Court records in Hanover County, Virginia can be searched through several channels. HanoverCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the Virginia Courts online case information system, the Hanover County court case information page, the clerks' offices at the Circuit Court and General District Court, and public-access terminals available at courthouse locations.
Hanover Court System & Jurisdictions
Hanover County is served by two trial-level courts, each handling distinct case types. Understanding which court holds the docket you need is the first step in any records search.
Hanover General District Court
The Hanover General District Court handles:
- Traffic infractions and misdemeanor traffic offenses
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil claims of $25,000 or less (small claims fall within this court for amounts up to $5,000)
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) actions
- Preliminary hearings for felony charges
Hanover Circuit Court
The Hanover Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It hears:
- Felony criminal cases and misdemeanor appeals from General District Court
- Civil cases exceeding $4,500 (exclusive jurisdiction above $25,000)
- Divorce, custody, and other domestic relations matters
- Probate of wills and administration of estates
- Land records, including deeds, plats, and judgments
- Name changes and marriage licenses
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
Hanover County also has a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court that handles cases involving juveniles, child support, custody disputes, and protective orders. Magistrates are available around the clock to issue arrest warrants, emergency protective orders, and set bail.
Hanover Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
If you need to check today's or this week's court schedule, there are a few ways to find hearing dates in Hanover County:
- General District Court hearings: The Hanover County court case information page links to the General District Court Online Case Information System, where you can search by name or case number and view scheduled hearing dates.
- Circuit Court hearings: Circuit Court case information, including upcoming dates, is available through the Virginia Courts Case Information system for Circuit Courts. Search by party name or case number.
- In person: Court calendars are typically posted at the courthouse. You can also call the General District Court clerk at (804) 365-6290 or the Circuit Court Clerk's office to confirm a specific hearing date.
Court calendars can shift due to continuances or judicial scheduling changes, so it is a good idea to verify dates close to the hearing.
How to Get a Copy of a Hanover Court Document
You can obtain copies of court documents from the clerk's office that maintains the case file. The process differs slightly depending on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are often required for legal proceedings, background checks, or submitting to another agency.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the official seal. They work for personal reference or informal review.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the appropriate clerk's office. For Circuit Court records — including civil judgments, felony cases, land records, probate files, divorce decrees, and marriage licenses — go to the Circuit Court Clerk's office. For General District Court records (traffic, misdemeanor, small claims), visit the General District Court clerk's window at the District Courts Building.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number or party names, the document needed, and whether you require a certified copy. Include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online: Some case information can be viewed and printed through the Virginia Courts case information portal, though certified copies generally must be obtained from the clerk's office directly.
For divorce records, the party requesting the divorce must submit a completed VS-4 form to the clerk's office before the court enters a final decree. Divorce verification records are also available from the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records.
Clerk Mailing Address — Circuit Court
Clerk Mailing Address — General District Court
Hanover Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Virginia are established by statute (Virginia Code § 17.1-275 et seq.). The following table reflects common fees. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by the General Assembly.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy — first page | $2.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $0.50 |
| Certificate and seal (no copy attached) | $2.00 |
| Search of court records (per name/year searched) | $2.00 |
| Exemplification of a record | $5.00 plus copy charges |
| Copy of land record (self-service terminal, per page) | $0.50 |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; ask the clerk about accepted forms of payment before your visit. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court or the appropriate court.
Certain records may be restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile records, and adoption files. If you are unsure whether a record is available, contact the clerk's office before submitting payment.