Alexandria Divorce Records Search

Alexandria divorce decree records are kept by the Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk at 520 King Street in Old Town. Alexandria is an independent city in Virginia, which means it has its own court system separate from any county. If you need to find a divorce case, get a certified copy of a final decree, or check the status of a pending case, the Circuit Court Clerk is the right place to start. The court handles all divorce filings, custody orders, spousal support, and related civil matters for people who live or lived in the city. You can search records online or visit the clerk's office in person during business hours.

Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk

Alexandria is one of Virginia's independent cities. That means it is not part of any county. The city has its own Circuit Court, its own clerk, and its own court records. If you file for divorce in Alexandria, your case stays with Alexandria Circuit Court -- not with Fairfax County or Arlington County, even though those jurisdictions border the city.

The clerk's office is on the third floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street. You can call ahead at 703-746-4044 to ask about your case or confirm what documents you need to bring. The office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Plan to arrive before 3:30 PM if you need same-day help, since staff need time to process requests.

The Alexandria Circuit Court handles more than divorce. Its jurisdiction covers appeals, civil cases, criminal cases, custody and visitation, spousal support, child support, marriage licenses, real estate matters, and wills and estates. All of these records are maintained by the same clerk's office on King Street.

The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is in Room 308, right next door to the clerk. As of April 1, 2025, anyone who wants to bring a cell phone or other electronic device into the courthouse must get a color-coded building pass from the Sheriff's Office first. Attorneys use a red badge on a red lanyard. Non-attorneys can apply for a pass as well, but it takes at least a week to process. If you don't have a pass, leave your phone in your car or use one of the vestibule lockers at the entrance.

The courthouse page at alexandriava.gov/Courts has information on hours, services, and how to contact the clerk. This is the official city source for court information in Alexandria.

How to Search Alexandria Divorce Records

You can look up Alexandria divorce cases online or in person. The online search tool is the fastest way to confirm a case exists and check its status. In-person visits let you review the full file and get certified copies the same day.

Virginia's statewide case search system is the main online tool. Go to vacourts.gov and use the circuit court case search feature. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows case type, filing date, parties involved, and hearing dates. It does not show the full contents of sealed or restricted records.

To search, you need at least one of these things:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• The case number if you have it
• Approximate year the case was filed

If you want a certified copy of the divorce decree, you must request it from the clerk's office. You can do this in person or by mail. In-person requests are handled at Room 307. For mail requests, write to the clerk at 520 King Street, Room 307, Alexandria, VA 22314, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with any required fees.

Virginia Code § 17.1-275 sets the fee rules. The first certified copy of a decree is free. After that, each page costs $0.50 plus a $2.00 certification fee. Plain copies cost less. Ask the clerk to confirm the current fee schedule before you send a check.

Divorce records in Virginia are not fully public. Under § 32.1-271, divorce certificates through the Virginia Department of Health are restricted for 25 years from the date of the divorce. During that period, only the parties to the divorce or their immediate family members with valid ID can get a copy. Court records held by the clerk may have different access rules depending on whether the court sealed any part of the file.

Alexandria Divorce Decree Fees

Filing fees for divorce in Alexandria are set by Virginia law. The base filing fee is $60 under § 17.1-275. This covers the initial case filing. There may be additional fees depending on the complexity of your case, whether service of process is needed, or if you request court-issued documents.

Here is a breakdown of common fees you may encounter:

• Divorce filing fee: $60
• First certified copy of decree: free
• Additional certified copies: $0.50 per page plus $2.00 certification
• Divorce certificate from VDH: $12 each
• Plain (uncertified) copies: $0.50 per page

If you need a divorce certificate rather than a court decree, contact the Virginia Department of Health. VDH issues official divorce certificates for divorces recorded statewide. The fee is $12 per certificate. You can reach VDH at 804-662-6200 or visit in person at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. More information is at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records.

The clerk's office can tell you if any other local fees apply to your case. It is worth calling 703-746-4044 before you go so you bring the right amount. The office accepts standard forms of payment, but confirm this when you call.

Filing for Divorce in Alexandria

To file for divorce in Alexandria, at least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. This is the residency requirement under Virginia Code § 20-97. Since Alexandria is an independent city, you file here if either spouse is an Alexandria resident -- not in Fairfax County or Arlington County, even if those areas are nearby.

Virginia allows no-fault divorce. If both spouses agree on all terms and have no minor children together, they can separate for six months with a written separation agreement in place and then file. If there are minor children, or if there is no signed agreement, the law requires one year of separation before filing on no-fault grounds. Fault-based grounds also exist, including cruelty, adultery, desertion, and felony conviction.

The steps to file are:

• Get and complete the divorce petition (Bill of Complaint) from the clerk's office or vacourts.gov
• Pay the $60 filing fee at Room 307
• Serve the other spouse or file a waiver of service
• Submit any separation agreement, parenting plan, or property settlement
• Attend any required hearing or submit written testimony if uncontested

Uncontested divorces in Alexandria can often be handled without a court appearance if both parties sign an affidavit and submit the required paperwork. The judge reviews the file and signs the final decree. Contested cases take longer and may require mediation or a trial. The clerk's office can tell you what forms are needed but cannot give legal advice.

What Alexandria Divorce Records Contain

A divorce decree from the Alexandria Circuit Court is a legal document signed by a judge. It ends the marriage and sets out the terms both parties must follow. The decree is kept in the case file at the clerk's office and can be retrieved by request.

A typical Alexandria divorce decree includes:

• Full names of both spouses
• Date and place of marriage
• Date of separation
• Grounds for divorce
• Property division terms
• Spousal support (if any)
• Child custody and visitation arrangements (if children involved)
• Child support order (if applicable)
• Date the decree was signed by the judge

The case file may also include the original petition, service documents, the separation agreement, financial disclosure statements, and any motions filed during the case. Not all of these are available to the general public. The parties and their attorneys can always get full access. Third parties may be limited depending on what the court sealed.

The VDH divorce certificate is a shorter document. It records the fact of the divorce but does not include property or custody details. That certificate is what you typically need to prove you are divorced for legal or administrative purposes. The full decree is needed for things like enforcing custody terms or dividing retirement accounts.

Legal Help in Alexandria

Divorce law can be hard to navigate on your own. Several resources in and near Alexandria offer free or low-cost help. If you are not sure where to start, call one of these organizations first.

Virginia Legal Aid at valegalaid.org serves low-income Virginians. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and support matters. Eligibility is based on income. Call or go to their website to apply. They cover Alexandria and surrounding areas.

The Virginia State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at vsb.org. You can search for attorneys who handle family law in Alexandria. Many offer a first consultation at a flat rate. If you need to find someone with experience in Virginia divorce law, this is a good place to look.

The Alexandria Circuit Court itself cannot give legal advice. But the clerk's office can tell you which forms you need and how to file them. Court staff can point you to self-help resources and public information. This is different from legal advice, but it can still be useful if you are filing on your own.

For those who cannot afford an attorney, Virginia Legal Aid and local pro bono clinics are the best options. Some law school clinics in the Northern Virginia area also help with family law matters on a limited basis.

Nearby Virginia Cities

These independent Virginia cities are close to Alexandria. Each has its own Circuit Court Clerk and handles divorce records separately.

Adjacent Counties

Fairfax County and Arlington County border Alexandria. If your case involves a county resident, the relevant county Circuit Court handles those filings.