Divorce records in Arlington, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. ArlingtonCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Arlington. Beyond that, the circuit court that issued the decree, the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk's Office, and the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records each serve as access points. Whether you need a full court file or a divorce verification certificate, the right office depends on the type of document you're looking for.
Arlington Divorce Records Search
In Virginia, divorce cases are heard and decided by circuit courts. The Arlington Circuit Court maintains the official case files for all divorces granted in Arlington County. These files can include the final decree of divorce, property settlement agreements, custody and support orders, motions, and other filings made during the case.
The Clerk of the Arlington Circuit Court — currently the Hon. Paul F. Ferguson — is responsible for maintaining and providing access to these court records. Separately, the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, maintains divorce certificates, which are shorter verification documents that confirm a divorce occurred but do not include the full details found in court files.
You can check basic case information online through the Virginia Court System's case search tool, which allows searches by name or case number. For copies of actual documents, contact the Clerk's Office directly.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Arlington
Understanding where records are filed helps you reach the right office on the first try. In Arlington, the filing structure works as follows:
- Arlington Circuit Court — This is the court with jurisdiction over divorce cases in Arlington County. All divorce petitions, hearings, and final decrees are processed here. After a divorce is granted, the decree and full case file remain on record with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
- Virginia Office of Vital Records — Once a divorce is finalized, the court reports it to the state. The Office of Vital Records then maintains a divorce certificate — a summary document that confirms the divorce, the parties involved, and the date. This is not the same as the full decree.
If you need the complete court record — including the decree, settlement agreements, or custody orders — contact the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk's Office. If you only need a verification certificate confirming a divorce took place, the Virginia Office of Vital Records can issue one.
Public access to Virginia court records is governed by Part Eleven of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Most divorce records are generally public, though certain filings — such as those involving sealed financial records or matters related to minors — may be restricted. Ask the clerk whether any portions of a specific case file are sealed or otherwise not available for public inspection.
Virginia court forms related to records requests are available on the Virginia Court System website if you need to submit a written request.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Arlington
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (Virginia Office of Vital Records – online order) | $12.00 | 3–5 business days for electronic processing; mailed copies may take longer |
| Divorce certificate (additional copy, same order) | $6.00 each | Same as above |
| Circuit Court record copy (non-certified) | $0.50 per page | Varies; typically available same day for in-person requests |
| Circuit Court certified copy | $2.00 for first two pages, $0.50 each additional page | Varies; may take several business days if requested by mail |