Fairfax County Public Records /Fairfax County Court Records

Fairfax County Court Records

What Is Fairfax County Court Records

Court records in Fairfax County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related information maintained by various courts operating within Fairfax County, Virginia. Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, court records are defined as all papers, documents, exhibits, orders, and judgments filed in connection with any legal proceeding.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Docket sheets chronicling case events and scheduling
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. The distinction lies in their creation within the judicial process rather than administrative functions.

In Fairfax County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

Fairfax Circuit Court - handles felony cases, civil claims exceeding $25,000, and maintains land records
General District Court - processes misdemeanors, civil claims under $25,000, and traffic violations
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court - oversees juvenile matters and family cases
Federal courts (when applicable for federal cases within the jurisdiction)

According 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," establishing the legal foundation for public access to court records in the Commonwealth.

Are Court Records Public In Fairfax County

Court records in Fairfax County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Virginia's open courts doctrine and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The Virginia Constitution, Article I, § 12, establishes that "the courts of this Commonwealth shall be open," creating a presumption of public access to judicial proceedings and their associated records.

Under § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, most court records maintained by the Fairfax County courts are available for public inspection. This includes:

Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
Criminal case records (post-charging)
Judgments and final orders
Docket information and hearing schedules
Property records and land transactions
Probate and estate matters

However, certain categories of records may be restricted or sealed by statute or judicial order. These exceptions typically include:

Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Records sealed by court order
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Certain family court matters involving minors
Grand jury proceedings
Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account information)

The Virginia Judiciary operates under the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, which further define public access policies for court records. Rule 1:4 addresses the confidentiality of certain information in court filings, requiring parties to redact sensitive personal data.

It is important to note that access procedures may differ between federal and state courts operating within Fairfax County, as federal courts follow separate rules governed by the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.

How To Find Court Records in Fairfax County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Fairfax County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed:
- For Circuit Court records:
Fairfax Circuit Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-691-7320
Fairfax Circuit Court
- For General District Court records:
Fairfax County General District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-691-7320
General District Court
- For Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court records:
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-246-3367
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
Provide case number or party names for record identification
Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by § 17.1-275 of the Code of Virginia

Mail Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
Include case information, specific documents requested, and contact information
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
Allow 5-10 business days for processing

Online Access:

Access the Court Public Access Network for Circuit Court records
Create an account if required for full access
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
Pay any applicable online access fees

Third-Party Services:

Legal research platforms (Westlaw, LexisNexis) provide access to some court records
Title companies may retrieve land records for property transactions
Private investigators or record retrieval services can obtain documents for a fee

When requesting records, individuals should be prepared to provide identifying information about the case, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and the specific documents needed. Pursuant to § 17.1-208(B), courts may charge reasonable fees for search and copying services.

How To Look Up Court Records in Fairfax County Online?

Fairfax County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types. The following online resources are currently available:

Circuit Court Records:

The Court Public Access Network (CPAN) serves as the primary online portal for Fairfax Circuit Court records. To utilize this system:

Navigate to the CPAN website
Register for an account (requires name, address, and payment information)
Select the desired search parameters:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
Review search results showing basic case information
Select specific cases to view detailed records
Pay applicable fees for document access ($50 quarterly subscription)

CPAN provides access to civil, criminal, and probate case information, as well as land records dating back to 1742.

General District Court Records:

The Virginia Judiciary Case Information System allows users to search General District Court records:

Visit the case information portal
Select "General District Court" from the court selection menu
Choose "Fairfax County" from the locality options
Enter search criteria (name, case number)
Review results showing case status, hearing dates, and disposition
Note that document images are not available through this system

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court:

Due to confidentiality requirements under § 16.1-305 of the Code of Virginia, most Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court records are not available online. Limited case status information may be accessible through the Virginia Judiciary portal for authorized parties.

Additional Online Resources:

Virginia Courts Case Information - Provides appellate case information for cases appealed from Fairfax County
Virginia Supreme Court Opinions - Contains published opinions from cases originating in Fairfax County

Users should be aware that online systems may not contain all records, particularly older cases or those with restricted access. Additionally, document images may not be available for all case types, necessitating in-person requests for complete file access.

How To Search Fairfax County Court Records for Free?

Virginia law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, "No fee shall be charged for inspection of records." Fairfax County provides several options for free court record searches:

In-Person Inspection:

The most comprehensive free access method involves visiting the appropriate courthouse:

Circuit Court Records Room
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Room 317
Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
General District Court Clerk's Office
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Room 2300
Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

At these locations, public terminals are available for searching case indices at no charge. Staff assistance for locating physical records is also provided without fee, though retrieval may take time depending on case age and storage location.

Free Online Resources:

Virginia Judiciary Case Information - Provides free access to basic case information for General District Court and Circuit Court cases, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Hearing schedules
- Case status and disposition
- Judge assignments
Virginia Courts Case Status - Offers free searches for criminal and traffic cases in General District Court with:
- Defendant name search capability
- Hearing date information
- Charge details
- Case outcomes
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - Provides free access to current inmate information, which can help locate associated court cases.

While these free resources provide valuable case information, they have limitations:

Document images are generally not available through free systems
Historical records may not be included in online databases
Detailed pleadings and exhibits require in-person inspection or paid access
Some case types (juvenile, sealed cases) remain restricted regardless of access method

For comprehensive research requiring extensive document review, users may find that paid subscription services offer more efficient access despite the associated costs.

What's Included in a Fairfax County Court Record?

Court records in Fairfax County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The contents typically reflect all official filings and proceedings throughout a case's lifecycle. Standard components of Fairfax County court records include:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service documents
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
Affidavits and sworn statements
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Court orders and rulings on motions
Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
Final judgment or dismissal order
Post-judgment filings (appeals, collection efforts)

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (indictments, information)
Arrest warrants and returns
Bond and bail information
Defendant's plea
Pre-trial motions and responses
Evidence inventories
Court orders regarding evidence or procedure
Sentencing information
Probation terms and conditions
Appeal notices and related documents

Family Court Records:

Divorce petitions and responses
Child custody and support orders
Visitation schedules
Financial disclosure statements
Property division agreements
Protective orders
Name change petitions
Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)

Probate Records:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Inventories of estate assets
Executor/administrator appointments
Claims against estates
Accountings of estate administration
Distribution orders
Estate closing documents

Land Records:

Deeds and property transfers
Mortgage documents
Liens and encumbrances
Easements and right-of-way agreements
Plats and surveys
Foreclosure proceedings
Tax assessment appeals

According to the Virginia Circuit Court Records Preservation Program, court records also include docket books, order books, and indices that organize and track cases through the judicial system. These administrative records provide chronological listings of court activities and serve as finding aids for specific case files.

It should be noted that while most documents filed with the court become part of the official record, certain materials may be excluded or redacted pursuant to § 17.1-293 of the Code of Virginia, which addresses the protection of personal identifying information.

How Long Does Fairfax County Keep Court Records?

Fairfax County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia under the authority of § 42.1-76 through § 42.1-91 of the Code of Virginia. These schedules vary by record type and significance, with some documents preserved permanently while others are destroyed after prescribed periods.

Circuit Court Records Retention:

Land records (deeds, mortgages, plats): Permanent retention
Felony case files: 20 years after final disposition; capital cases preserved permanently
Civil case files: 10 years after final order; cases of historical significance preserved permanently
Probate records (wills, estate inventories): Permanent retention
Adoption records: Permanent retention (with access restrictions)
Divorce proceedings: 50 years after final decree
Judgments and liens: 20 years after satisfaction or expiration
Court order books: Permanent retention
Naturalization records: Permanent retention

General District Court Records Retention:

Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
Civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
Small claims: 5 years after final disposition
Garnishments and executions: 5 years after satisfaction
Protective orders: 15 years after expiration

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Records Retention:

Juvenile criminal cases: Until subject reaches age 19 (non-serious offenses); age 29 (serious offenses)
Child support cases: 19 years after youngest child reaches majority
Custody and visitation: 19 years after youngest child reaches majority
Abuse and neglect: Permanent retention

The Library of Virginia's Records Management Program oversees these retention schedules, which are periodically updated to reflect changes in law and administrative needs. Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by court clerks to ensure compliance with retention requirements before disposal.

Fairfax County has implemented a records management system that includes both on-site storage at the courthouse and off-site archival facilities for older records. The Circuit Court Historic Records Center preserves and provides access to historically significant court records dating back to the county's founding in 1742.

Researchers seeking older records should note that while many historical documents have been preserved, some records may have been lost due to courthouse fires, particularly during the Civil War period, or through authorized destruction under previous retention schedules.

Types of Courts In Fairfax County

Fairfax County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels. These courts operate within Virginia's unified court system and handle various case types according to their statutory authority.

Fairfax Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit)
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-691-7320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fairfax Circuit Court

The Circuit Court serves as the county's court of general jurisdiction and court of record. It handles felony criminal cases, civil claims exceeding $25,000, appeals from lower courts, and maintains land records and probate matters.

Fairfax County General District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-691-7320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
General District Court

The General District Court has limited jurisdiction over civil claims up to $25,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-246-3367
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

This specialized court handles cases involving juveniles and family matters, including juvenile delinquency, child custody, support, and protective orders.

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division)
401 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-299-2100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Virginia

While located in neighboring Alexandria, this federal court serves Fairfax County residents for federal cases, including federal crimes, civil rights violations, and diversity jurisdiction cases.

Court Hierarchy and Appeals Process:

The Virginia court system follows a hierarchical structure:

District Courts (General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations) - first level
Circuit Court - trial court of general jurisdiction and appellate review of district courts
Court of Appeals of Virginia - intermediate appellate court for domestic relations, criminal cases, and administrative agency decisions
Supreme Court of Virginia - highest state court and final authority on state law questions

Appeals from Fairfax County courts follow this progression, with the U.S. Supreme Court having potential jurisdiction over federal constitutional questions. According to § 16.1-106 of the Code of Virginia, appeals from district courts to circuit court are heard de novo (new trial), while appeals to higher courts typically review only legal errors rather than factual determinations.

What Types of Cases Do Fairfax County Courts Hear?

Fairfax County courts adjudicate a wide spectrum of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by the Code of Virginia. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific case types:

Circuit Court Case Types:

Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
Real property disputes and land records
Probate and estate administration
Divorce proceedings and equitable distribution
Appeals from General District Court and administrative agencies
Corporate and business litigation
Medical malpractice and complex tort cases
Chancery matters (injunctions, specific performance)
Tax disputes with the county or commonwealth
Name change petitions
Restoration of civil rights

General District Court Case Types:

Misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic violations
Civil claims up to $25,000
Small claims actions (up to $5,000, simplified procedure)
Unlawful detainer and landlord-tenant disputes
Protective orders in non-family situations
Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Local ordinance violations
Bond hearings and bail determinations
Civil forfeiture proceedings
Mental health temporary detention orders

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Case Types:

Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Child abuse and neglect cases
Family-based protective orders
Child custody, visitation, and support
Spousal support (when related to child support)
Family truancy issues
Emancipation of minors
Termination of parental rights
Foster care review and permanency planning
Underage drinking and tobacco violations
Domestic violence cases

According to § 17.1-513 of the Code of Virginia, the Circuit Court has "original jurisdiction of all civil cases at law and in chancery" above certain monetary thresholds, while § 16.1-77 establishes the General District Court's authority over claims within specified limits. The Virginia Judicial System provides a comprehensive framework for case assignment and jurisdictional boundaries.

In instances where jurisdictional questions arise, courts may transfer cases to the appropriate venue or consolidate related matters for efficient adjudication. Complex cases may involve multiple courts, such as when a juvenile is tried as an adult or when family matters intersect with criminal proceedings.

How To Find a Court Docket In Fairfax County

Court dockets in Fairfax County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. These essential records help the public track court activities and identify specific hearings. Several methods exist for accessing docket information:

Online Docket Access:

Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
- Select "Fairfax County" from the locality menu
- Choose the appropriate court (Circuit, General District, or J&DR)
- Search by case number, party name, or hearing date
- View docket entries showing scheduled hearings and case status
Court Public Access Network (CPAN) for Circuit Court
- Requires subscription ($50 quarterly fee)
- Provides comprehensive docket information
- Includes historical docket entries and case history
- Shows assigned judges and courtroom locations

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court:
- Circuit Court Civil Division (Room 319) or Criminal Division (Room 318)
- General District Court Clerk's Office (Room 2300)
- Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Clerk's Office (Room 3200)
Request daily docket sheets or case-specific docket information
- Daily dockets are typically posted near courtroom entrances
- Clerk staff can provide printouts of specific case dockets
- Public access terminals are available for self-service searching

Telephone Docket Information:

Circuit Court: 703-691-7320 (Civil) or 703-246-4111 (Criminal)
General District Court: 703-691-7320
Juvenile & Domestic Relations: 703-246-3367

Callers should provide case numbers when inquiring about specific dockets, as privacy policies may limit information provided by telephone.

Attorney Access Systems:

Attorneys registered with the Virginia Judiciary E-Filing System have enhanced access to docket information for cases in which they are counsel of record.

Pursuant to § 17.1-208.1 of the Code of Virginia, courts must provide reasonable access to docket information while protecting confidential or sealed cases. Certain dockets, particularly in juvenile or family courts, may have restricted access due to privacy concerns.

For specialized dockets such as drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, interested parties should contact the specific program coordinator through the Fairfax County Specialty Dockets office.

Which Courts in Fairfax County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Virginia's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and appellate structure. This distinction is established by § 16.1-69.5 of the Code of Virginia, which defines courts not of record as those district courts established by Chapter 4.1 of Title 16.1.

Courts Not of Record in Fairfax County:

Fairfax County General District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-691-7320
General District Court
Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-246-3367
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

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

Proceedings are not automatically recorded verbatim
Parties must request court reporters if they desire transcripts
Appeals from these courts to the Circuit Court are heard de novo (new trial)
Simplified procedural rules apply to expedite case processing
Judges are appointed by the General Assembly rather than elected

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

Proceedings are recorded and preserved
Appeals are based on the established record
Stricter procedural and evidentiary rules apply
Appeals go directly to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Virginia

The practical significance of this distinction affects how cases proceed 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 never occurred. This provides litigants with a "second chance" at presenting their case.

According to § 16.1-106 of the Code of Virginia, "From any final order or judgment of the general district court, an appeal may be taken within 10 days to the circuit court." This appeal transfers the case to the court of record, where formal procedures and complete recordkeeping are required.