Chesterfield County Court Records Search
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Chesterfield County sits within Virginia’s 12th Judicial Circuit and is served by three trial courts: the Circuit Court, the General District Court, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Together, these courts handle everything from serious felonies and high-value civil disputes to traffic infractions, small claims, child custody, and probate matters. The clerk’s offices attached to each court maintain the official case files, and those records are generally accessible to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. This guide walks through the practical steps for searching, requesting, and obtaining court records in Chesterfield County, whether the need relates to a criminal case, a civil lawsuit, a family law matter, or an estate proceeding.
Individuals looking for Chesterfield County case information can begin with the online resources maintained by Virginia’s judicial branch through VirginiaStateCourts.us. The Online Case Information System (OCIS 2.0) provides a statewide search covering Circuit Courts, General District Courts, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. The Virginia Circuit Court Case Information system offers separate access to civil and criminal case data from 1990 to the present. Beyond these online tools, records can be requested in person at the relevant clerk’s office, by mail, or by telephone. Public access terminals inside the courthouse also allow visitors to search case indexes during business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Chesterfield County?
The first step is identifying which court handled the case. Felony prosecutions, civil cases above $4,500, equity matters, divorces, probate, and appeals from district courts are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. Misdemeanor and traffic cases, civil disputes up to $25,000, and small claims ($4,500 or less) fall under the General District Court. Family law matters involving minors, custody, support, and domestic violence are filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Online Search Options
- Go to the OCIS 2.0 portal and select the court level and locality to search by party name, case number, or hearing date.
- Use the Circuit Court Case Information system and select “Chesterfield Circuit Court” from the dropdown to browse civil or criminal case records dating back to 1990.
- For General District Court cases specifically, the General District Court online case information page provides docket and hearing data.
In-Person Searches
Visit the appropriate clerk’s office during public service hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) with a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can assist with searches using party names, case numbers, or hearing dates. Viewing case information on public terminals is free; copies and certifications carry fees set by statute.
Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | 9500 Courthouse Road, 2nd Floor, Chesterfield, VA 23832 | (804) 748-1241 |
| General District Court | 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832 | (804) 748-1231 |
| Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court | 7000 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield, VA 23832 | (804) 748-1379 |
Mail Requests
Written requests for copies should be sent to the appropriate court clerk at the mailing addresses below. Include the party names, case number, type of document requested, and payment for applicable fees. Contact the clerk’s office in advance to confirm the document length and total cost.
- Circuit Court: P.O. Box 125, Chesterfield, VA 23832-0909
- General District Court: P.O. Box 144, Chesterfield, VA 23832-0144
Mail and phone requests incur a $2.00 postage and processing surcharge. Phone orders may be paid by credit card; mail requests should include payment by cash, check, or money order payable to the court.
Are Court Records Public in Chesterfield County?
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia §§ 2.2-3700 through 2.2-3714) establishes that records in the custody of a public body are presumed open for inspection. Court filings, judgments, orders, dockets, and pleadings in civil and criminal cases are generally available to any member of the public.
However, certain categories of records are exempt from mandatory disclosure under FOIA and other Virginia statutes:
- Juvenile court records (restricted under Code of Virginia § 16.1-305 and related provisions)
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order or subject to a protective order
- Mental health and involuntary commitment records
- Criminal investigative files that have not resulted in charges or convictions
- Information provided in confidence to law enforcement agencies
- Personal identifying information, medical records, and financial records in non-criminal cases when disclosure would compromise privacy
- Documents related to ongoing investigations by the Attorney General
Copy and Certification Fees
Under Code of Virginia § 17.1-275, the Circuit Court Clerk charges:
- Copies: $0.50 per page for any paper, record, or electronic image
- Certified copies: $2.00 per document (in addition to per-page copy fees)
- Court seal with clerk’s certificate: $2.00 (plus $0.50 if a judge’s certificate is also attached)
The Circuit Court also provides a Civil Filing Fee Calculation tool through the Virginia Judicial System website for anyone who needs to determine filing costs before initiating a civil case. A convenience fee of up to 4% or a $2.00 flat fee may apply to credit or debit card transactions.
Chesterfield County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Chesterfield County are distributed between the General District Court and the Circuit Court depending on the severity of the charge. Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and preliminary felony hearings originate in the General District Court. Cases bound over for felony trial, grand jury indictments, and appeals from the General District Court are handled by the Circuit Court’s Criminal Division.
Requesting Criminal Case Records
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Criminal Division can be reached at (804) 717-6980. General District Court criminal case records are available through the clerk at (804) 748-1231. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Records that can be obtained include charging documents, disposition records, court orders, sentencing information, and appeal filings. The standard copy fee of $0.50 per page applies, and a $2.00 certification fee is assessed per document.
Arrest Records and Law Enforcement Resources
Arrest records are prepared and maintained by the Chesterfield County Police Department and the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office. Contact the Sheriff’s Office for booking and detention inquiries:
Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office
9500 Courthouse Road
P.O. Box 940
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1261
Virginia State Police Criminal History Check
Any individual may request a Virginia criminal history record report through the Virginia State Police. The process requires completing a notarized SP-167 form, which can be generated and printed online. The form must be mailed with payment to:
Virginia State Police — CARE
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
N. Chesterfield, VA 23235
The fee is $15.00 for a Virginia-only name-based search, or $20.00 for a combination search that includes the Virginia sex offender registry. Processing takes approximately 15 business days. There is no expedited or same-day service. Juvenile record information is not disseminated except as authorized under VA Code § 19.2-389.1.
Chesterfield County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Chesterfield County is shared between the General District Court and the Circuit Court.
General District Court — Civil and Small Claims
The General District Court handles civil disputes involving amounts up to $25,000, personal injury and wrongful death claims up to $50,000, landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, and contract claims. Small claims (amounts of $4,500 or less) may also be filed here. Cases can be looked up through the General District Court online case information system or by visiting the clerk’s office at 9500 Courthouse Road.
Circuit Court — Civil Division
The Circuit Court’s Civil Division handles cases involving more than $4,500, with exclusive jurisdiction over claims exceeding $25,000 (or $50,000 for personal injury and wrongful death). Its equity jurisdiction covers adoptions, divorces, estate disputes, guardianship and conservatorship appointments, name changes, and property disputes.
When filing a new civil case, all pleadings must conform to the Code of Virginia and the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. A Civil Case Cover Sheet must accompany every new filing. Additional civil action forms are available through the Supreme Court of Virginia forms page. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office does not provide litigation forms and strongly recommends retaining an attorney for Circuit Court filings.
Civil filing fees under Code of Virginia § 17.1-275 are based on the amount in controversy:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $49,999 | $100 |
| $50,000–$100,000 | $200 |
| $100,001–$500,000 | $250 |
| Over $500,000 | $300 |
| Divorce / non-monetary civil actions | $60 |
| Condemnation cases | $25 |
| Settlement approval (no pending action) | $50 |
Civil case records can also be searched online through the Circuit Court Case Information system. The Civil Division phone line is (804) 717-6981.
Chesterfield County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Chesterfield County are primarily handled by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, located at 7000 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Phone: (804) 748-1379 Fax: (804) 717-6043 Under Code of Virginia § 16.1-241 and § 16.1-243, this court has jurisdiction over child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support, protective orders involving family or household members, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, foster care, termination of parental rights, and legal emancipation of minors.
The Circuit Court also handles certain family law matters, including divorces, adoptions, and contested custody cases that reach the appellate level.
Confidentiality of Family Court Records
The J&DR Court has a statutory duty to protect the confidentiality and privacy of juveniles and their families. Juvenile delinquency records and adoption records are not available for public inspection and may only be accessed by the parties involved, their attorneys, legal guardians, or pursuant to a court order. Other family court records — such as custody orders, support orders, and protective orders — are generally accessible, though sensitive personal and financial details may be redacted by the custodian of records.
Protective Orders
The J&DR Court can issue emergency, preliminary, and permanent protective orders on behalf of any juvenile or family/household member. Petitioners should contact the court at (804) 748-1379 for filing instructions.
Marriage and Divorce Certificates
Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates are available from the Chesterfield County Health Department at a cost of $12.00 per record. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or by email. Email requests must include a completed marriage/divorce application form, a photocopy of valid identification, and a phone number for credit card payment.
Chesterfield County Health Department
9501 Lucy Corr Circle
P.O. Box 100
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1691
Eligibility to receive vital records is limited to the subject of the record, their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent), or their authorized legal representative. Divorce decrees may also be obtained directly from the clerk of the court where the decree was entered.
Birth and Death Certificates
Birth and death certificates are issued through the same Health Department office at $12.00 per copy. Applicants must submit the appropriate form — the birth certificate application or the death certificate application — along with a copy of their photo ID. The same immediate-family eligibility rules apply.
Chesterfield County Probate Court Records
Probate and estate administration in Chesterfield County are handled exclusively by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Probate Division. The Clerk of the Circuit Court has statutory authority under the Code of Virginia to probate wills, grant administration, and appoint executors, administrators, guardians, and conservators.
Contact Information
Chesterfield Circuit Court — Probate Division
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Mailing: P.O. Box 125, Chesterfield, VA 23832-0909
Phone: (804) 706-7680
Email: cccprobate@chesterfield.gov
Fax: (804) 717-6797
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Appointments Are Required
The Probate Division handles all matters by appointment only. Before scheduling, applicants must submit the following:
- Contact information (full name, address, phone, email)
- A copy of the will and/or codicil(s) — the original must be brought to the appointment
- A copy of the death certificate
- Full name, address, and date of birth of the proposed executor or administrator
- An estimated estate value (assets in the decedent’s name alone)
- A list of heirs with full names and addresses
Materials can be submitted by email, fax, or drop-off at the courthouse. Staff will review the submission and contact the applicant within two to three business days to schedule an appointment.
Probate Filing Fees
Under Code of Virginia § 17.1-275, qualification fees are:
- $20 for estates not exceeding $50,000
- $25 for estates not exceeding $100,000
- $30 for estates exceeding $100,000
- No fee for estates of $5,000 or less
A $5.00 fee applies for lodging and preserving a will under § 64.2-409. Filing a guardianship or conservatorship petition under §§ 64.2-2001 and 64.2-2013 costs $10.00.
Small Estate Act
Estates valued at less than $75,000 (excluding real estate) may qualify for simplified administration under the Virginia Small Estate Act. If 60 days have passed since the date of death, a financial institution may accept a Small Estate Act Affidavit in lieu of full probate. The Probate Division can provide the affidavit form, though applicants should confirm with the financial institution that the affidavit will be accepted before submitting it.
Searching Probate Records
Wills recorded from 1994 forward are indexed online through the Chesterfield County land records portal. Older probate and estate records can be reviewed in person at the Record Room on the ground floor of the Courts Building. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains permanent records dating to 1749. Copies cost $0.50 per page, and certification is $2.00 per document.