Greenbrier County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Greenbrier County in 2026
GreenbrierRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, custody arrangements, and support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Greenbrier County.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The West Virginia Judiciary Court Record Access portal provides online access to circuit court case information, including divorce and dissolution of marriage cases filed in Greenbrier County. Basic case information is available at no charge. Copies of specific documents may require payment of applicable fees.
- Search by party name or case number
- Free access to basic case information
- Document copies may require a fee
- Available statewide across all fifty-five counties
2. State Court System Portal
The West Virginia Judiciary maintains a consolidated statewide portal through which members of the public may search court records across jurisdictions, review Supreme Court opinions, access e-filing tools, and locate court information by county.
- Search across all West Virginia counties
- Consolidated database of circuit court records
- Access to docket entries and case summaries
3. State Vital Records
The West Virginia Department of Health's Health Statistics Center (HSC) serves as the state's official repository for vital records. Members of the public may submit certificate requests for divorce records registered with the state. Divorce certificates issued by the HSC provide summary information and carry applicable fees.
- Official state repository for divorce certificates
- Provides proof of divorce for legal and personal purposes
- Fees apply per certificate issued
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Greenbrier County Circuit Court:
Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk
912 Court Street North
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Phone: (304) 647-6602
Greenbrier Circuit Court — West Virginia Judiciary
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff available to assist with record location
Records Department:
The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains both active and archived divorce case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the clerk's counter.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk, P.O. Box 751, Lewisburg, WV 24901
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for standard requests
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (304) 647-6602
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex matters or seeking access to restricted portions of a divorce file may retain legal counsel. An attorney may access the complete case file, file motions to unseal restricted documents upon a showing of good cause, and obtain certified copies on behalf of a client. The West Virginia State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or case filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses of either party
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Divorce proceedings in West Virginia are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Under current West Virginia law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of one year immediately preceding the filing of the divorce petition, pursuant to W. Va. Code § 48-5-105. The petition is filed in the circuit court of the county where the petitioning spouse resides.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces: Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to weeks for records to be indexed and made available.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request to the clerk's office.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Common issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
- Next steps:
- Contact the Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk at (304) 647-6602
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Submit a certificate request to the West Virginia HSC vital records office
- Retain a licensed attorney for complex searches
What Are Greenbrier County Divorce Records?
Greenbrier County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Greenbrier County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the public court file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and document the legal dissolution of a marriage under West Virginia law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete divorce case file contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceeding, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree of divorce is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a divorce case may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the final decree.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit claims
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk's office indexes records by party names, maintains the complete case file, and provides certified copies upon request. At the state level, the West Virginia Department of Health HSC maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system, though these certificates contain summary information rather than the complete case file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in West Virginia are governed by W. Va. Code § 48-5-101 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the West Virginia Rules of Court and the state's open records framework, which presumes that court records are accessible to members of the public absent a specific legal basis for restriction.
Are Greenbrier County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Greenbrier County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the presumption of public access under West Virginia law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within a divorce file are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled events
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with limited access)
- Salary and income details (subject to applicable court rules)
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children (may be redacted)
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Medical records of either party
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case, their attorneys, and certain authorized government entities may petition the court for access to sealed materials.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed materials |
| Law enforcement | Authorized access per applicable law |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use the information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to restricted or sealed portions of a divorce file must file a motion with the Greenbrier County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Greenbrier County?
The Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established under West Virginia court rules and are subject to change. Members of the public are advised to confirm current fees with the clerk's office prior to submitting a request.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification seal | Included in certification fee |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at the circuit court level |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public divorce records at the clerk's office at no charge during regular business hours.
- Electronic copies: Availability and fees for electronic copies vary; members of the public should inquire directly with the clerk's office.
- Vital records divorce certificates: The West Virginia HSC charges a fee per certified divorce certificate issued through the state vital records certificate request process. Current fees are listed on the HSC website.
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Clerk of Court. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or check; cash is not recommended for mail submissions.
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to a case and who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis under applicable West Virginia court rules.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public divorce records at the clerk's office
- Online review of basic case information and docket entries through the West Virginia Judiciary court record access portal
What's Included in Divorce Records in Greenbrier County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court from the date of initial filing through the entry of the final decree and any subsequent post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Case number assigned by the clerk
- Name of the court and division
- Petitioner and respondent names
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
Filing Information:
- Date the petition was filed
- Filing fees paid
- Case type (dissolution of marriage)
- Basis for jurisdiction
Initial Pleadings
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Petitioner's identifying information
- Respondent's identifying information
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under West Virginia's no-fault framework)
- Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims regarding marital property
- Requests for spousal support and child support
- Relief requested from the court
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Both parties' income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Marital and separate assets, including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
- Liabilities, including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
- Standard of living during the marriage
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials filed with the court may include tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, credit card statements, loan documents, business financial records, written interrogatories and answers, and requests for production of documents.
Property-Related Documents
Marital Asset Inventory:
- Real property descriptions and estimated values
- Vehicles and current values
- Bank and investment account balances
- Retirement account information
- Business interests and valuations
- Personal property, jewelry, art, and collectibles
Debt Inventory:
- Mortgage balances
- Vehicle loans
- Credit card debt
- Personal and business loans
- Tax obligations
Appraisals and Valuations:
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Personal property appraisals
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)
Parenting Plan:
- Legal custody (decision-making authority)
- Physical custody and primary residence
- Regular, holiday, summer, and vacation timesharing schedules
- Transportation arrangements
- Communication provisions between parents and children
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Number of overnights with each parent
- Health insurance and childcare costs
- Support amount ordered and payment schedule
- Provisions for modification
Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):
- Psychologist or evaluator reports
- Home studies
- Parenting assessments
- Recommendations to the court (portions may be sealed)
Guardian ad Litem Reports (If Appointed):
- Attorney for children's findings
- Best interests analysis
- Recommendations to the court
Support Documents
Alimony/Spousal Support:
- Type of support ordered (temporary, rehabilitative, or other)
- Amount and duration
- Payment schedule and method
- Modification and termination conditions
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Comprehensive resolution of all contested issues
- Real and personal property division
- Debt allocation
- Spousal support terms
- Child-related provisions
- Tax treatment of transfers
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures and notarization
Mediation Agreement (If Applicable):
- Terms reached through mediation
- May be incorporated into the marital settlement agreement
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary Orders:
- Temporary custody and support
- Temporary use of marital property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
Final Judgment of Dissolution:
- Official court order ending the marriage
- Date of dissolution
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Property division awards
- Spousal support orders
- Child custody, timesharing, and support orders
- Name restoration, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Separate order dividing retirement plan benefits
- Instructions to the plan administrator
- Issued when retirement accounts are part of the property division
Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)
- Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
- Liens filed in connection with support obligations
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How Information Is Organized
Documents in a divorce case file are maintained in chronological order of filing. The docket sheet reflects the filing sequence and date of each document. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the court's case management system. Older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned digital images. Each document is assigned a filing date and document identifier within the case file index.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Greenbrier County
Proof of divorce in Greenbrier County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final decree from the Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk, or a certified divorce certificate from the West Virginia Department of Health.
Certified Copy of Final Decree — Circuit Court:
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce and is accepted for remarriage, name change, immigration, and most legal purposes.
- In person: Present at the Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 912 Court Street North, Lewisburg, WV 24901, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Provide the case number or names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce. Pay applicable copy and certification fees.
- By mail: Submit a written request to P.O. Box 751, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Include party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, requestor contact information, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online: Basic case information is available through the West Virginia Judiciary court record access portal. Certified copies must be obtained directly from the clerk's office.
Certified Divorce Certificate — State Vital Records:
The West Virginia Department of Health HSC issues certified divorce certificates for divorces registered with the state. Members of the public may submit a certificate request online, by mail, or in person. The divorce certificate provides summary information including the names of the parties, date of divorce, and county of filing. Fees apply per certificate.
West Virginia Department of Health — Health Statistics Center
350 Capitol Street, Room 165
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-2931
Certificate Requests — West Virginia Department of Health
The West Virginia Judiciary website also provides county-specific court information and links to assist members of the public in locating the appropriate office for record requests.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Greenbrier County?
A divorce proceeding in Greenbrier County may be made fully or partially confidential under limited circumstances established by West Virginia law and court rules. The default presumption under state law is that court records, including divorce files, are open to public inspection.
- Sealed by court order: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the divorce file. The court grants such requests only upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive medical information, domestic violence safety concerns, or trade secrets in business valuation documents.
- Domestic violence cases: When a party to a divorce is a victim of domestic violence, the court may restrict public access to residential addresses, contact information, and other identifying details that could compromise the safety of the victim or minor children.
- Children's information: Pursuant to W. Va. Code § 48-9-209, certain information relating to minor children, including custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, may be restricted from public access.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible filings as a matter of standard court practice.
- Mediation communications: Statements made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement terms that are not incorporated into a filed court order are not part of the public record.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted portions of a divorce file must file a motion with the Greenbrier County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Greenbrier County Keep Divorce Records?
Greenbrier County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with West Virginia court record retention schedules. The retention period varies depending on the type of record and the nature of the case.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final divorce decrees are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Circuit court civil case files, including divorce proceedings, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under current West Virginia court record retention guidelines. Cases involving minor children may be retained until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional period.
- Archived paper records: Older divorce case files that predate electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may be held in off-site storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the court's electronic filing system are maintained in the court's case management database and are accessible through the West Virginia Judiciary court record access portal.
- Vital records divorce certificates: The West Virginia HSC retains divorce records registered with the state as part of the permanent vital records archive. Members of the public may request certified copies of these records regardless of the age of the divorce through the HSC certificate request process.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Modification orders entered after the final decree are maintained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Greenbrier County Circuit Court Clerk directly at (304) 647-6602 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.