously.
- Accepted payment methods at the New Kent Circuit Court Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Clerk of Court. Credit card acceptance may vary; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods prior to visiting.
- Fee waivers are not routinely available for divorce record requests. Parties who are indigent and require records in connection with pending legal proceedings may inquire with the court regarding applicable provisions.
- Vital records requests submitted through the Virginia Department of Health are subject to that agency's current fee schedule, which may differ from circuit court fees.
What's Included in Divorce Records in New Kent County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the New Kent Circuit Court Clerk contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceedings. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Date of filing and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for divorce (or bill of complaint in Virginia practice) sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the 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 asserting the respondent's own claims for relief.
Financial Affidavits and Disclosure:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities. Supporting documentation such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements may be filed as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory including mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit obligations
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on the value of marital assets
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
When minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan addressing legal and physical custody, a timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and vacation periods, and a child support calculation worksheet. If the court orders a custody evaluation, the evaluator's report becomes part of the file, though it may be subject to restricted access. Guardian ad litem reports, when a guardian is appointed, are similarly included but may be sealed.
Settlement Documents:
A marital settlement agreement, when the parties reach a negotiated resolution, is filed with the court and incorporated into the final decree. This document addresses the division of all marital property and debts, spousal support terms, and all child-related provisions. Mediation agreements may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though the mediation communications themselves remain confidential.
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 constitutes the court's definitive ruling, incorporating all findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders regarding property, support, and custody. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is prepared as a separate order directing the plan administrator.
Post-Judgment Documents:
Following 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 other post-judgment proceedings.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details in cases involving protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Trade secret information in business valuations
- Settlement negotiation communications not incorporated into filed documents
- All mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in New Kent County
Proof of divorce in New Kent County may be obtained through two primary channels: the New Kent Circuit Court Clerk's Office and the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records.
Obtaining a Certified Copy of the Final Decree:
A certified copy of the final decree of divorce, issued by the New Kent Circuit Court Clerk, constitutes the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce and is accepted for legal, immigration, and administrative purposes. Members of the public may request a certified copy by:
- Appearing in person at the New Kent Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124, during regular business hours
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of applicable fees
- Contacting the Clerk's Office by phone at (804) 966-9520 to confirm procedures and current fees prior to submitting a request
Obtaining a Divorce Certificate from Vital Records:
A divorce certificate issued by the Virginia Department of Health provides official confirmation that a divorce was granted and includes the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county of filing. This document is suitable for many administrative purposes, including name changes and remarriage. Requests may be submitted:
- Through the Virginia Department of Health's online ordering system
- In person at the New Kent Health Department, 7911 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124, Phone: (804) 966-9610
- By mail to the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218
New Kent Circuit Court Clerk's Office
12001 Courthouse Circle
New Kent, VA 23124
Phone: (804) 966-9520
New Kent 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
New Kent Health Department
7911 Courthouse Circle
New Kent, VA 23124
Phone: (804) 966-9610
Birth, Marriage, Divorce, and Death Certificates – VDH Chickahominy District
Members of the public who require assistance navigating the divorce process may consult the Virginia Judicial System Court Self-Help resource, which provides procedural guidance for unrepresented parties.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in New Kent County?
A divorce proceeding in New Kent County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, by court order upon a showing of good cause. Under current Virginia law, the presumption favors public access to court records; however, specific categories of information within a divorce file are subject to mandatory or discretionary restriction.
- Mandatory redactions: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings as a matter of standard practice.
- Children's information: Courts may restrict public access to information identifying the names, addresses, schools, or medical details of minor children involved in divorce proceedings.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are present, the court may seal portions of the record to protect the safety of the victim.
- Mental health and medical records: Psychological evaluations, mental health treatment records, and medical records submitted as exhibits may be filed under seal.
- Sealed by court order: Any party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Mediation records: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential under Virginia law and do not become part of the public record.
- Confidential settlements: Settlement terms that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final decree without being disclosed in the public record, subject to court approval.
The legal basis for sealing and restricting access to court records is found in the Virginia Rules of Court and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Virginia Code § 2.2-3705.1, which enumerates specific categories of records exempt from mandatory disclosure.
How Long Does New Kent County Keep Divorce Records?
New Kent County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Virginia's records retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia. The retention period varies depending on the type of record and the nature of the proceedings.
- Final decrees and permanent court orders: Retained permanently. The final decree of divorce is a permanent court record that is never destroyed and remains accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (circuit court): Circuit court case files, including all pleadings, motions, financial affidavits, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with many records retained permanently.
- Vital records (divorce certificates): The Virginia Department of Health retains divorce records from 1918 to the present on a permanent basis, as reflected in the Office of Vital Records holdings.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Virginia court system's electronic case management system and are accessible through the New Kent Circuit Court and the statewide portal.
- Archived paper records: Older paper case files may be transferred to archival storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request to the Clerk's Office.
- Post-judgment modification records: Orders modifying custody, support, or other terms of the original decree are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule.
- Destruction: No category of final divorce decree or permanent court order is subject to routine destruction under current Virginia records retention policy.