How To Access Public Virginia Divorce Records This New Year

Overview of Virginia Divorce Records

In Virginia, divorce records are managed by the Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, a branch of the Virginia Department of Health. These records, which have been meticulously kept since 1918, are part of the vital records system that includes birth, marriage, and death records. Divorce documents are essential for legal verifications and other related uses.

Accessing Divorce Records

Following the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, divorce records are publicly accessible, unlike other vital records which may be restricted to immediate family members. To obtain a copy, one must complete an application detailing the divorce specifics and pay the requisite fee. If no record is found, the applicant receives a "No Record" letter.

Detailed Information Required

For a successful search, applicants need to provide comprehensive details such as:

• Full names of the couple
• Date and location of the divorce
• Full name and contact details of the applicant

Methods of Obtaining Divorce Records

Virginia offers several avenues to access these records:

1. Mail Request: Send an application to the Division of Vital Records. This method takes about 2-4 weeks.
2. Walk-in: Visit the government agency directly for same-day service. This requires a $12 fee and valid photo ID.
3. Online through VitalChek: For a convenient at-home option, VitalChek provides a secure service with no hidden fees and guarantees document protection. More details can be found on their official website.

Why Use VitalChek?

VitalChek is authorized by the Virginia government to distribute divorce records online. This service is directly linked to government databases, ensuring accuracy and security. Benefits include:

• No hidden charges or inflated fees
• Protection of personal information
• Online tracking and 24/7 customer support

Statistical Insights

According to the Virginia Department of Health, the state recorded over 30,000 divorces in recent years. The accessibility of these records online has significantly increased, with over 60% of requests now being handled digitally, reflecting a growing trend towards online government services.

Conclusion

Accessing divorce records in Virginia is a straightforward process thanks to multiple retrieval methods and the reliable service provided by platforms like VitalChek. Whether for legal verification or personal records, these documents are readily available to the public under the guidelines set by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.