Raleigh County Public Records /Raleigh County Divorce Records

Raleigh County Divorce Records

What Are Raleigh County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Raleigh County are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to West Virginia Code § 48-5-701, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court filings, orders, and decrees that chronicle the legal process of terminating a marriage.

The Raleigh County Circuit Court maintains these records as part of its official duties. Divorce records serve multiple important functions:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research purposes

Divorce records in Raleigh County are categorized as both vital records and court records, placing them under dual regulatory frameworks. The West Virginia Judiciary oversees court records, while the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources maintains vital records certificates.

Are Raleigh County Divorce Records Public?

Raleigh County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act § 29B-1-1, but with significant exceptions and limitations.

The public accessibility of divorce records is determined by several factors:

Court case files: Most divorce proceedings filed with the Raleigh County Circuit Court are public records, accessible to anyone who requests them. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed.
Certified divorce certificates: These documents have restricted access and are typically only available to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a demonstrable legitimate interest
Sealed records: In cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or other sensitive matters, the court may order records sealed from public view pursuant to West Virginia Code § 48-27-312.
Financial disclosures: Documents containing detailed financial information are often restricted from general public access to protect privacy.

The Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining the balance between public access rights and privacy protections for divorce records. Certain information, such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and information about minor children, is typically redacted from publicly accessible documents in accordance with West Virginia Court Rules.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Raleigh County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Raleigh County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office, which maintains official court records for the county.

To obtain divorce records, individuals may follow these steps:

Contact the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office directly:

Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office
222 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9131
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk

Provide specific information about the divorce record being sought:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Complete a records request form, which can be obtained in person or through the West Virginia Judiciary website.
Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search fee: $5-10 (varies based on search parameters)
- Copy fees: $1.00 per page for standard copies
- Certified copies: $5.00-$10.00 per document
For divorce certificates (as opposed to full court records), contact:

West Virginia Vital Registration Office
350 Capitol Street, Room 165
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2931
Certificate Requests

Requestors should note that processing times typically range from 1-3 business days for in-person requests to 2-4 weeks for mail requests. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Raleigh County Online?

Raleigh County offers limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The West Virginia Judiciary has implemented a case management system that allows for basic case information searches, though complete divorce documents are not typically available for download.

To search for divorce records online, individuals may utilize these resources:

West Virginia Judiciary Case Information System:
- Visit the West Virginia Judiciary website
- Select "Case Information Search" from the main navigation
- Choose "Raleigh County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (names, case numbers, or date ranges)
- Select case type "Divorce/Family Court"
West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Public Case Search:
- This system provides docket information and case status
- Only basic case information is available, not full documents
- Search parameters include party names and case numbers
Third-party subscription services:
- Commercial services like LexisNexis and Westlaw provide access to court records
- These services require paid subscriptions and primarily serve legal professionals
- Information may not be as current as official court sources

Users should be aware of the following limitations when searching online:

Complete divorce filings and supporting documents are generally not available online
Sensitive information is redacted from publicly accessible online records
Recent cases may not appear immediately in online databases
Historical records (pre-2000) may have limited online availability

For comprehensive divorce records, individuals are advised to contact the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office directly, as online resources typically provide only case summaries rather than complete documentation.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Raleigh County?

Individuals seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Raleigh County have several options available, though these methods may have limitations in terms of comprehensiveness and convenience.

Free access options include:

In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request to view specific divorce case files
- Public terminals are available for searching case indexes
- While viewing records is free, copying fees still apply ($1.00 per page)

Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office
222 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9131
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk

Raleigh County Public Library resources:
- The library maintains microfilm archives of local newspapers
- Divorce announcements and legal notices may be researched
- Historical records may be available through genealogical collections

Raleigh County Public Library
221 North Kanawha Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-0511
Raleigh County Public Library

West Virginia Judiciary online case information:
- Basic case information is available without charge
- Visit the West Virginia Judiciary website
- Limited to case numbers, party names, and basic status information
- Does not include actual documents or detailed proceedings
Legal aid organizations:
- Legal Aid of West Virginia may assist eligible individuals in obtaining necessary records
- Services are limited to those who qualify based on income guidelines

Legal Aid of West Virginia - Beckley Office
109 South Heber Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-0561
Legal Aid of West Virginia

Researchers should note that while viewing records may be free, obtaining copies or certified documents will incur standard fees. Additionally, comprehensive searches may require utilizing multiple resources, as no single free option provides complete access to all divorce record information.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Raleigh County

Divorce records in Raleigh County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components, each serving specific legal and administrative purposes.

The standard components of Raleigh County divorce records include:

Petition for Divorce:
- The initial filing that initiates the divorce proceeding
- Contains grounds for divorce as specified under West Virginia Code § 48-5-201
- Includes basic information about both parties and the marriage
- States the petitioner's requested relief (property division, custody, support)
Summons and Service Documentation:
- Proof that the respondent was properly notified of the divorce action
- Documentation of how and when service was accomplished
Response or Answer:
- The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the divorce petition
- May include counterclaims or defenses
Financial Disclosures:
- Sworn statements detailing assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Supporting documentation such as tax returns and bank statements
- Property valuations and ownership evidence
Parenting Plans (if children are involved):
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Decision-making authority allocation
- Holiday and vacation schedules
- Transportation and communication provisions
Child Support Worksheets:
- Calculations based on the West Virginia Child Support Formula
- Documentation of special expenses or deviations from guidelines
Property Settlement Agreements:
- Division of marital assets and debts
- Provisions for retirement accounts and pensions
- Real estate transfers or dispositions
- Personal property allocations
Final Divorce Decree/Order:
- The judge's final ruling that legally terminates the marriage
- Contains all court-ordered provisions regarding property, support, and custody
- Includes name restoration if requested
- Bears the judge's signature and court seal
Post-Decree Motions and Orders:
- Any subsequent modifications to the original decree
- Enforcement actions for non-compliance
- Appeals documentation if applicable

The level of detail in divorce records varies significantly based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the complexity of assets involved, and whether minor children were part of the proceedings. Records from contested divorces typically contain substantially more documentation, including transcripts of hearings, expert witness reports, and extensive exhibits.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Raleigh County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Raleigh County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on the level of certification needed and the intended use of the proof.

The primary methods for obtaining proof of divorce include:

Certified Copy of Divorce Decree from Circuit Court:
- Visit or contact the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Provide the case number or names and approximate date of divorce
- Complete a request form specifying certified copies
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- This document bears the official court seal and is accepted for most legal purposes

Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office
222 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9131
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk

Certificate of Divorce from Vital Registration:
- Contact the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Vital Registration Office
- Complete the Certificate Request Form
- Provide identification and proof of relationship to parties named in the divorce
- Pay the certificate fee ($12.00 per certificate)
- Allow 4-6 weeks for processing by mail, or visit in person for same-day service

West Virginia Vital Registration Office
350 Capitol Street, Room 165
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2931
Certificate Requests

Exemplified or Authenticated Copies (for international use):
- Request an exemplified copy from the Circuit Clerk's Office
- This higher level of certification includes additional verification
- Required for use in certain foreign countries or apostille purposes
- Higher fees apply ($20.00-$30.00 per document)
Court Abstract or Verification Letter:
- For situations requiring only basic verification rather than full documentation
- Confirms the fact and date of divorce without providing all decree details
- Lower cost alternative ($5.00-$10.00)

When requesting proof of divorce, applicants should be prepared to provide:

Full names of both parties (including maiden names)
Date of divorce (at least the year)
Case number (if known)
Valid government-issued photo identification
Documentation of relationship to named parties if not personally involved

Processing times vary based on the method of request and type of documentation needed. In-person requests for standard certified copies can often be fulfilled the same day, while mail requests typically require 10-15 business days for processing.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Raleigh County?

While divorce proceedings in Raleigh County are generally matters of public record, certain mechanisms exist under West Virginia law to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to seal entire divorce cases from public view.

The confidentiality options available in Raleigh County divorce proceedings include:

Sealing Records by Court Order:
- Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of divorce records
- Requires demonstrating compelling privacy interests that outweigh public access rights
- Granted at judicial discretion based on West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure 26(c)
- Most commonly approved in cases involving:
  - Domestic violence or abuse allegations
  - Child abuse or neglect concerns
  - Sensitive medical information
  - Trade secrets or proprietary business information
Automatic Redaction of Sensitive Information:
- Certain personal identifiers are automatically protected from public disclosure
- Pursuant to West Virginia Trial Court Rule 10.04, the following information is redacted:
  - Social Security numbers
  - Financial account numbers
  - Names of minor children (initials used instead)
  - Dates of birth (year only is displayed)
  - Home addresses in certain sensitive cases
Confidential Financial Disclosures:
- Financial statements, tax returns, and detailed asset information
- Filed under seal as "confidential" documents
- Accessible only to parties, their attorneys, and court personnel
- Protected under West Virginia Family Court Rule 13
Alternative Dispute Resolution Privacy:
- Mediation proceedings are confidential by statute
- Collaborative divorce processes occur outside public court records
- Settlement negotiations remain private unless incorporated into final orders
Domestic Violence Protections:
- Cases involving protective orders have enhanced confidentiality
- Address confidentiality program available for victims
- Court records may be sealed under West Virginia Code § 48-27-312

Parties seeking confidentiality should be aware that complete sealing of divorce records is rare and requires exceptional circumstances. Courts balance privacy interests against the presumption of public access to judicial proceedings. Even when records are sealed, certain government agencies may still access the information for official purposes.

Legal representation is strongly recommended for parties with significant privacy concerns, as procedural requirements for sealing records are complex and time-sensitive.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Raleigh County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Raleigh County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including the complexity of the case, level of agreement between parties, and current court caseload. West Virginia law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process often extends beyond these statutory minimums.

Key factors influencing divorce timeframes include:

Type of Divorce:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 60-90 days from filing
- Contested divorces with significant disputes: 6-18 months
- High-asset or complex business ownership cases: 1-2+ years
Statutory Waiting Periods:
- No mandatory waiting period before filing in West Virginia
- Minimum 20-day period between service of process and first hearing
- 60-day cooling-off period for cases involving minor children pursuant to West Virginia Code § 48-5-507
Grounds for Divorce:
- No-fault divorces (irreconcilable differences): Generally faster
- Fault-based divorces requiring evidence: Typically longer due to evidentiary hearings
Child-Related Issues:
- Cases involving custody disputes: Add 3-6+ months
- Guardian ad litem investigations: Add 2-4 months
- Parenting evaluations or home studies: Add 3-6 months
Property Division Complexity:
- Simple property division: Minimal impact on timeline
- Business valuations: Add 2-4 months
- Retirement account divisions (QDROs): Add 1-3 months
- Real estate appraisals and transfers: Add 1-2 months
Court Scheduling Factors:
- Current Raleigh County Family Court caseload
- Judge availability and calendar congestion
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Continuance requests by either party

According to the West Virginia Judiciary Annual Statistical Report, the average time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in Raleigh County is approximately:

Uncontested divorces: 90-120 days
Contested divorces without children: 6-9 months
Contested divorces with children: 9-14 months

Parties can potentially expedite their divorce by:

Utilizing mediation or collaborative divorce processes
Reaching comprehensive settlement agreements prior to filing
Promptly responding to discovery requests
Avoiding unnecessary continuances or delays
Considering simplified divorce procedures when eligible

The Raleigh County Family Court currently has two family court judges handling divorce cases, which affects scheduling availability and case processing times.

How Long Does Raleigh County Keep Divorce Records?

Raleigh County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and state archival laws. Different components of divorce records are subject to varying retention periods based on their legal and historical significance.

The retention periods for divorce records in Raleigh County are as follows:

Court Case Files:
- Complete divorce case files: Permanent retention
- Maintained by the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Eventually transferred to the West Virginia State Archives
- Governed by West Virginia Code § 57-1-7a
Divorce Certificates:
- Permanent retention by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
- Vital Registration Office maintains these records indefinitely
- Available for certified copies regardless of age
Divorce Indexes and Dockets:
- Permanent retention as essential court records
- Maintained both electronically and in physical format
- Serve as finding aids for locating specific case files
Temporary Orders and Procedural Documents:
- Retained as part of the permanent case file
- Not separated from the main file after case conclusion
Exhibits and Evidence:
- Physical exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period (typically 4 months after case conclusion)
- Documentary exhibits: Retained as part of permanent case file
- Audio/visual evidence: Preserved according to technological capabilities
Financial Disclosures and Sensitive Documents:
- Sealed financial records: Retained with case file but remain under seal
- May be subject to more limited access after specified periods (typically 5-10 years)
Electronic Records:
- Case Management System data: Permanent retention
- Digital document scans: Permanent retention
- Backup systems maintained according to state IT policies

The West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Board, in conjunction with the State Archives, oversees the long-term preservation of court records. Historical divorce records (generally those over 75 years old) may be transferred to archival facilities for preservation and research access.

Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may be:

Stored in different formats (microfilm, bound volumes)
Located in the State Archives rather than the local courthouse
Subject to different access procedures than recent records
Potentially incomplete due to historical record-keeping practices or preservation issues

For genealogical or historical research involving divorce records more than 50 years old, the West Virginia Archives and History Library provides specialized assistance.

How To Get a Divorce In Raleigh County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Raleigh County must follow specific procedures established by West Virginia law. The divorce process involves several distinct steps, regardless of whether the case is contested or uncontested.

The standard process for obtaining a divorce in Raleigh County includes:

Establish Eligibility:
- Either party must have been a resident of West Virginia for at least one year prior to filing
- For marriages performed in West Virginia, there is no minimum residency requirement if the grounds for divorce occurred in the state
- Residency requirements are governed by West Virginia Code § 48-5-105
Prepare and File Initial Documents:
- Petition for Divorce (specifying grounds and requested relief)
- Civil Case Information Statement
- Vital Statistics Form
- Financial Statement (if property, support, or alimony issues exist)
- Parenting Plan (if minor children are involved)
- Filing fee payment ($200.00, with potential waiver for indigent parties)

Raleigh County Family Court
222 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9113
West Virginia Judiciary

Serve the Other Party:
- Personal service by sheriff's department ($25.00 fee)
- Certified mail with restricted delivery
- Publication in newspaper if location unknown
- Acceptance of service by the respondent
- The respondent has 20 days to file a response after being served
Temporary Orders Phase:
- Either party may request temporary orders regarding:
  - Child custody and support
  - Spousal support
  - Possession of the marital home
  - Protective provisions
- Temporary hearings typically scheduled within 20-45 days of request
Discovery and Negotiation:
- Exchange of financial information and relevant documents
- Depositions or interrogatories in contested cases
- Mediation (mandatory in cases involving children)
- Settlement negotiations between parties or attorneys
Final Hearing:
- Uncontested cases: Brief hearing to confirm agreement terms
- Contested cases: Evidentiary hearing with witness testimony
- Judge reviews all evidence and proposed agreements
- Final ruling on all disputed issues
Entry of Final Decree:
- Judge signs the Final Order of Divorce
- Order filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office
- Certified copies available to both parties
- Divorce becomes final upon entry of the order

Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings (pro se), but legal representation is advisable, particularly in cases involving children, significant assets, or disputed issues. The West Virginia Judiciary website provides forms and instructions for self-represented litigants.

Alternative dispute resolution options, including mediation and collaborative divorce, are available and encouraged in Raleigh County to reduce conflict and expedite resolution.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Raleigh County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Raleigh County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documentation. The West Virginia court system provides standardized forms for many divorce situations, though complex cases may require customized documents.

Methods for obtaining divorce papers include:

West Virginia Judiciary Website:
- The West Virginia Judiciary provides downloadable divorce forms in PDF format
- Forms are categorized by situation (with/without children, contested/uncontested)
- Instructions are included for proper completion
- Available forms include:
  - Petition for Divorce
  - Financial Statement
  - Parenting Plan
  - Property Settlement Agreement
  - Final Divorce Order templates
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office:
- Paper copies of standard forms available for a nominal fee
- Staff can identify required forms but cannot provide legal advice
- Public computer terminals available for accessing online forms

Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's Office
222 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9131
Raleigh County Circuit Clerk

Raleigh County Law Library:
- Reference materials and form books available
- Self-help legal resources and guides
- Computer access for downloading forms

Raleigh County Law Library
222 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9134

Legal Aid of West Virginia:
- Free assistance for income-eligible individuals
- Form completion guidance and review
- Limited representation in certain cases

Legal Aid of West Virginia - Beckley Office
109 South Heber Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-0561
Legal Aid of West Virginia

Private Attorneys:
- Custom document preparation for specific situations
- Legal advice regarding form completion
- Full representation throughout the divorce process
- Consultation fees and retainers vary by attorney
Document Preparation Services:
- Commercial services that assist with form completion
- Cannot provide legal advice but help with procedural requirements
- Fees typically lower than attorney services

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should consider:

The complexity of their situation (children, property, businesses)
Their comfort level with legal terminology and procedures
Financial resources available for professional assistance
Time constraints and deadlines

All divorce filings must comply with West Virginia Court Rules regarding format, content, and submission procedures. Improperly completed forms may be rejected by the court, causing delays in the divorce process.