How To Get Virginia Divorce Records For Free

Divorce records in the Commonwealth of Virginia are stored at the Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics. They keep records filed since 1918 up to the present. Records are maintained are available at a state-wide level for a more comprehensive search. Virginia Divorce Records are recognized as vital records.

Divorce records are used as proof of divorce and other legal purposes. Certified copies are issued only by the Virginia Department of Health and the Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics. 

With the passing of the Freedom of Information Act in Virginia, divorce records were made open to the public. Other vital records can be accessed only by immediate family members of the people involved in the records. Files can be obtained once an application form is filled out with details regarding the divorce and a corresponding fee for the certified copy. After the order is made, the agency will not give any refund. In case no files are found for a search subject, a “No Record” letter will be given instead to the client.

It is important to provide details about the divorce so that a search can be performed. The more details the client knows about the case, then the results the search will return. Important details include names of the people involved in the case, date and place where it occurred. Full name and email address of the requesting client is also needed.

There are three ways to obtain the records - through mail, walk-in and through an online records provider. Only cash and check is accepted as mode of payment for the first two and a major credit card is accepted for an online records provider. Mail requests should be addressed to the Division of Vital Records with an estimated turn-around of two to four weeks from the time the request is made. The second way, which is the fastest way, is the walk-in. A same day service is available to walk-in customers. You only need to bring $12 as payment for the certified copy, which is paid per search, and a valid ID. The third way to obtain such files is by Express Delivery through VitalChek Network. 

VitalChek is permitted by the government of Virginia to give out divorce records. Since they are directly connected to the government, clients do not have to worry about hidden charges, expensive fees. They also guarantee the protection of the clients’ files. Now that is convenience at the comfort of your own home. With the help of their online tracking system and a 24/7 support system, clients’ files are guaranteed safe and take care of. Clients will also know when the files will arrive.