Divorce records in Hampton, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels depending on the type of document you need. HamptonCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Hampton. You can also obtain records directly from the circuit court that issued the decree, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, or the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records. Each office holds different types of divorce documentation, so the right starting point depends on whether you need a court file or a vital record certificate.
Hampton Divorce Records Search
In Hampton, divorce records are maintained by two primary offices. The Hampton Circuit Court Clerk's Office keeps the complete court file for every divorce granted in the city, including the final decree, pleadings, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and any related motions. The Virginia Office of Vital Records maintains a separate divorce certificate — a shorter statistical record — for divorces finalized in the state since 1918.
To search for Hampton divorce case information online, use the Virginia Courts Case Information System, which allows searches by name or case number for circuit court records. For certified divorce certificates, contact the Office of Vital Records or the Hampton & Peninsula Health District's vital records office.
Hampton Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Hampton
Virginia's circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce cases. In Hampton, that means every divorce petition is filed with and decided by the Hampton Circuit Court. Once a judge signs the final decree, the Clerk's Office records it and maintains the complete case file permanently.
Separately, the court reports basic divorce information to the Virginia Department of Health. The Office of Vital Records then creates a divorce certificate — a summary document that confirms the divorce occurred, the date it was granted, and the names of the parties. This certificate does not contain the detailed terms found in the decree.
Which office to contact:
- Full court record (decree, settlement agreement, custody orders, motions): Hampton Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Divorce certificate (verification that a divorce occurred): Virginia Office of Vital Records or Hampton & Peninsula Health District
Hampton Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Virginia Office of Vital Records
Hampton & Peninsula Health District — Vital Records
You can also apply online for a vital record through the Virginia Department of Health's portal.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Hampton
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate (VDH — online or mail) | $12.00 | 3–5 business days (online); 2–4 weeks (mail) |
| Certified divorce certificate (local health district — walk-in) | $12.00 | Same day or next business day |
| Circuit court record copy (non-certified) | $0.50 per page | While you wait (in person) |
| Certified copy of court document (Circuit Court Clerk) | $2.00 for certification plus copy fees | While you wait (in person); varies by mail |