Chesterfield County Public Records /Chesterfield County Court Records

Chesterfield County Court Records

What Is Chesterfield County Court Records

Court records in Chesterfield County encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of legal proceedings maintained by the courts in accordance with Virginia's Freedom of Information Act.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and scheduling information
Court orders and judgments issued by presiding judges
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Probate and estate administration documents

It is important to distinguish court records from other public records maintained by Chesterfield County. While property records, vital statistics, and tax records are also public documents, they are typically maintained by different county departments rather than the court system.

The Virginia Court System maintains records across multiple jurisdictions in Chesterfield County, including:

Circuit Court (court of record for felonies, civil matters over $25,000)
General District Court (misdemeanors, civil matters under $25,000, traffic)
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (family matters, juvenile cases)

Pursuant to § 16.1-69.55 of the Code of Virginia, court clerks are designated as the official custodians of court records and are responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and accessibility to the public in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Are Court Records Public In Chesterfield County

Court records in Chesterfield County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Virginia's constitutional and statutory provisions governing court transparency. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified under § 2.2-3700 of the Code of Virginia, establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open to inspection by citizens of the Commonwealth.

The public may access:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed documents)
Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain exceptions)
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Probate records and wills

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile records (except under specific circumstances)
Mental health commitment proceedings
Adoption records
Records sealed by court order
Documents containing sensitive personal information as defined by § 17.1-293

The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the custodian of records for the Circuit Court and is responsible for maintaining these records and facilitating public access in accordance with state law. The Virginia Supreme Court has also established Rules of Court that govern record access, particularly Rule 1:33, which addresses the sealing of court records.

It should be noted that federal court records for cases involving Chesterfield County residents but heard in federal courts are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in Chesterfield County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Chesterfield County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate various research needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
804-748-1241
Circuit Court Clerk's Office

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When requesting records in person:

Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
Provide specific case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable search and copy fees
Allow time for staff to retrieve requested documents

For remote requests, the following options are available:

Online access through the Virginia Judicial System Case Information portal
Written requests submitted by mail to the appropriate court clerk
Email requests to designated court staff (for certain record types)

Pursuant to § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, reasonable fees may be charged for search and copying services. Currently, standard fees include $0.50 per page for copies and search fees starting at $3.00 for records less than five years old.

For specialized records such as marriage licenses, divorce decrees, or probate documents, requestors should contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office directly, as these records may be maintained in separate indices or databases.

How To Look Up Court Records in Chesterfield County Online?

Chesterfield County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types.

The primary online resources include:

Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
- Access via the Virginia Court System case information portal
- Search parameters include party names, case numbers, and filing dates
- Available for Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court cases
- Basic case information is viewable without registration
- Updated daily with new filings and case actions
Secure Remote Access (SRA) for Land Records
- Available through the Virginia Court System's SRA portal
- Requires subscription and registration with the Circuit Court Clerk
- Provides access to land records, judgments, marriage licenses, and certain other documents
- Annual subscription fee applies (currently $150 for individual users)
- Available 24/7 for registered users
Virginia State Corporation Commission Docket Search
- Access via the SCC Docket Search portal
- Provides information on business entity filings and regulatory cases
- Searchable by company name, case number, or filing date
- No registration required for basic searches

When using these systems, users should note that:

Document images may not be available for all case types
Certain sensitive or sealed records are excluded from online access
Historical records (typically pre-2000) may have limited online availability
Technical assistance is available through each system's help resources

For optimal search results, users should gather as much identifying information as possible before initiating a search, including full legal names, approximate case dates, and case numbers if available.

How To Search Chesterfield County Court Records for Free?

Virginia law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, "The records and papers of every circuit court shall be open to inspection by any person and the clerk shall, when required, furnish copies thereof."

Free access options in Chesterfield County include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Chesterfield County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office
- Staff assistance is available for locating records
- No fee for viewing documents (only for copies)
Online Case Information
- Basic case information is available without charge through the Virginia Judicial System website
- Search by name or case number for status updates, hearing dates, and party information
- Document images generally not included in free access
General District Court Records
- The General District Court maintains a public access system for recent cases
- Available on public terminals at the courthouse
- Includes criminal, traffic, and civil cases
Law Library Resources
- The Chesterfield County Law Library provides public access to certain court records
- Located within the courthouse complex
- Reference assistance available from library staff

When utilizing free access options, members of the public should be aware of certain limitations:

High-volume requests may be subject to reasonable restrictions
Staff assistance may be limited during busy periods
Some older records may require advance notice for retrieval
Certain confidential or sealed records remain inaccessible

For extensive research projects, it may be advisable to contact the appropriate clerk's office in advance to discuss research needs and determine the most efficient access method.

What's Included in a Chesterfield County Court Record?

Court records in Chesterfield County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by the Virginia Rules of Court and relevant statutes.

In civil cases, court records typically include:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service documents
Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
Motions and supporting memoranda
Orders and rulings issued by the court
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of proceedings (when prepared)
Final judgment or decree
Post-judgment filings and collection documents

In criminal cases, records generally contain:

Charging documents (indictments, information, or complaints)
Arrest warrants and returns
Bond and pretrial release documentation
Discovery motions and responses
Plea agreements or trial information
Pre-sentence investigation reports (with restricted access)
Sentencing orders and judgment
Probation terms and compliance reports
Appeal notices and related filings

Family court records may include:

Divorce petitions and decrees
Child custody and support orders
Visitation schedules and modifications
Financial disclosure statements (often with restricted access)
Guardian ad litem reports
Protective orders and related proceedings

Probate and estate records contain:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Inventories of estate assets
Executor/administrator appointments
Claims against estates
Final accountings and distribution orders

Each document within a court file is typically assigned a sequential filing number and date stamp to maintain chronological organization. The clerk's office maintains a docket sheet or register of actions that serves as an index to all documents filed in a particular case.

How Long Does Chesterfield County Keep Court Records?

Chesterfield County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. These schedules vary by record type and are governed by § 42.1-86.1 of the Code of Virginia, which authorizes the State Library Board to establish retention and disposition schedules for court records.

Current retention periods for major record categories include:

Circuit Court Records:

Felony case files: 20 years after final disposition (permanent for serious felonies)
Civil case files: 10 years after final disposition
Divorce records: Permanent
Probate records and wills: Permanent
Land records (deeds, mortgages): Permanent
Judgments: 20 years from date of judgment (may be renewed)
Marriage licenses: Permanent

General District Court Records:

Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
Small claims: 5 years after final disposition

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Records:

Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 19 (longer for serious offenses)
Child support cases: Until youngest child reaches age 19 plus 3 years
Custody and visitation: Until youngest child reaches age 19
Protective orders: 3 years after expiration

Certain historically significant records may be designated for permanent retention regardless of standard schedules. Additionally, records that have met retention requirements may be transferred to the Library of Virginia's Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains a records management program to ensure compliance with these retention requirements while facilitating public access to records that have not reached disposition age.

Types of Courts In Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels within Virginia's unified court system.

Chesterfield County Circuit Court
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
804-748-1241
Circuit Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Chesterfield County General District Court
9500 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
804-748-1231
General District Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Chesterfield Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
7000 Lucy Corr Boulevard
Chesterfield, VA 23832
804-748-1379
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Virginia court system follows a hierarchical structure:

District Courts (General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations) serve as courts of limited jurisdiction handling less serious matters and preliminary hearings.
Circuit Courts function as the primary trial courts with general jurisdiction over major civil and criminal matters, as well as appeals from district courts.
Court of Appeals of Virginia reviews decisions from circuit courts in domestic relations, criminal (except death penalty), and administrative agency cases.
Supreme Court of Virginia serves as the commonwealth's court of last resort, with both original and appellate jurisdiction, particularly for constitutional questions and capital cases.

Cases typically enter the system at the district or circuit court level depending on the nature and severity of the matter. Appeals generally progress upward through this hierarchy, with each successive court providing more limited review focused on legal errors rather than factual determinations.

What Types of Cases Do Chesterfield County Courts Hear?

Each court within Chesterfield County's judicial system maintains specific subject matter jurisdiction as established by Virginia law.

Circuit Court handles:

Felony criminal cases and appeals of misdemeanors
Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
Divorce proceedings and equitable distribution of property
Will probate and estate administration
Real property disputes and land records
Administrative appeals from government agencies
Judicial review of certain local government decisions

General District Court presides over:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses and preliminary hearings for felonies
Traffic violations and infractions
Civil claims up to $25,000
Small claims actions (simplified procedure) up to $5,000
Unlawful detainer and landlord-tenant disputes
Protective orders in non-family situations
Local ordinance violations

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court addresses:

Juvenile delinquency cases (under age 18)
Child abuse and neglect proceedings
Child custody, visitation, and support matters
Family-related protective orders
Domestic violence cases
Termination of parental rights
Adult criminal cases involving family members
Emancipation of minors

Case assignment follows statutory guidelines based on the nature of the action, the amount in controversy (for civil matters), the severity of the offense (for criminal cases), and the relationship between the parties (for domestic matters).

Certain specialized proceedings may involve multiple courts. For example, a juvenile charged with a serious felony may begin in Juvenile Court but be transferred to Circuit Court for trial as an adult. Similarly, appeals from administrative agencies might be heard in either General District Court or Circuit Court depending on the specific agency and issue involved.

How To Find a Court Docket In Chesterfield County

Court dockets in Chesterfield County provide a chronological listing of scheduled cases and proceedings. These calendars are essential tools for determining when and where specific cases will be heard.

To access court dockets, the following methods are available:

Online Docket Access
- Visit the Virginia Judicial System case information website
- Select the appropriate court (Circuit, General District, or J&DR)
- Search by date to view the daily docket
- Case information appears chronologically by hearing time
- Updated daily with schedule changes and additions
In-Person Viewing
- Daily dockets are posted on bulletin boards near courtroom entrances
- Printed copies may be available at clerk's office public counters
- Electronic displays in courthouse lobbies show current day's schedule
- Staff assistance available for locating specific cases
Telephone Information
- Circuit Court: 804-748-1241
- General District Court: 804-748-1231
- Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court: 804-748-1379
- Automated systems may provide basic docket information

When searching for docket information, it is advisable to have:

Case number (if known)
Full names of parties involved
Approximate date of scheduled proceeding
Type of hearing or proceeding

For attorneys and frequent court users, subscription services may be available that provide advanced notification of docket changes and case settings. These services typically require registration with the clerk's office and may involve subscription fees.

Public dockets generally exclude certain confidential proceedings such as grand jury sessions, sealed cases, and certain juvenile matters. Additionally, some sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available docket sheets in accordance with privacy protections under Virginia law.

Which Courts in Chesterfield County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Virginia's judicial system, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" is established by § 16.1-69.5 of the Code of Virginia. This statutory framework defines the procedural characteristics and appellate processes for each court type.

Courts not of record in Chesterfield County include:

General District Court
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

These courts are classified as "not of record" because:

Proceedings are not automatically recorded verbatim (though recording may be arranged by parties)
Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Circuit Court
Less formal rules of procedure may apply in certain proceedings
Judges are appointed by the General Assembly for six-year terms rather than eight-year terms for Circuit Court judges

By contrast, the Chesterfield Circuit Court is a court of record because:

Official verbatim records of proceedings are maintained
Appeals from Circuit Court decisions go to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Virginia on the record established at trial
Strict adherence to rules of evidence and procedure is required
Circuit Court judges are appointed for eight-year terms

The practical significance of this distinction affects how cases progress through the judicial system. When a case is appealed from a court not of record to the Circuit Court, the matter is heard completely anew, as if the district court proceeding had not occurred. This provides litigants with a "second chance" to present their case.

Additionally, courts not of record typically handle matters of lesser severity or financial impact, serving as the entry point for many legal proceedings before potentially advancing to courts of record through the appellate process.