Divorce

Divorce suits are handled in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office Civil  Division. You can check on the status of Northumberland County divorce cases by  visiting the Virginia's Judicial System Case Information website 

 The Virginia State Bar publishes two pamphlets that can help you  familiarize yourself with divorce in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Visit  the Divorce in Virginia website and the Children and Divorce Virginia State Bar website to learn more of the information that's important to know. 

A person wanting to get divorced is not required to obtain the services  of a lawyer, but lawyers commonly are employed. When deciding whether to  hire a lawyer, remember that staff in the Clerk's Office cannot provide  legal advice. Each person involved in a divorce suit should obtain  independent legal advice. If you choose to represent yourself, you will  be expected to follow the same procedures as an attorney. If you are  unable to hire a lawyer, visit the Virginia State Bar's Resource website for the Public.  This has information about finding a lawyer. Help may also be found  through the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service 800-552-7977 (Statewide),  804-775-0808 (Richmond), Voice/Telecommunications Device for the Deaf  804-775-0502. 

A divorce suit is started by filing with the clerk's office in person or  by mail pleadings (commonly a Complaint) prepared in accordance with  the Code of Virginia. View the Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court together with filing and service fees that can be determined by using Virginia's Judicial System Circuit Court Filing Fee Calculator or by calling the Civil Division at 804-580-3700. The clerk's office does not have court approved divorce forms.

Divorce complaints sent by mail should be addressed to:
 

•    Northumberland Circuit Court Clerk's Office
    Attention: Civil Division
    PO Box 217
    Heathsville, VA 22473

By hand the complaints should be delivered to the clerk's office on:
 

•     220 Judicial Place
     Heathsville, VA 22473
•     Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
     Monday through Friday

You (if you are representing yourself) or your attorney may contact the  Circuit Court Judge's office via email to cbartlett@vacourts.gov  to schedule hearings or trials. Please be sure to confirm that both you and the other involved  party find the dates mutually agreeable.  Term  days are the fourth Tuesday of January, April, July, October. 

 The clerk's office sends copies of final decrees of divorce to the attorneys representing both parties. If a party is not represented by an attorney, the final decree will be sent to him or her. You may request copies of orders or non-confidential pleadings by appearing in person or writing to:
 

•     Northumberland County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
     P.O. Box 217
     Heathsville, VA 22473

Copies are 50 cents per page, and it costs $2 to certify a copy.  The clerk's office accepts checks, money orders made payable to Northumberland County Circuit Court Clerk. We also accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover and American Express)

When you request a copy you will need identifying  information such as the case number, order book and page number or the  instrument number. Clerk's staff can help you find documents when you  visit the clerk's office. For court orders entered after September 25, 2002  we may be able to help you find identifying information by phone at the  numbers provided.