Boone County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Boone County in 2026
BooneCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Boone County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Record availability varies by case age, filing method, and any court-ordered restrictions. Categories of information that may be accessible include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, spousal support determinations, and child custody arrangements.
Divorce records in Boone County are maintained by the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk and may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools provided by the West Virginia Judiciary.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The West Virginia Judiciary's Court Record Access portal allows members of the public to search circuit court records from all fifty-five counties statewide, including Boone County. Basic case information is available at no charge. Obtaining copies of specific documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The West Virginia Judiciary maintains a consolidated statewide portal through which users may search circuit court and magistrate court records across jurisdictions. The court record access search landing page provides access to both circuit and magistrate court databases.
3. State Vital Records
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources serves as the state's official repository for vital records. Members of the public may submit certificate requests for divorce records registered at the state level. The Health Statistics Center maintains divorce certificates and charges applicable fees for certified copies.
In-Person Searches
Boone County Circuit Court Clerk — Family Division
Boone County Courthouse
200 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Phone: (304) 369-7321
West Virginia Judiciary
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Obtain staff assistance for locating records
- Access archived case files upon request
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Boone County Circuit Court Clerk, 200 State Street, Madison, WV 25130
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required by the clerk
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within one to two weeks, subject to case volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
- Boone County Circuit Court Clerk: (304) 369-7321
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in West Virginia may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The West Virginia State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in West Virginia
- Names of 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 resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The West Virginia Judiciary's court record access portal allows statewide searches, which may assist in identifying the correct county of filing.
Under W. Va. Code § 48-5-105, at least one party to a divorce action must have been a resident of West Virginia for a minimum of one year immediately preceding the filing of the petition. The divorce is filed in the county where either spouse resides.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm availability
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
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 or subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Next Steps:
- Contact the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk at (304) 369-7321
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Submit a certificate request through the West Virginia Department of Health
- Engage a licensed attorney or professional records search service
What Are Boone County Divorce Records?
Boone County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Boone County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law case file maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are subject to the public access provisions of West Virginia law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution.
The Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property, any spousal support obligations, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Boone County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of divorce case files, indexes records by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, through its Health Statistics Center, maintains divorce certificates at the state level and accepts certificate requests from members of the public.
Under W. Va. Code § 48-5-501, the circuit court retains jurisdiction over all matters related to the dissolution of marriage, and the clerk of court is responsible for maintaining the official record of all proceedings.
Are Boone County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Boone County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the access provisions of West Virginia law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of 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 are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Psychological evaluations involving children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under West Virginia law and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Entitled to full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access
- Attorneys: May access case files in their professional capacity and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use such information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Boone County?
The Boone County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to W. Va. Code § 59-1-10, which governs fees charged by clerks of court throughout the state.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee | $1.00 per certification |
| Search fee (when applicable) | Varies by request |
- Fees for electronic copies, where available, may differ from paper copy fees.
- The clerk's office accepts payment by cash, check, or money order made payable to the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk. Credit card acceptance varies and should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of a completed financial affidavit and approval by the court.
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse, without requesting copies, does not require payment of a copy fee.
- Certified copies of divorce certificates obtained through the West Virginia Department of Health carry separate fees established by the Health Statistics Center.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Boone County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Respondent's answer or counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and loan documents
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, car loans, credit card obligations, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court, which may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports, which are subject to restricted access
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income analysis and standard of living documentation
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement addressing all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreements, which are confidential and not part of the public record
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody determinations, and name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support and resulting court orders
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Boone County
Proof of divorce in Boone County may be obtained through two primary channels: the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk and the West Virginia Department of Health.
From the Circuit Court Clerk:
A certified copy of the final decree of divorce, issued by the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk, constitutes official legal proof of divorce and is accepted for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other legal purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Boone County Courthouse in person at 200 State Street, Madison, WV 25130, during regular business hours
- Submitting a written request by mail with the required identifying information and applicable fees
- Requesting a copy through the West Virginia Judiciary's court record access portal
From the West Virginia Department of Health:
The Health Statistics Center maintains divorce certificates for proceedings registered with the state. Members of the public may submit a certificate request online, by mail, or in person. The certificate provides confirmation of the divorce but contains less detail than the full court file.
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
Required information for either request includes the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the county of filing. Payment of applicable fees is required at the time of the request.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Boone County?
A divorce proceeding in Boone County may be subject to confidentiality protections under specific circumstances established by West Virginia law and court rule.
- Court-ordered sealing: A circuit court judge may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a finding of good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence allegations, sensitive financial information, or the need to protect minor children.
- Domestic violence protections: Cases involving domestic violence may have the victim's address, contact information, and related evidence withheld from public access pursuant to state protective order statutes.
- Children's information: The names, addresses, schools, and medical information of minor children are subject to redaction and may be sealed by court order to protect the children's welfare.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions submitted as exhibits are restricted from general public access.
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential under West Virginia law and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement agreements approved by the court may be withheld from public inspection upon a proper showing.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential divorce records must file a motion with the Boone County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any children involved.
How Long Does Boone County Keep Divorce Records?
Boone County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and applicable state law.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of dissolution, final decrees, and the complete case file for each divorce proceeding are retained permanently by the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk. These records are not subject to destruction.
- Active case files: Records for cases that remain subject to post-judgment modification, enforcement, or appeal are maintained in active storage and are accessible through the clerk's office.
- Archived records: Older case files that are no longer subject to active proceedings may be transferred to archival storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and advance notice to the clerk's office.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the West Virginia Judiciary's e-filing system are maintained in the statewide electronic database and remain accessible through the court record access portal.
- Paper records: Cases filed prior to the implementation of electronic filing are maintained in paper format and may not be fully digitized. Members of the public seeking older paper records should contact the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk directly.
- State vital records: Divorce certificates maintained by the West Virginia Department of Health are retained permanently as part of the state's official vital records repository.
Under West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals administrative rules, circuit court clerks are required to maintain permanent records of all final judgments, ensuring that proof of divorce remains accessible to parties and their successors indefinitely.