Court records in Henrico County, Virginia can be searched through several channels. HenricoCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additional access points include the Virginia Court System's online case information portal, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, the General District Court, and public-access terminals located inside the Henrico County Courts Building.
Henrico Court System & Jurisdictions
Henrico County operates several courts, each handling specific case types. Understanding which court manages a particular matter is the first step toward locating the right docket.
Circuit Court
The Henrico County Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Criminal: All felony cases, misdemeanor cases originating by grand jury action, and misdemeanor appeals from General District Court
- Civil: Lawsuits exceeding $4,500, equity matters, and appeals from lower courts
- Domestic relations: Divorce, custody, spousal support, and adoption cases
- Probate: Estate administration, will contests, and appointment of fiduciaries
- Land records: Deed recording, plats, and liens
The Circuit Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of all civil and criminal case files, land records, and probate documents.
General District Court
The Henrico General District Court hears:
- Criminal: Misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies
- Traffic: All traffic infractions and traffic-related criminal offenses
- Civil: Claims of $25,000 or less, including small claims (up to $5,000)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and civil warrant cases
Small claims cases are heard within the General District Court; Virginia does not maintain a separate small claims court.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
This court handles matters involving juveniles (delinquency, abuse, neglect, custody, visitation, and child support) as well as certain domestic violence protective orders. Most juvenile records are confidential under Virginia law.
For an overview of all courts in the county, visit the Henrico County Courts portal. The Virginia Judicial Branch website provides statewide court rules and forms.
Henrico Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars — sometimes called dockets or hearing schedules — list cases set for a particular day or week. Here is how to check upcoming hearings in Henrico County:
- Virginia Courts Case Information System: The statewide case information search lets you look up criminal, traffic, and civil case details for General District Courts and select Circuit Courts. Search by name or case number to see scheduled hearing dates.
- General District Court Clerk's Office: Call (804) 501-4723 to ask about today's or this week's docket. Staff can confirm whether a specific case is on the calendar.
- Circuit Court Clerk's Office: Contact (804) 501-4249 for hearing dates on civil, criminal, or domestic cases pending in Circuit Court.
- In-person terminals: Public-access computer terminals inside the Henrico County Courts Building display current docket information during business hours.
Calendar listings typically include the case number, party names, courtroom assignment, and scheduled time. Dockets can change on short notice due to continuances or settlements, so confirm with the clerk's office if timing is critical.
How to Get a Copy of a Henrico Court Document
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office provides copies of public court records including deeds, plats, wills, judgments, court orders, and marriage licenses. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the Record Room inside the Henrico County Courts Building. The Record Room is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bring the case number or party name to help staff locate the document.
By Mail
Send a written request specifying the document type, case number (if known), and party names to:
Include a check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. By law, copies are $0.50 per page.
Online
The Virginia Courts case information system provides case status details online but does not offer downloadable copies of documents. For certified or uncertified copies, contact the Clerk's Office directly.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. Courts, government agencies, and financial institutions typically require certified copies.
For divorce decree copies, the Clerk's Office can provide certified copies of the Final Divorce Decree by mail or email request. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are handled separately through the Henrico County Health Department or the Virginia Department of Health.
Henrico Court Records Fees & Payment
The following fees apply at the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Fees are set by Virginia statute and the Clerk's published schedule.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of a public record (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $2.00 |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (Clerk-assisted search, per name/year) | Varies — contact Clerk |
| Recording a deed or instrument (first page) | Set by Virginia Code — contact Clerk for current amount |
| Marriage license | Contact Clerk for current fee |
Payment methods: The Clerk's Office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For mailed requests, include a check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Contact (804) 501-4249 to confirm accepted payment methods and current fee amounts before submitting a request.
Fee authority derives from the Virginia Public Records Act and applicable sections of the Virginia Code governing clerk fees. The Clerk's services page lists additional filings and their requirements.
Individuals navigating the court system without an attorney can find forms and guidance through the Virginia Courts Self-Help Center.