Court records in Virginia Beach, Virginia, are available through several channels. VirginiabeachCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in this city. Additionally, you can use the Virginia online court system, visit the court clerk's office in person or call, and use public terminals directly in court buildings.
Virginia Beach Court System & Jurisdictions
Virginia Beach is an independent city in the state of Virginia, and its court system consists of two main courts of general jurisdiction.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles the most serious categories of cases:
- Criminal cases for felonies
- Civil claims over $25,000
- Divorce, custody, and adoption cases
- Probate and estate matters
- Appeals from General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
The court clerk is Hon. Tina E. Sinnen.
Virginia Beach General District Court is the court where most residents go. It handles:
- Criminal cases for misdemeanors
- Traffic violations and fines
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Eviction cases and small claims (up to $5,000)
The clerk is Pamela J. Pringle.
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court operates separately, handling cases involving juveniles, domestic violence, and protective orders. Access to this court's records is usually restricted.
Virginia Beach Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which cases are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or during the week, use the online tools of the Virginia court system.
- Go to the Case Status and Information page on the Virginia Court System website.
- Select the type of court — Circuit Court or General District Court.
- In the list of jurisdictions, find Virginia Beach.
- Enter the party's name or case number to see scheduled hearings.
This system shows hearing dates, judges' names, and case status. Updates occur regularly, but to confirm a specific hearing time, it's better to call the relevant court clerk's office.
The Find a Case page on the Virginia self-help court portal also helps find information about civil and criminal cases in both courts.
How to Get a Copy of a Virginia Beach Court Document
There is a difference between a certified and an uncertified copy. A certified copy has the clerk's seal and legal force — it is needed for submission to other courts, government agencies, or when formalizing agreements. A regular copy is suitable for review.
Ways to obtain:
- In person — visit the Circuit Court or General District Court clerk's office at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Bring identification and know the case number or full name of the party.
- By mail — send a written request with case details, a return address, and a check or money order to the clerk's office address.
- Online — basic case information (dates, status, parties) can be viewed through the Case Information system, but downloading document copies directly from it is usually not possible.
Some records have restricted access — juvenile cases, sealed criminal cases, and certain family proceedings are not issued to third parties.
For birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates, contact the Vital Records division at the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. Death, marriage, and divorce records become public 25 years after the event according to the Virginia Office of Vital Records rules.
Virginia Beach Court Records Fees & Payment
The fee amounts are set according to the Code of Virginia (Code of Virginia, Title 17.1, Chapter 2). Below are typical fees charged by the Circuit Court clerk's office. It's advisable to confirm the exact amount before applying, as fees may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Search in court records (per name) | Free through the online system; a nominal fee may be charged at the clerk's office |
| Uncertified copy of a document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy of a document | $2.00 for the first two pages + $0.50 for each additional page |
| Certification of an existing copy | $2.00 |
| Marriage license | About $30 – $35 |
| Vital record copy (through VDH) | $12.00 for the first copy |
Accepted payment methods:
- Cash and checks — at the court clerk's office
- Money order — for mail requests
- Credit/debit cards — availability depends on the specific court; confirm in advance
For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. If the fee amount is unknown, call the clerk's office to avoid delays.