Fairfax County Circuit Court Records are official documents that show the history of civil, criminal, family, and probate cases in Fairfax County, Virginia. These records include case filings, court orders, judgments, land deeds, marriage licenses, and more. People search for these records to check legal history, prove ownership, start a background check, or research family history. The Fairfax Circuit Court, part of Virginia’s 19th Judicial Circuit, keeps all records safe and makes them available to the public. You can get copies in person, by mail, or online for some types of cases. This page tells you exactly how to find, request, and use Fairfax County Circuit Court Records.
How to Get Fairfax County Circuit Court Records
You can get Fairfax County Circuit Court Records in three ways: in person, by mail, or online. For in-person visits, go to the Civil Records/File Room on the third floor, Suite 320, at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff will print up to ten pages while you wait. If you need more than ten pages, your request goes to the Copy Center. It takes up to five business days to finish. Each page costs fifty cents. You can pay with cash, credit card, or county-issued check. You must bring a valid photo ID.
For mail requests, send a letter with your name, case number (if known), type of record needed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to: Clerk of Circuit Court, P.O. Box 10157, Fairfax, VA 22038. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Processing takes 7–10 business days. For online access, use the court’s public docket system to search case information. Not all documents are online, but you can see case numbers, hearing dates, and parties involved. Visit the official Fairfax County Circuit Court website to start your search.
Types of Records Available
The Fairfax County Circuit Court keeps many kinds of records. Civil records include lawsuits, contracts, personal injury claims, and business disputes. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic cases. Family law records include divorce, child custody, adoption, and name changes. Probate records include wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health cases. Land records show property deeds, mortgages, liens, and subdivision plats. These are kept in the Land Records Division on the third floor, Suite 317. Historic records go back to the 1700s and include old court files, land grants, and probate papers. These are kept in the Historic Records Center and are open to researchers.
Each type of record has different rules for access. Most civil and criminal records are public. Some family and probate records may be sealed by the court. Land records are always public. Historic records are open unless they contain private health or financial data. You may need to show ID and explain why you want the record. The clerk’s office can help you find what you need. Call (703) 691-7320 for questions.
Online Access to Court Records
The Fairfax County Circuit Court offers online access to some records through its public docket system. This system lets you search by case number, party name, or attorney name. You can see case status, hearing dates, and docket entries. However, not all documents are available online. Full case files, especially older ones, must be requested in person or by mail. The online system is free and available 24/7. It is best for checking if a case exists or when a hearing is scheduled.
For electronic filing, attorneys use a secure portal to submit pleadings, motions, and other court papers. This system is managed by Clerk John T. Frey and follows Virginia’s Rules of Civil Procedure. The public cannot file online, but they can view filed documents if they are part of a public case. The court is working to digitize more records, but many older files are still only on paper. Always call (703) 691-7320 if you are unsure how to find a record.
Land Records and Property Documents
The Land Records Division handles all real estate documents in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and subdivision plats. These records prove who owns property and show any legal claims against it. The division is on the third floor, Suite 317, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can search records in person or use the online GIS system to link documents to parcel maps.
To request a land record, bring a valid ID and know the property address or parcel number. Staff will help you find the right document. Copies cost fifty cents per page. You can pay with cash, credit card, or county check. Certified copies, which are legal proof of the record, cost extra. These are often needed for real estate closings or court cases. Call (703) 691-7320 and press 3, then 3, for direct help.
Criminal Case Records
The Criminal Division handles all felony and misdemeanor cases in Fairfax County. Records include arrest warrants, charging documents, trial results, and sentencing orders. These records are public unless sealed by the court. The division is on the fourth floor, Suite 409, and is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can request records in person or by mail. Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have it.
Victims of crime can get information about court dates, bail conditions, and restitution. The staff also helps with protective orders and victim rights. Call (703) 691-7320 and press 3, then 2, to speak with someone. TTY 711 is available for hearing-impaired callers. The court keeps an up-to-date docket online so you can check case status anytime.
Family Law and Divorce Records
Family law records include divorce, child custody, adoption, and support cases. These records are mostly public, but some details may be hidden to protect children or victims. To get a divorce record, you must show ID and prove you are part of the case or have a legal reason to see it. The Fairfax Public Law Library, in Suite 115 of the courthouse, offers free access to legal research tools like Westlaw and LexisNexis. You can use these to find Virginia laws and past court decisions.
If you need a lawyer, call the Fairfax County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at (703) 246-3780. They offer a free first meeting and help you find a qualified family law attorney. The court does not give legal advice, but staff can explain how to file forms and what fees to pay.
Historic Court Records
The Historic Records Center keeps court documents from the 1700s to the mid-1900s. These include land grants, probate files, criminal case files, and early civil suits. Researchers use these to study local history, trace family roots, or verify old property claims. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You must call ahead to request access. Many records are now digitized and searchable online through the Fairfax County website.
On-site staff help you locate specific files and can make certified copies for a small fee. Some records are fragile and must be viewed in the center. Guided tours are also offered to show how the court system has changed over time.
Court Tours and Public Education
The Fairfax County Circuit Court offers free guided tours of the historic courthouse and records center. Tours run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and last about forty-five minutes. You’ll learn about the building’s architecture, famous cases, and how the court works today. Groups of up to twenty people can join. You must register online in advance. Tours are great for students, historians, and anyone interested in local government.
The court also hosts educational programs for schools and community groups. These include mock trials, judge talks, and document workshops. Contact the clerk’s office to schedule a visit.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Fairfax County Circuit Court is located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. The main phone number is (703) 691-7320. For general questions, call (703) 246-4111. Fax requests can be sent to (703) 273-6564. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Civil Records/File Room closes at 4:00 p.m. The Land Records Division opens at 8:30 a.m. The Criminal Division opens at 9:00 a.m. Always bring a valid photo ID when requesting records.
For mailing, send requests to: Clerk of Circuit Court, P.O. Box 10157, Fairfax, VA 22038. Include your name, contact info, case details, and payment. Processing takes 7–10 days. For faster service, visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to get court records, what they cost, and how long it takes. Below are answers to the most common questions about Fairfax County Circuit Court Records.
How do I get a copy of a court record?
You can get a copy by visiting the Civil Records/File Room on the third floor, Suite 320, at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff will print up to ten pages while you wait. Larger requests go to the Copy Center and take up to five business days. Each page costs fifty cents. You can pay with cash, credit card, or county-issued check. A valid photo ID is required. You can also mail a request to P.O. Box 10157, Fairfax, VA 22038, with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Processing takes 7–10 days. Some case information is available online through the public docket system, but full documents usually require an in-person or mailed request.
Are Fairfax County Circuit Court Records public?
Most Fairfax County Circuit Court Records are public. This includes civil, criminal, land, and probate records. Anyone can request them with a valid ID. However, some records may be sealed by the court, such as certain family law cases involving children or sensitive personal information. Sealed records are not available to the public. Land records are always public because they affect property rights. Historic records are also open unless they contain private health or financial data. If you are unsure if a record is public, call the clerk’s office at (703) 691-7320. They can tell you what is available and how to get it.
How much do court records cost?
Copies of Fairfax County Circuit Court Records cost fifty cents per page. This applies to civil, criminal, land, and probate documents. If you need certified copies, which are legal proof of the record, there is an extra fee. Certified copies are often needed for real estate, immigration, or court cases. Payments can be made with cash, credit card, or county-issued check. The Copy Center handles requests over ten pages and delivers them within five business days. There is no charge to search for records or view them in person. Online access to the docket system is free. Always bring a valid photo ID when requesting copies.
Can I search court records online?
Yes, you can search some Fairfax County Circuit Court Records online using the public docket system. This free tool lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. You can see case status, hearing dates, and docket entries. However, not all documents are available online. Full case files, especially older ones, must be requested in person or by mail. The online system is best for checking if a case exists or when a hearing is scheduled. For electronic filing, attorneys use a secure portal to submit documents. The public cannot file online, but they can view filed documents if the case is public. Visit the official Fairfax County Circuit Court website to start your search.
How do I get a divorce record from Fairfax County?
To get a divorce record from Fairfax County, visit the Civil Records/File Room on the third floor, Suite 320, at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it. If you don’t have the case number, staff can help you find it using the party names. Copies cost fifty cents per page. You can pay with cash, credit card, or county-issued check. Certified copies cost extra and are needed for legal purposes like remarriage or immigration. You can also mail a request to P.O. Box 10157, Fairfax, VA 22038, with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Processing takes 7–10 days. Some divorce information may be available online, but full records usually require an in-person or mailed request.
What is the Historic Records Center?
The Historic Records Center is a special archive that keeps old court documents from the 1700s to the mid-1900s. These include land grants, probate files, criminal case files, and early civil suits. Researchers use these records to study local history, trace family roots, or verify old property claims. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You must call ahead to request access. Many records are now digitized and searchable online through the Fairfax County website. On-site staff help you locate specific files and can make certified copies for a small fee. Some records are fragile and must be viewed in the center. Guided tours are also offered to show how the court system has changed over time.
How do I contact the Fairfax County Circuit Court?
You can contact the Fairfax County Circuit Court by phone, mail, or in person. The main phone number is (703) 691-7320. For general questions, call (703) 246-4111. Fax requests can be sent to (703) 273-6564. The court is located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Civil Records/File Room closes at 4:00 p.m. The Land Records Division opens at 8:30 a.m. The Criminal Division opens at 9:00 a.m. For mailing, send requests to: Clerk of Circuit Court, P.O. Box 10157, Fairfax, VA 22038. Include your name, contact info, case details, and payment. Always bring a valid photo ID when visiting in person.