Hampton County Court Records Search
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Hampton is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, located on the southeastern tip of the Virginia Peninsula along the Chesapeake Bay. Although it functions as an independent city rather than a county, Virginia’s judicial system treats it as a county-equivalent jurisdiction with its own General District Court, Circuit Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. These three courts collectively generate and maintain the case records that residents, attorneys, researchers, and members of the public most frequently seek — from felony indictments and civil judgments to protective orders and probate filings.
The Virginia court system provides several avenues for locating case records originating in Hampton. Official clerk’s offices at the courthouse complex serve as the primary custodians, and the Virginia Judicial System maintains online tools that cover case information statewide. Additionally, VirginiaStateCourts.us may assist users in identifying publicly available court case data across Virginia jurisdictions. Records can also be accessed through public-access terminals at the courthouse, by written request, or through state agency databases for specialized record types such as criminal history reports and vital statistics.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Hampton County?
Hampton’s court records are distributed across three courts, each with its own clerk’s office. The method of searching depends on the type of case and whether the requester needs an informal lookup or a certified document.
Online Case Search
Virginia’s judiciary operates a statewide case information system that allows the public to search General District Court and Circuit Court cases by name or case number at no charge. The system returns basic docket information including case type, filing date, hearing dates, charges (in criminal matters), and disposition. Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court cases are not included in this public portal due to confidentiality restrictions under Virginia law.
For Circuit Court land records — deeds, liens, financing statements, and other instruments filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court — Virginia provides a separate Secure Remote Access system. This subscription-based service allows registered users to search recorded documents from participating circuit court clerks’ offices, including Hampton.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in visitors can search records and request copies at the following offices:
Hampton Circuit Court — Clerk’s Office
Address: 236 N. King Street, Suite 104, Hampton, VA 23669
Phone: (757) 727-6105
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Hampton General District Court — Clerk’s Office
Address: 236 N. King Street, Hampton, VA 23669
Phone: (757) 727-6230
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Hampton Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Address: 236 N. King Street, Hampton, VA 23669
Phone: (757) 727-6200
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
All three courts are housed in or adjacent to the Hampton courthouse complex on North King Street. Visitors may use public terminals where available or request assistance from clerk staff. A valid form of identification may be required for certain record requests.
Mail Requests
Written requests should be directed to the appropriate clerk’s office and should include the full name of the party, the case number (if known), the type of record or document sought, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment for copy fees should accompany the request by check or money order payable to the applicable clerk.
Required Information for Searches
Regardless of the method used, having the following details will expedite the process:
- Full legal name of at least one party
- Case number (if available)
- Approximate filing date or year
- Case type (criminal, civil, domestic, etc.)
- Date of birth (helpful for criminal record searches)
Are Court Records Public in Hampton County?
Virginia law establishes a general right of public access to court records, balanced against specific statutory protections for sensitive information. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia §§ 2.2-3700 through 2.2-3714) guarantees public access to government records, including those held by the courts, unless an exemption applies. Court-specific access rules are further governed by Part Seven of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, which addresses public access to court records in detail.
Records Generally Open to the Public
- Case numbers, captions, and filing dates
- Names of parties and counsel of record
- Pleadings, motions, and orders (unless sealed)
- Docket entries and hearing schedules
- Criminal charge information, trial outcomes, and sentencing data
- Civil judgments and liens
- Land records, deeds, and recorded instruments
- Wills admitted to probate and fiduciary appointments
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
Virginia law designates several categories of records as confidential or subject to limited access:
- Juvenile and domestic relations case files (Code of Virginia § 16.1-305), accessible only to parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies
- Adoption records (Code of Virginia § 63.2-1246)
- Records sealed by court order, including expunged criminal records
- Social Security numbers, which are redacted from publicly accessible filings under Supreme Court of Virginia policy
- Mental health commitment proceedings (Code of Virginia § 37.2-818)
- Grand jury proceedings and sealed indictments
- Medical and psychological records filed in connection with any case
- Financial account numbers and other sensitive personal identifiers
- Guardian ad litem reports and certain child welfare records
Requests for records that fall into a restricted category may require a court order or proof of standing as an authorized party. The clerk’s office can advise on whether a particular record is available for public inspection.
Hampton County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Hampton are adjudicated by either the General District Court or the Circuit Court, depending on the severity of the offense. Misdemeanor charges and preliminary hearings for felony cases are handled in General District Court. Felony cases that are certified to the grand jury proceed to the Circuit Court for indictment, trial, and sentencing.
Searching Criminal Case Records
- Online — The Virginia Judicial System’s case information search covers criminal cases in both the General District Court and the Circuit Court. Users can search by defendant name or case number and view charge details, hearing dates, and case outcomes.
- Clerk’s Office — Certified copies of criminal case documents (indictments, sentencing orders, disposition records) are available from the clerk of the court in which the case was adjudicated. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at (757) 727-6105 handles felony records, while the General District Court Clerk at (757) 727-6230 maintains misdemeanor and preliminary hearing files.
- Virginia State Police — For formal criminal history background checks, the Virginia State Police administers the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). Individuals may request their own criminal history record, and authorized entities (employers, licensing agencies) may submit requests for name-based or fingerprint-based checks. The standard fee for a criminal history record check through the VSP is $15.00 for a name-based search.
Arrest and Incarceration Records
The Hampton Sheriff’s Office oversees the Hampton City Jail and processes booking information. Contact details are:
Hampton Sheriff’s Office
Address: 1928 W. Pembroke Avenue, Hampton, VA 23661
Phone: (757) 926-2556
Current inmate information may be available through the Sheriff’s Office directly. The Hampton Police Division handles law enforcement within the city and can provide information about recent arrests and incident reports.
Expungement
Virginia permits the expungement of certain criminal records under Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.2. Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Circuit Court. Effective July 1, 2025, changes to Virginia’s expungement statutes broadened eligibility in certain categories. The Circuit Court Clerk can provide information about filing requirements and associated costs.
Hampton County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Hampton are heard in either the General District Court or the Circuit Court, depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim. The General District Court has jurisdiction over civil claims up to $25,000, including small claims matters (up to $5,000). The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $4,500, with exclusive original jurisdiction over certain equitable claims, and also serves as the appellate court for General District Court civil cases.
Where Civil Records Are Maintained
- Circuit Court Clerk — Maintains records of civil suits filed in Circuit Court, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, real estate litigation, equity matters, and appeals from General District Court. The clerk also records land records such as deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and financing statements.
- General District Court Clerk — Maintains civil case files for small claims and general civil cases within the court’s monetary jurisdiction.
Filing Fees
Civil filing fees in Virginia courts are set by statute (Code of Virginia § 17.1-275). The following are representative fees for the Circuit Court:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action (filing a complaint) | $100.00 |
| Appeal from District Court | $25.00 per appellant |
| Counterclaim or cross-claim | Varies |
| Writ of fieri facias | $25.00 |
| Judgment lien filing | $14.00 |
General District Court civil filing fees typically include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Warrant in debt (up to $25,000) | Varies by amount claimed |
| Small claims filing (up to $5,000) | $58.00 (approximate) |
| Appeal to Circuit Court | Varies |
Fees are subject to periodic revision by the General Assembly. Contact the appropriate clerk’s office to confirm current amounts before filing. Payments are generally accepted in cash, check, money order, and — for some courts — credit or debit card.
How to Search Civil Records
Civil case dockets for General District Court and Circuit Court cases can be searched online through the Virginia courts case information system. Land records filed with the Circuit Court Clerk may be searched through the Secure Remote Access portal (registration required). Copies of recorded instruments are available in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office for statutory copy fees.
Property Records
Real property deeds, plats, and encumbrances recorded in Hampton are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. The Hampton City Assessor’s Office provides property assessment data, tax records, and ownership information. The Hampton Treasurer’s Office handles property tax payment inquiries.
Hampton County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Hampton are primarily handled by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) District Court. This court has jurisdiction over cases involving domestic violence, child custody, child support, visitation, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, and certain spousal support matters. Divorce and equitable distribution proceedings, however, are filed in the Circuit Court.
Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage
A divorce complaint is filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Virginia recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce (Code of Virginia § 20-91). The filing fee for a divorce action in Circuit Court is set by statute. Certified copies of final divorce decrees can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at (757) 727-6105 for the applicable copy and certification fees.
The Virginia Judicial System provides links to forms used in domestic relations cases, including divorce complaints, property settlement agreements, and final decree templates.
Child Custody and Support
The JDR Court handles initial custody and support petitions. Virginia’s child support guidelines are codified at Code of Virginia § 20-108.2. The Division of Child Support Enforcement within the Virginia Department of Social Services can assist with the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders.
Custody and support records filed in the JDR Court are confidential under Code of Virginia § 16.1-305 and are not available through the public online case search. Parties to a case, their attorneys, and certain authorized agencies may request copies directly from the JDR Court Clerk at (757) 727-6200.
Protective Orders
Emergency, preliminary, and permanent protective orders are issued by both the JDR Court and the General District Court. Filings related to protective orders carry no fee for the petitioner. Records of protective orders are maintained in the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for law enforcement access but are restricted from general public view in JDR Court files.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Virginia are issued by any circuit court clerk’s office, regardless of where the couple resides or intends to marry. In Hampton, licenses are obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office:
- Fee: $30.00 (additional $2.00 for the Marriage Preservation Fund)
- Requirements: Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo identification; no blood test or waiting period is required in Virginia
- Validity: The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and may be used anywhere in Virginia
Birth and Death Records
The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records maintains statewide birth and death records. Certified copies can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at the Office of Vital Records in Richmond. Fees are $12.00 for the first copy of a birth or death certificate and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Eligibility to obtain certified vital records is restricted under Virginia law to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and other authorized individuals.
The Hampton Circuit Court Clerk’s office may also hold older vital records that were historically filed with the court.
Hampton County Probate Court Records
Virginia does not have a separate probate court. Instead, probate matters — including the admission of wills to probate, the appointment of executors and administrators, estate administration, guardianship of incapacitated adults, conservatorship, and the management of trusts — are handled by the Circuit Court, with the Clerk of the Circuit Court serving as the Commissioner of Accounts or working alongside an appointed Commissioner of Accounts.
Where Probate Records Are Filed
All probate filings in Hampton are processed through the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 236 N. King Street, Suite 104, Hampton, VA 23669. Phone inquiries can be directed to (757) 727-6105.
Common Probate Proceedings
The Virginia Code (Title 64.2) governs wills, trusts, and estate administration. Typical probate-related actions include:
- Probate of a will — The original will must be presented to the clerk’s office along with the death certificate. The clerk admits the will to probate after verifying its execution, and letters testamentary are issued to the named executor.
- Administration of intestate estates — When a person dies without a valid will, an interested party may petition for appointment as administrator. The court issues letters of administration after determining the appropriate person under Virginia’s statutory priority (Code of Virginia § 64.2-508).
- Inventory and accounting — The personal representative must file an inventory of estate assets within four months of qualification and must submit periodic accountings to the Commissioner of Accounts.
- Guardianship and conservatorship — Petitions for guardianship of an incapacitated person or conservatorship of their estate are filed in Circuit Court. Virginia Code § 64.2-2000 et seq. sets forth the requirements, standards, and reporting obligations.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate-related fees in Hampton Circuit Court are established by Code of Virginia § 17.1-275 and include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate of a will | $2.00 per page of the will |
| Qualification of executor/administrator | Varies based on estate value |
| Recordation of inventory | Statutory fee |
| Guardianship/conservatorship petition | Statutory fee |
Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (757) 727-6105 for a current fee schedule, as amounts may be revised by legislative action.
How to Search Probate Records
Probate case records — including wills, fiduciary appointments, inventories, and accountings — can be examined in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Some probate records may also be accessible through the Virginia courts online case information system under the Circuit Court case search. Land records related to estate transfers (such as executor’s deeds) are searchable through the Secure Remote Access system.
The Clerk’s office can also provide information about decedent estates for which the court has jurisdiction, including verification of whether a will has been probated and the identity of the appointed personal representative. Written requests should include the decedent’s full legal name, approximate date of death, and any known case or fiduciary number.