Carroll County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Carroll County in 2026
CarrollVARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Carroll County, Virginia. Members of the public may find records such as final divorce decrees, case filing dates, party names, court orders, and related family law documents. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, the nature of the proceedings, and any court-ordered restrictions.
Records may be searched through the following official resources:
- Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office (in-person, by mail, or via Secure Remote Access)
- Virginia's statewide court case information portal
- Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records (for divorce certificates since 1918)
- Public access terminals located at the courthouse
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Carroll County Circuit Court maintains an online records system through its Secure Remote Access (SRA) portal. This is the most common method for remotely accessing divorce case files. Basic case information is available, while document retrieval may require payment of applicable fees.
- Access requires completion of the Carroll County Circuit Court SRA Agreement Form
- A $35 monthly subscription fee applies for remote access
- Subscribers may search case indexes, view docket entries, and retrieve filed documents
2. State Court System Portal
The Carroll Circuit Court is part of Virginia's Judicial System, which provides statewide case information through the Virginia Courts Case Information portal. This consolidated database allows members of the public to search circuit court cases across jurisdictions using party names or case numbers.
3. State Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records maintains divorce records statewide. Divorce records have been registered in Virginia since 1918. Certified copies of divorce certificates may be obtained through this office for a fee. The vital records office provides a summary-level certificate rather than the full court case file.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Carroll County Circuit Court:
Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
605 Pine Street
Hillsville, VA 24343
Phone: (276) 730-3070
Carroll Circuit Court — Virginia's Judicial System
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 605 Pine Street, Hillsville, VA 24343
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (may be required for certain records)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to volume
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (276) 730-3070
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- 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 require 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. Attorney access is particularly useful in cases involving sealed records or complex post-judgment proceedings.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of the divorce
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Last known addresses of both parties
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Virginia are filed in the Circuit Court of the county or city where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record must identify the correct jurisdiction. Searching in the county where the marriage occurred is not appropriate unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of the divorce filing.
Residency Requirement:
Under 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 complaint, as required under Virginia Code § 20-97. The divorce is filed in the Circuit Court of the county or city where either party resides.
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 indexed
- The Clerk's office can confirm whether a case has been entered into the system
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Records from before 1918 may not be available through the Virginia Department of Health
What If You Cannot Find the Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county — the divorce may have been filed in a different jurisdiction
- Name variations — search under both married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case may still be pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records may be archived or not digitized
- The case may have been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (276) 730-3070 to request assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Virginia Department of Health vital records for a divorce certificate
- Consider retaining an attorney for complex searches
What Are Carroll County Divorce Records?
Carroll County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Carroll County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law case file maintained by the Clerk of Court and are classified as public records subject to applicable access laws and privacy protections.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Complaint or bill of complaint for divorce
- Defendant's answer or cross-bill
- Financial disclosure affidavits
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Property settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings (if ordered)
- Final decree of divorce
Final Decree of Divorce:
The final decree is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or alimony provisions, 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 Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as evidence)
- Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
- Real and personal property inventories
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
- Post-judgment 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 and naturalization proceedings
- 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 Carroll County Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk indexes records by the names of the parties and provides certified copies upon request. At the state level, the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records maintains divorce certificates for proceedings finalized since 1918, though these certificates contain summary information rather than the complete case file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Virginia are governed by Virginia Code § 20-91, which sets forth the grounds for divorce, including no-fault divorce based on separation. Public access to court records is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.), which establishes the presumption that government records are open to inspection by members of the public.
Are Carroll County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Carroll County 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 purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to court rules)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some circumstances)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
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.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
As stated in the Carroll County FOIA Procedures, "a public record is any writing or recording—regardless of whether it is a paper, digital, or other format—prepared or owned by a public body." The Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes a presumption of public access, and any restriction on access requires a specific legal basis.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester Type | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decrees |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
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 Carroll County?
The Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office charges fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with the Virginia Code. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Secure Remote Access (SRA) subscription | $35.00 per month |
| Photocopy of a document (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of a court order or decree | $2.00 per document + $0.50 per page |
| Divorce certificate (Virginia Dept. of Health) | $12.00 per certified copy |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Members of the public may view documents on public access terminals without a copying fee
- Certified copies of the final decree of divorce are the most commonly requested documents and carry the certification fee noted above
- The Virginia Department of Health charges $12.00 for each certified copy of a divorce certificate; additional copies ordered at the same time are available at a reduced rate
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Clerk of Court; credit card acceptance may vary
- Fee waivers are not routinely available for divorce record requests; parties seeking a waiver must petition the court and demonstrate financial hardship
Fees for copies of court records are established under Virginia law and are subject to change. Members of the public are encouraged to confirm current fees directly with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a request.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Carroll County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk contains documents generated at every stage of the proceeding. 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:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The Complaint or Bill of Complaint for Divorce 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 or Cross-Bill states the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterclaims for relief.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial disclosure affidavits detailing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts), and liabilities (including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and subpoenas. Financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements are submitted as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory listing all marital liabilities
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on the value of specific assets
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Court-ordered custody evaluations and home studies
- Guardian ad litem reports (subject to restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Spousal support or alimony orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and expense analyses supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
A Property Settlement Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues between the parties, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. If the parties participated in mediation, a mediation agreement may be incorporated into the settlement.
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- The Final Decree of Divorce, which is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, making findings of fact and conclusions of law, and establishing all rights and obligations of the parties
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) directing retirement plan administrators to divide retirement benefits
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, visitation, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from public copies)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence-related evidence (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Carroll County?
Proof of divorce in Carroll County is obtained through either the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office or the Virginia Department of Health, depending on the level of detail required.
Step 1 — Determine the appropriate source:
- A certified copy of the final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court Clerk is the most comprehensive and legally recognized proof of divorce. It contains the full terms of the dissolution.
- A divorce certificate from the Virginia Department of Health provides a summary record confirming that a divorce was granted, including the names of the parties, the date, and the county of filing. This is sufficient for many administrative purposes such as remarriage or name change.
Step 2 — Request from the Circuit Court Clerk:
Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
605 Pine Street
Hillsville, VA 24343
Phone: (276) 730-3070
Carroll Circuit Court — Virginia's Judicial System
- In-person requests are processed during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Mail requests must include the names of both parties, approximate divorce date, case number if known, and payment
- The Carroll County Circuit Court Records page provides instructions for remote access and document requests
Step 3 — Request from the Virginia Department of Health:
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
- Divorce certificates are available for proceedings finalized since 1918
- Requests may be submitted by mail, in person at a local VDH office, or through authorized third-party services
- The Blue Ridge Health District vital records page provides regional guidance on obtaining certified copies
Step 4 — Provide required information:
- Full names of both spouses as they appeared on the divorce filing
- Approximate date or year the divorce was finalized
- County where the divorce was filed
- Requester's name, address, and relationship to the record
- Payment of applicable fees
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Carroll County?
Divorce proceedings in Carroll County are presumptively public, but Virginia law permits courts to restrict access to specific records or entire case files under defined circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A judge may seal all or part of a divorce file upon a finding of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive information whose disclosure would cause harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public inspection to protect the safety of the individual.
- Children's information: Pursuant to Virginia court rules, information identifying the residential address, school, or medical details of minor children is subject to restriction.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible copies of court documents as a matter of standard practice.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential under Virginia law and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluations and treatment records submitted in connection with custody proceedings may be sealed or provided only to the parties and their counsel.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for disclosure. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requester's interest against the privacy interests protected by the sealing order.
How Long Does Carroll County Keep Divorce Records?
The Carroll County Circuit Court retains divorce records in accordance with the Virginia Supreme Court's Records Retention Schedule for Circuit Courts, which establishes minimum retention periods for all categories of court records.
- Final decrees of divorce and permanent orders: Retained permanently. These records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely through the Clerk's office.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the conclusion of the case, after which non-permanent documents may be eligible for disposition.
- Uncontested divorce case files: Subject to the same minimum retention requirements; the final decree is retained permanently regardless of case type.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged after the minimum period if not subject to a hold.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained permanently as part of the ongoing case record.
- Vital records (divorce certificates): The Virginia Department of Health retains divorce certificates permanently. Records dating to 1918 are currently available through the Office of Vital Records.
Older paper records that have not been digitized may require additional retrieval time. The Clerk's office can advise on the availability and format of records from specific time periods.