Divorce isn’t just a personal matter. It’s also a complex legal process that can feel like walking through a minefield. One question you might grapple with during your divorce case is: “Are my divorce records going to be public?” At Invictus Law, we understand that privacy matters, especially at a time when it already feels like your world is turning upside down. Let’s cut through the fog together.
The short answer is yes. Divorce records are generally public in Virginia Beach, as in the rest of Virginia and most of the United States. They’re part of the public record, meaning they’re accessible to anyone who knows how to request them. This might sound alarming, but it’s essential to understand what this means and why it’s probably not as revealing as you think.
The public record of your divorce only includes the basics. This means details like your name, your ex’s name, the fact that you’ve divorced, and the date and location of the divorce. It might also include your divorce decree, which outlines the terms of your divorce, like property division, alimony, and custody.
These records are technically public, but they’re not plastered on a billboard for everyone to see. Someone has to actively seek them out, know where to look, and often pay a fee to access your info. It’s not like your friends or co-workers would casually stumble upon them while scrolling through social media.
Now you might wonder, “What about my financial data and other sensitive details from my divorce case?” The good news is that financial affidavits and other sensitive documents, while often part of divorce proceedings, are usually not included in the public record. That said, if they’re submitted as exhibits in a trial, they could become part of the public record.
If you’re feeling like a deer in headlights right now, you should know there are ways to protect your privacy, even in divorce proceedings. At Invictus Law, we’re not just your attorneys. We’re your shield bearers, and we know how to use the system to guard your privacy.
One way we can help you protect your privacy is through a process known as sealing the record. This involves a judge ordering that your divorce records be kept private. But it’s not easy. You have to demonstrate that your need for privacy outweighs the public’s right to access. This is where having an attorney who knows how to traverse the legal system becomes essential.
Another way to maintain privacy is through mediation or a collaborative divorce process. Unlike a traditional court divorce, these processes are confidential and don’t become part of the public record. They allow you to resolve your issues without airing any dirty laundry or private details in public.
So, are divorce records public in Virginia Beach? Yes, but that doesn’t mean your life becomes an open book. With the right strategy and the right team, you can navigate your divorce with confidence and keep your personal information from being exposed unnecessarily.
You deserve an attorney who can fight for your rights, safeguard your interests, and ensure that your private life remains just that— private. That’s what we offer at Invictus Law. We’re not just attorneys. We’re your champions in the arena of divorce.
At Invictus Law, we fight tirelessly to protect you, both in and out of the courtroom. But we’re not just about winning battles. We’re about safeguarding your rights, your interests, and of course, your privacy.
Invictus Law isn’t just about winning: we’re about winning on your terms. We know that privacy matters to you. It matters to us too. Contact us today in Virginia Beach at 757-317-5125, and let’s face this fight together.
