Court records in Fairfax County, Virginia, can be searched through several channels. FairfaxCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court websites, the Virginia Court System's online case information tools, the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office, and public-access terminals located inside the Fairfax County Courthouse. The method you use will depend on the court level, case type, and whether you need a certified copy.
Fairfax Court System & Jurisdictions
Fairfax County is part of Virginia's 19th Judicial Circuit. Three courts handle the bulk of cases filed here:
Fairfax Circuit Court
The Fairfax Circuit Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction. It hears:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy exceeding $4,500 (exclusive jurisdiction above $25,000)
- Divorce, custody, and other domestic relations matters filed at the circuit level
- Probate and estate administration (wills, fiduciary appointments)
- Land records and deed recordings
- Appeals from General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
Fairfax General District Court
The General District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions and criminal traffic offenses
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Small claims up to $5,000 (filed within the GDC's small claims division)
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) actions
Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
This court handles cases involving juveniles charged with criminal or status offenses, child abuse and neglect proceedings, custody and visitation disputes, child and spousal support, and protective orders. Most JDR records are confidential under Virginia law and are not available to the general public.
Fairfax County does not have a separate magistrate court building. Virginia magistrates issue warrants, set bail, and conduct initial appearances; their records feed into the district or circuit court where the case proceeds.
Fairfax Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or later in the week, use one of these resources:
- Virginia Court Case Information System — The Case Status and Information portal on the Virginia Judicial System's website lets you search criminal, traffic, and civil case information statewide, including Fairfax County district courts. Search by name or case number to see upcoming hearing dates.
- Circuit Court Public Access Network (CPAN) — The Court Public Access Network provides remote access to Fairfax Circuit Court records dating back to 1742. A subscription account is required; invoices are billed quarterly to the account holder.
- In-person terminals — Public computer terminals inside the Fairfax County Courthouse allow free searches of circuit court dockets and calendars during business hours.
- Clerk's office — You can call the Circuit Court Clerk's office or the General District Court clerk to confirm a specific hearing date if you have the case number.
Calendar information for JDR cases is generally not available online due to confidentiality rules. Contact the JDR clerk directly for hearing schedules in those matters.
How to Get a Copy of a Fairfax Court Document
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
An uncertified copy is a plain photocopy of a court document — useful for personal reference. A certified copy bears the Clerk's seal and signature, which most agencies, lenders, and other courts require as proof of authenticity.
How to Request Copies
- In person — Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Fairfax County Courthouse. Circuit Court records are available for review at three locations: the Courthouse, the Offsite Records Center, and the Historic Records Center. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) for staff to locate the file.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, document title, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include a check or money order payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court" and mail to:
- Online (Circuit Court) — Subscribers to the Court Public Access Network can view and print images of recorded documents remotely. Printed copies obtained this way are not certified.
- General District Court records — For criminal case records from the GDC, the court's criminal records retention page explains that after a case is finalized and the retention period expires, records may be destroyed. For police incident reports, contact Central Records at the Fairfax County Police Department.
Restricted Records
Sealed cases, JDR proceedings, adoption files, and certain mental health records are not available to the public. Expunged records are also inaccessible. If you are unsure whether a record is public, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Fairfax Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars can shift due to continuances, judicial reassignments, or emergency orders. Always confirm a hearing date within 24 hours of the scheduled appearance by checking the Virginia Court Case Information portal or calling the appropriate clerk's office.
Fairfax Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Virginia are set by statute (Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and § 17.1-276). The following table reflects common fees at the Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk's office. Confirm current amounts with the clerk, as fees may be updated by the General Assembly.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certification of a document (clerk's seal and signature) | $2.00 per certificate |
| Copy of a court record (uncertified) | $0.50 per page |
| Copy of a recorded land record (from existing indices) | $0.50 per page |
| Search of court records (per name searched) | $5.00 |
| Remote access subscription (CPAN) — initial deposit | $50.00 |
| Exemplification of a record (triple seal) | $6.00 |
| Testimony certificate (for out-of-state use) | $3.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (a convenience fee may apply to card payments).
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court."
- CPAN subscribers: Billed quarterly by invoice.
General District Court copy fees follow the same statutory schedule. For police reports or FOIA-related records from county agencies, fees are governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and may differ from court copy fees.