Still Have Questions About Your Divorce Decree? You’re Not Alone
Divorce doesn’t end when the paperwork is signed, it ends when the judge enters the final decree. That’s the moment your marriage is officially over in the eyes of the law. Maybe the process was quick. Maybe it dragged out for months. Either way, if you’re like most people, you’re left with a stack of court papers and one document that matters more than the rest.
In 2024, Virginia’s divorce rate stood at 2.9 per 1,000 people, slightly above the national average. Thousands of Virginians go through this process every year, but few know what to do with their final divorce decree once it’s done.
Many people aren’t sure what’s actually included in a divorce decree that Virginia courts issue. What exactly does it cover? What can be changed later? And how do you get a new copy if yours is long gone? If you’re wondering “what is a divorce decree”, this document is the most important legal record from your divorce.
Your divorce may be finalized, but the decree still shapes your next chapter. Let’s walk through exactly what it means, what to watch for, and how to protect your rights going forward.
What Is a Divorce Decree in Virginia?
A divorce decree is the court’s official order that ends your marriage. In Virginia, it’s formally titled the Final Decree of Divorce, and it’s far more than a certificate or receipt.
More Than a Certificate — It’s the Full Record
Think of it as the complete legal record of your divorce: everything the judge approved or decided is in this document. That includes support obligations, parenting time, and division of property. Under Virginia Code § 20-91, your marriage is not legally over until this decree is signed and entered by the judge.
What’s Included in a Final Decree of Divorce?
Common Issues Covered in a Virginia Divorce Decree
Each case is different, but most Virginia divorce decrees contain decisions or agreements related to:
- Property and debt division
- Child custody and parenting schedules
- Child support amounts and payment frequency
- Spousal support (alimony) terms, if applicable
- Name change orders (optional)
- Restrictive clauses, like relocation limits or behavior restrictions
Example of Binding Provisions
Example: If your decree says your ex must refinance the home within 90 days, or that the children rotate holidays, that’s legally enforceable. Judges may even include custom provisions around schooling, tax deductions, or out-of-state travel.
These are not suggestions. They’re binding court orders.
Why You’ll Likely Need This Document Later
You might not think about your divorce decree again until you’re asked for it. It’s often needed to prove custody arrangements to a school, confirm marital status for Social Security or taxes, refinance property, or update your name with government agencies like the DMV or passport office. Even years after your divorce, that piece of paper may be the one thing that clears up confusion or keeps a process moving forward.
Certified Copies vs. Digital Scans
That’s why it’s smart to keep a certified copy, not just a scanned PDF. You’ll need the certified version for anything official. If you’re looking for your divorce decree copy and aren’t sure where it is, it’s worth ordering a replacement as soon as possible.
How to Get a Copy of a Divorce Decree in Virginia
What You’ll Need to Make the Request
If you’ve lost your copy or never received one, don’t worry, you can request a certified version from the Clerk’s Office at the Virginia Circuit Court where your divorce was finalized.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Case number (if you have it)
- Date or approximate year of divorce
- Valid ID for in-person requests
- Small fee — usually $0.50 per page plus $2 for certification
Requesting Through the Circuit Court
Most courts still require a signature and ID verification, even if requests are submitted by mail or online. To locate your court, use the official Virginia Circuit Court Directory. Each local Circuit Court handles requests for a copy of the divorce decree in Virginia, so be sure to contact the one that finalized your case.
Certified Divorce Decree Copies for Official Use
It’s a good idea to request a certified divorce decree copy for official use, like government filings, refinancing, or name changes.
Can a Divorce Decree Be Changed?
What Can Be Modified After Divorce?
Yes, but not every part of it. Virginia law allows modification of some terms, typically when life circumstances change. This includes:
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support (alimony)
Let’s say you lose your job or your ex relocates across the state. That might justify a request to revise your parenting time or support payments. You’d file a motion to amend with the same Circuit Court that handled your divorce.
If your circumstances change, Virginia Code § 20‑108 lets you request modification of custody or support. A final decree of divorce that Virginia courts approve can include permanent decisions, so it’s important to know which sections are changeable.
What Usually Can’t Be Changed?
It’s important to understand that the division of assets and property is usually final. Unless you uncover fraud or legal errors, you can’t ask to re-divide property just because your situation has changed.
Not Sure If You Ever Received a Final Decree?
How to Find Out If a Decree Was Issued
If you’re unsure whether your divorce was finalized, contact the Clerk’s Office where your case was filed. Provide both names and the approximate date of your divorce, and ask whether a Final Decree of Divorce was ever entered and recorded. It’s more common than you’d think to discover a case was never closed properly.
What Happens If No Decree Was Entered?
If no decree was entered, your divorce may still be pending—or worse, dismissed for inactivity. A family law attorney can help reopen or re-file your case.
Enforcing Relocation Clauses in the Decree
What If Your Ex Moves Without Telling You?
If you and your ex were granted joint legal custody, and your decree includes a clause that neither parent may move more than 50 miles without court approval. Then your ex takes a new job and moves to Maryland without notice. Now what?
Because your divorce decree includes a relocation clause, you have the right to enforce that order or ask the court to modify custody based on the move. This is just one example of how the decree protects you long after the divorce is “done.”
Common Violations After Divorce
What If Your Ex Isn’t Following the Decree?
Violating a divorce decree is not just frustrating—it’s a legal problem. If your ex is:
- Not paying child support or alimony
- Ignoring custody arrangements
- Refusing to follow the property division terms
How Virginia Courts Enforce Compliance
You have the right to take action. In most cases, that means filing a motion for enforcement in the same court that issued your divorce decree.
Be sure to document every violation, including missed payments, ignored court orders, and any communication that shows non-compliance. Virginia courts can respond with fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time for repeated or willful violations.
Need Help With a Divorce Decree in Virginia?
A lot of people come to us unsure what their divorce decree actually says—or how to update it after life changes.
At Slovensky Law, we help clients across Virginia request certified copies, understand confusing language, and enforce or modify outdated terms with clarity and confidence. If your situation has changed, or if your ex isn’t following the order, we’re here to help.
Whether you need help modifying a final divorce decree or just need clarification, we’re here to help. Let’s talk through your next steps.
Schedule your consultation today with a Virginia divorce law attorney who listens and helps you move forward.
