Craig County Divorce Records

Craig County divorce decree records are kept at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in New Castle. You can request copies in person or by mail, and the clerk can help you find records going back many decades.

Craig County Circuit Court Clerk

The Craig County Circuit Court Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in the county. This office files divorce complaints, stores case documents, and provides copies of final decrees to eligible requesters. If a divorce was filed in Craig County, this is where the records are held.

Craig County is a small, rural county in southwestern Virginia. The courthouse is in New Castle, which is the county seat. Most people who live in Craig County file for divorce here. If a case was filed in a different county, you need to contact that county's clerk instead. The clerk's staff can tell you if a case is in their system before you make the trip.

Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring. For very old records, some files may be in archive storage. The clerk can let you know what to expect when you call.

How to Search Craig County Divorce Records

You can search Craig County divorce records in person at the courthouse or by sending a written request by mail. Craig County is a small county, so there is no local online case search portal. Virginia's statewide court system has some tools, but not every local record is indexed there. In-person or mail requests are the most reliable way to find a case.

To search in person, go to the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 182 Main Street in New Castle. Bring a valid photo ID. Know the full name of at least one party and a rough idea of when the case was filed. Staff can search by name or case number and make copies for you on the spot.

For a mail request, write a letter to the clerk. Include the full names of both spouses if possible, the year the case was filed, your phone number or email, and a description of what you need. Send payment for copy fees along with the letter. The clerk will search and respond by mail.

What helps your search:

• Full legal name of one or both parties
• Approximate year the divorce was filed or finalized
• Case number, if you have it
• The county where the divorce was filed

If you only need proof that a divorce happened and don't need the full court file, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issues divorce certificates. These are short documents that confirm the divorce but don't contain all the case detail. VDH has records going back to 1918. You can request a certificate through their Office of Vital Records in Richmond.

The New River Health District serves Craig County residents on public health matters. The image below shows the VDH New River District site, which links to vital records services for the region.

The VDH New River Health District covers Craig County. For a divorce certificate, contact the VDH Office of Vital Records at 8701 Park Central Drive Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227.

Craig County Divorce Decree Fees

Craig County follows the statewide fee schedule set by the Virginia General Assembly. The base fee to file for divorce is $60, as defined in Virginia Code § 17.1-275. This is the same in every Virginia county.

When your divorce is final, you get the first certified copy of the decree for free. This is also required by § 17.1-275. Any extra certified copies cost $0.50 per page plus a $2 certification fee per copy. So a three-page decree would run $1.50 plus $2 for each additional certified copy. Plain uncertified copies cost less. Ask the clerk for the current rate when you call or visit.

If you need a short-form divorce certificate from VDH rather than the full court file, the cost is $12 per certificate. VDH certificates are often used for name changes, new marriage licenses, or legal documents that just need proof the divorce happened.

Other costs that may come up in a Craig County divorce:

• Service of process (having your spouse officially served with court papers)
• Motion fees for contested hearings
• Attorney fees if you hire a lawyer
• Mediation fees if the court orders it

Filing for Divorce in Craig County

To file for divorce in Craig County, at least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for six months before filing. This is the residency rule under Virginia Code § 20-97. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives.

Virginia has two types of divorce: fault-based and no-fault. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction. No-fault divorce requires that the couple live apart for at least one year. If both spouses sign a written separation agreement and have no minor children, the separation period drops to six months.

Steps to file in Craig County:

• Prepare your complaint for divorce and any required affidavits
• File at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in New Castle and pay the $60 fee
• Serve your spouse with the divorce papers or get a signed waiver of service
• Complete the required separation period
• Submit a final decree or attend a hearing before the judge signs off

Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms are simpler. They usually take less time. Contested cases, where the parties fight over property, custody, or support, require more steps and take longer to resolve. A judge assigned to the 25th Judicial Circuit handles divorce cases in Craig County.

Craig County does not have a dedicated family court. For forms and basic guidance, Virginia Legal Aid may be able to assist depending on where you live and your income level.

What Craig County Divorce Records Contain

A divorce case file at the Craig County Circuit Court holds all documents filed during the case. The most important document is the final decree of divorce. This is what the judge signs to officially end the marriage. It lays out all the terms the court approved.

The file may also include the original complaint, any answers filed by the other spouse, financial disclosures, custody plans, property settlement agreements, and notes from any hearings. Simple uncontested cases have fewer pages. Complex cases with contested issues can have many more.

A Craig County divorce decree typically shows:

• Full legal names of both spouses
• Date and place of marriage
• Date of separation
• Grounds for divorce (fault or no-fault)
• How marital property and debts are split
• Custody and visitation terms, if children are involved
• Child support amount, if ordered
• Spousal support, if ordered
• Date the judge signed the decree

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, divorce records are restricted for 25 years after the divorce. During that time, only the named parties and their immediate family members can get copies. You must show valid ID. After 25 years, the records become part of the general public record. If you just need short proof of the divorce, a VDH certificate is often easier and faster to obtain.

Legal Help in Craig County

Craig County is a small rural county with limited local legal services. But several statewide and regional resources can help people who need assistance with a divorce.

The Virginia Legal Aid Society provides free legal help to low-income Virginians. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and support. Not every case qualifies, but they can tell you whether you meet their income guidelines. They serve multiple counties and can sometimes help by phone or video call.

The Virginia State Bar has a lawyer referral service. If you want to hire an attorney and need help finding one, this is a good starting point. Many attorneys offer a reduced-fee or no-cost first meeting. The Bar's website lists lawyers by county and practice area.

The Virginia Courts website at vacourts.gov has general information about circuit court procedures. Some forms and guides are available there as well. Craig County's Circuit Court Clerk can also point you to the right forms when you call or visit.

If your case involves children, the court may require mediation or a guardian ad litem. These steps cost money, so plan ahead. If you cannot afford them, ask the court about your options. The 25th Judicial Circuit judge has some discretion in these matters.

For divorce certificate requests, contact the VDH Office of Vital Records at 8701 Park Central Drive Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Phone: (804) 662-6200. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Their website is vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records.

Cities Near Craig County

These Virginia cities are near Craig County. Each city has its own circuit court for divorce filings.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Craig County. If you are unsure which county to file in, use the county where you or your spouse lives.