Henrico County Court Records
What Is Henrico County Court Records
Henrico County court records are official documents created and maintained by the various courts operating within Henrico County, Virginia. These records document legal proceedings, judgments, and other official actions taken by the courts. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, court records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, who serves as the official custodian of these documents.
Court records in Henrico County typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Criminal charges and dispositions
- Civil complaint documentation
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate records and estate administration documents
- Land records including deeds and property transfers
- Court dockets and calendars
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains the majority of court records in Henrico County, serving as the recorder of deeds, probate judge, and official court administrator for the county's judicial system.
Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 4301 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 (804) 501-4202 Henrico Circuit Court Clerk Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Are Court Records Public In Henrico County
Court records in Henrico County are generally considered public documents in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Virginia Code § 2.2-3700. Members of the public have the legal right to access and inspect most court records maintained by the county courts.
The public nature of court records serves several important functions:
- Ensures transparency in judicial proceedings
- Allows citizens to monitor the activities of the courts
- Provides access to legal precedents and decisions
- Facilitates research for legitimate business, legal, and personal purposes
However, certain exceptions to public access exist under Virginia law. Records that may be restricted include:
- Juvenile court records (pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-305)
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Cases involving sexual assault victims
- Records containing sensitive personal identifying information
Individuals seeking copies of public records may obtain them from the Henrico Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The office provides copies of deeds, plats, wills, judgments, court orders, marriage licenses, and other public documents upon request and payment of applicable fees.
How To Find Court Records in Henrico County in 2025
Members of the public seeking court records in Henrico County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The primary methods include:
In-person requests remain the most comprehensive way to access court records. Individuals may visit:
Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 4301 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 (804) 501-4202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
When requesting records in person, requestors should:
- Provide specific case information when possible (names, case numbers, dates)
- Complete any required request forms
- Be prepared to pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page as of 2025)
- Present valid identification for certain record types
For probate and estate administration records, individuals should contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at (804) 501-4249 to schedule an appointment.
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate court. Requests should include:
- Specific information about the records being sought
- Contact information for the requestor
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Online access to certain court records is available through the Virginia Judicial System's Case Information portal, which provides access to criminal and traffic case information for general district courts and select circuit courts.
How To Look Up Court Records in Henrico County Online?
Henrico County offers several online resources for accessing court records electronically. The primary online systems include:
The Virginia Judicial System's Case Information portal provides public access to:
- Criminal and traffic case information in general district courts
- Select circuit court records
- Case status updates and hearing dates
- Party names and case types
- Disposition information
Users can search by name, case number, or hearing date. This system is maintained by the Supreme Court of Virginia and includes records from courts throughout the Commonwealth, including Henrico County.
For land records and certain other documents, the Circuit Court Clerk offers secure remote access to authorized users. This subscription-based service provides online access to:
- Land records and deeds
- Judgment liens
- Marriage licenses
- Wills and probate documents
Access to this system requires registration and payment of subscription fees in accordance with Virginia Code § 17.1-294. Attorneys, title companies, and other qualified professionals may apply for access through the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
The Henrico County website provides information about available services and record types, though direct document access is limited.
Can You Search Henrico County Court Records for Free?
Limited free options exist for searching Henrico County court records. The availability of free access varies by record type and search method:
The public access terminals located in the Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office provide free on-site searching of court records. Visitors may use these terminals during regular business hours at:
Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 4301 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
While searching is free, printing documents from these terminals incurs standard copy fees ($0.50 per page).
The Virginia Judicial System's Case Information website offers free basic case information searches, including:
- Party names
- Case types and numbers
- Hearing dates
- Basic disposition information
However, this system does not provide access to full document images or complete case files.
In-person inspection of physical court records is available at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate courthouse. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-208, citizens have the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees apply for copies or certified documents.
Henrico County General District Court 4301 East Parham Road P.O. Box 90775 Henrico, VA 23273-0775 (804) 501-4723 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What's Included in a Henrico County Court Record?
Henrico County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
For criminal cases handled by the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court:
- Charging documents (indictments, information)
- Arrest warrants and affidavits
- Plea agreements
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted)
- Court orders and judgments
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeal documentation
For civil cases:
- Initial complaints and petitions
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and briefs
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts (when prepared)
- Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
- Final judgments and orders
For probate and estate matters:
- Wills and codicils
- Inventories of estate assets
- Lists of heirs
- Accountings
- Final distribution reports
Court records also typically include a case summary sheet or docket that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial rulings.
How Long Does Henrico County Keep Court Records?
Henrico County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Supreme Court. Retention periods vary based on record type and historical significance:
Permanent records that are maintained indefinitely include:
- Order books and final judgments
- Criminal case files for felonies
- Land records and deeds
- Marriage licenses
- Wills and estate settlements
- Adoption records
- Naturalization records
According to the Library of Virginia, many historical Henrico County court records prior to 1655 and almost all prior to 1677 are missing. Records were destroyed by British troops during the Revolutionary War, resulting in significant gaps in the county's earliest court documentation.
Non-permanent records are maintained for specified periods:
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 20 years after final disposition
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 19 (non-serious offenses)
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed in accordance with authorized procedures. However, records deemed to have historical significance may be transferred to the Library of Virginia for permanent preservation.
Types of Courts In Henrico County
Henrico County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdictions and record-keeping responsibilities:
The Henrico County Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction and the county's primary trial court. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from lower courts
- Probate and estate administration
- Land records and property disputes
- Divorce proceedings
Henrico County Circuit Court 4301 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 (804) 501-4202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Henrico County General District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Henrico County General District Court 4301 East Parham Road P.O. Box 90775 Henrico, VA 23273-0775 (804) 501-4723 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles:
- Cases involving juveniles
- Family matters including custody and support
- Domestic violence cases
- Child abuse and neglect proceedings
Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court 4201 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 (804) 501-4688 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What Types of Cases Do Henrico County Courts Hear?
Henrico County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions. The case types include:
The Circuit Court, as part of the Virginia Court System, handles the most serious criminal and complex civil matters:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
- Divorce and annulment proceedings
- Property disputes and real estate matters
- Will contests and estate litigation
- Appeals from lower courts
- Administrative agency appeals
- Name change petitions
The General District Court addresses less serious matters and smaller claims:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Unlawful detainer actions (evictions)
- Protective orders (preliminary)
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court focuses on family matters and juvenile cases:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Family abuse protective orders
- Child abuse and neglect
- Termination of parental rights
- Adoption consent cases
Each court maintains its own records according to case type, with the Circuit Court Clerk serving as the primary records custodian for the county's judicial system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Henrico County
Court dockets in Henrico County provide schedules of cases to be heard and records of proceedings that have occurred. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
The Virginia Judicial System's online Case Information portal provides public access to docket information for:
- Criminal and traffic cases in General District Court
- Select Circuit Court cases
- Upcoming hearing dates and times
- Case status updates
Users can search by name, case number, or hearing date to locate docket information.
For in-person docket access, individuals may visit:
Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 4301 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 (804) 501-4202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Henrico County General District Court 4301 East Parham Road P.O. Box 90775 Henrico, VA 23273-0775 (804) 501-4723 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Daily docket sheets are typically posted near courtroom entrances on the day of scheduled hearings. These sheets list cases to be heard that day, including party names, case numbers, and scheduled times.
For criminal cases specifically, the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court maintains docket information for felony cases, misdemeanor cases originating by Grand Jury action, and misdemeanor appeals.
Which Courts in Henrico County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Henrico County, certain courts do not maintain formal verbatim records of their proceedings and are classified as "not courts of record" under Virginia law. These courts include:
The Henrico County General District Court is not a court of record. This means:
- No official transcript of proceedings is automatically created
- Proceedings are not recorded verbatim
- Cases appealed from this court receive a completely new trial (trial de novo) in Circuit Court
- The court maintains case files and disposition information, but not word-for-word records of hearings
The Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court is also not a court of record, with similar limitations on record-keeping.
In contrast, the Henrico County Circuit Court is a court of record, meaning:
- Official records of proceedings are maintained
- Verbatim transcripts may be created by court reporters
- Appeals from Circuit Court to higher courts are based on the record created at trial
- Comprehensive documentation of all aspects of cases is preserved
When cases are appealed from the General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to the Circuit Court, they receive a completely new hearing rather than a review of the lower court's proceedings, as no official record exists to review.
Lookup Court Records in Henrico County
Search criminal cases in Henrico Circuit Court
Access Virginia's court case information system
Contact the Henrico General District Court
Visit the Henrico Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Research historical Henrico County court records
Learn about probate and estate administration