Mason County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Mason County in 2026
MasonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Mason County, West Virginia. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and post-judgment modifications.
Divorce records in Mason County may be searched through official resources including the Mason County Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the West Virginia judiciary's online case management system, and the state's vital records office. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The West Virginia Judiciary maintains the West Virginia Court Case Information system, which allows members of the public to search civil and family court cases by party name or case number at no charge. Basic case information — including filing dates, party names, and case status — is available without a fee. Copies of actual documents require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Vital Records
West Virginia registers divorce records through the state's vital records office. The Vital Registration Office of the West Virginia Department of Health serves as the official repository for divorce certificates issued in the state. Certified divorce certificates are available upon request and carry applicable fees.
In-Person Searches
Mason County Circuit Court Clerk — Family Division
Mason County Circuit Court Clerk
200 Sixth Street, Suite 3
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-2840
Mason County Circuit Court
Members of the public may visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office during regular business hours to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff are available to assist with locating case records by party name or case number.
Mason County Clerk
The Mason County Clerk maintains county commission records and certain official documents. For divorce proceedings, the Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian.
Mason County Clerk's Office
200 Sixth Street
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: (304) 675-1997
Mason County Clerk
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail to the Mason County Circuit Court Clerk. Requests should include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
The Circuit Court Clerk's office may be reached at (304) 675-2840. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and provide the filing date. Detailed document contents and copies of filed documents are not provided by telephone.
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, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The West Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys for family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
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
Under West Virginia Code § 48-5-105, a petition for divorce must be filed in 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. The West Virginia County Clerk Directory maintained by the Secretary of State provides contact information for all county clerks statewide.
Residency Requirement:
West Virginia requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for one year immediately preceding the filing of the divorce petition, pursuant to West Virginia Code § 48-5-105.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
- Older divorces: Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not be located include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering these issues may contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (304) 675-2840, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or check the state vital records office.
What Are Mason County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Mason County are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Mason County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access laws.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files contain the complete record of the proceeding, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody orders
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support terms if any, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents filed in the case may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer verification, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research and family history documentation.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Mason County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of divorce case files and provides certified copies upon request. The West Virginia Department of Health's Vital Registration Office maintains divorce certificates at the state level, offering a more limited record than the full court file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in West Virginia are governed by West Virginia Code § 48-5-101 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, codified at West Virginia Code § 29B-1-1 et seq., governs public access to government records, including court documents.
Are Mason County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Mason County Circuit Court are public court records under West Virginia law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- 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 public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may carry restricted access designations
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools children attend are not disclosed publicly
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are typically restricted
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
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. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: May access case files and, upon a proper showing, may petition the court for access to sealed documents.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files. Court permission is required for sealed records. First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of protective orders. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background checks conducted in accordance with applicable law, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Mason 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. Certain entities — including law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and court-appointed evaluators — may be entitled by statute to access otherwise restricted records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Mason County?
The Mason County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with West Virginia law. Current fees applicable to divorce records are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification seal | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee (clerk-assisted) | No separate search fee |
| Electronic copies (if available) | Varies by request |
Members of the public may inspect records at the courthouse at no charge. Fees apply when copies are requested. The West Virginia vital records office charges a separate fee for certified divorce certificates obtained through the state:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate (state vital records) | $12.00 per copy |
| Additional copies ordered at same time | $12.00 each |
Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Mason County Circuit Court Clerk. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or check. Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon submission of a completed financial affidavit to the court. Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Circuit Court Clerk at (304) 675-2840 prior to submitting a request.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Mason County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Mason 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
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the date of separation if applicable, sets forth the grounds for divorce (West Virginia is a no-fault state permitting divorce on the ground of irreconcilable differences), identifies minor children, and states the relief requested including property division, support, and custody.
The Response or Answer states the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterpetition for relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
Discovery materials filed with the court may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of documents, financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial statements where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
The marital asset inventory identifies and values all real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. The debt inventory lists mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, personal loans, and other obligations. Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and personal property of significant value are filed as exhibits.
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
The Parenting Plan establishes legal and physical custody, the regular timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. The Child Support Calculation Worksheet documents both parties' income, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare costs, and reflects the support amount ordered. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered by the court, are part of the case file, though access to these documents may be restricted.
Settlement Documents:
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, where the parties participated in mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case address temporary custody, support, use of marital property, and any restraining orders. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, the date of dissolution, all property and debt awards, spousal support orders, child custody and support orders, and any name restoration. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are entered separately where retirement accounts are divided.
Post-Judgment Documents:
Post-judgment filings include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions and orders, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
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 upon motion)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations (restricted)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Mason County?
Proof of divorce in Mason County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution issued by the Mason County Circuit Court Clerk, or through a certified divorce certificate issued by the West Virginia Department of Health's Vital Registration Office.
To obtain a certified copy from the Circuit Court Clerk:
- Identify the case number using the West Virginia Court Case Information system or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
- Submit a written request in person or by mail to the Mason County Circuit Court Clerk, 200 Sixth Street, Suite 3, Point Pleasant, WV 25550.
- Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of the applicable certification fee.
- Receive the certified copy bearing the court's official seal, which constitutes legally recognized proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
To obtain a certified divorce certificate from the state:
Members of the public may request a certified divorce certificate from the West Virginia Vital Registration Office. The state has maintained divorce records since July 1, 1968. Requests may be submitted by mail or in person to:
West Virginia Vital Registration Office
350 Capitol Street, Room 165
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-2931
West Virginia Department of Health — Vital Registration
The certified divorce certificate from the state provides confirmation that a divorce was granted and the date of dissolution, but does not contain the full terms of the decree. For proof of specific terms — such as property division, custody arrangements, or name changes — a certified copy of the final decree from the Circuit Court Clerk is required.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Mason County?
Divorce proceedings in Mason County are presumptively public, but West Virginia law and court rules permit certain records or entire cases to be sealed under defined circumstances.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where the case involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may seal identifying information including addresses and contact details of the protected party.
- Cases involving minor children: Specific documents such as custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of children may be sealed to protect the children's welfare.
- Sealed by court order: Any party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open court proceedings against the privacy interests asserted. A generalized desire for privacy is not sufficient; the moving party must demonstrate specific harm.
- Mediation records: Under West Virginia law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice under West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties agree to keep confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final decree without being set forth in full in the public record, subject to court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Mason County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Mason County Keep Divorce Records?
Mason County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with West Virginia court records retention schedules established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. The final order dissolving a marriage is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Circuit court civil and family case files, including all pleadings, orders, and exhibits, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case under current West Virginia court records retention guidelines. Many records are retained significantly longer or permanently.
- Post-judgment modification files: Retained as part of the original case file for the same retention period applicable to the underlying case.
- Archived records: Older paper records that predate electronic filing may be stored in off-site archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time. Members of the public should contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (304) 675-2840 to confirm availability of older records.
- State vital records: The West Virginia Vital Registration Office retains divorce certificates for divorces granted since July 1, 1968, on a permanent basis.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the West Virginia judiciary's case management system and are accessible through the West Virginia Court Case Information system.
Retention schedules are established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and are subject to revision. Members of the public with questions about the availability of specific historical records should contact the Mason County Circuit Court Clerk directly.