Fairfax County Courts

Fairfax County is home to over 1.15 million residents, making it the most populous county in Virginia. This represents nearly 13% of Virginia's total population of 8.6 million. The independent City of Fairfax serves as the county seat. Fairfax County's Circuit Court processes over 30,000 cases annually. On the other hand, the General District Court handles about 200,000 cases annually, as reported by the Virginia Caseload Statistical Information. This includes about 30,000 criminal cases, 35,000 civil disputes, and over 160,000 traffic violations.

These courts exercise jurisdiction over the following cases:

• The Circuit Court hears felonies, civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000, appeals from lower courts, and matters like divorces, adoptions, and probate.
• The General District Court handles misdemeanor offenses, civil disputes up to $25,000, traffic infractions, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
• The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court has authority over juvenile delinquency, child custody, visitation, support, and domestic violence cases.

Fairfax County's courthouses are primarily based in the City of Fairfax, while some General District Court divisions are located in surrounding communities.

How to Access Fairfax County Court Records

Fairfax County court records are open to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. These documents contain case filings, party names, court decisions, hearing dates, evidence, witness testimonies, and motions. Members of the public may view public court records online at no cost or request physical copies of these records. Obtaining court documents typically involves search, copying, or processing fees.

Not all court records in Fairfax County are publicly accessible. The following case files are exempt from the state's FOI Act for legal and privacy reasons.

• Juvenile court records
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Protective orders and domestic violence cases
• Expunged or sealed records
• Confidential settlement agreements
• Grand jury records
• Medical and psychological evaluations
• Cases involving national security or classified information

These documents are only available to the record holders, their legal representatives, and approved government agencies. Requesters may be required to present valid identification before accessing these files. Fairfax County, VA court records may be accessed using any of the following methods:

Online

Circuit Court records are accessible online through the eCaseSearch (ECS) system. Meanwhile, those interested in Fairfax County General District Court cases only may search through Virginia's Online Case Information System. To find case files on these platforms, users may select the case type and enter the party name or case number. Requesters may also complete the online request form to access Circuit Court records.

Nationwide public court records, including those from Fairfax County, are also available online through CourtCaseFinder. To access federal court records for cases heard in Fairfax County, interested persons may use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system after creating a free account. Afterward, log in, enter basic case details, and pay the required fee to view or download federal court records.

In-Person

Fairfax County court records may also be accessed in person. Clerks of the Circuit or General District Court typically provide case files to individuals who request them during official hours at the courthouse. Requesters may also visit the Offsite Record Center to obtain Circuit Court records in person. When making in-person requests, be prepared to:

• Provide specific case details, such as:
• Case number
• Names of parties involved
• Filing date or year
• Present a valid photo ID
• Pay any applicable search or copy fees

Some Fairfax County courthouses may offer public terminals, allowing individuals to search for and view court records on-site at no charge.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center typically maintains and provides access to historical court records dating back to 1742, up to the 1940s. Individuals interested in these files may submit formal requests by mail or in person at:

For statewide access, the Library of Virginia Records Center maintains an extensive collection of historic court documents, including wills, deeds, and chancery cases. Mail or in-person requests should be submitted to:

How To File a Case in Fairfax County

Individuals may file cases by mail, in person, or online, depending on the type of case and jurisdictional court. Before filing, it is important to contact or visit the clerks of the Circuit or General District Courts. Court clerks typically help litigants identify the appropriate court for a case and explain the filing procedures.

The Fairfax County Circuit Court offers an Electronic Filing System that allows litigants to file specific criminal and civil cases. Instructions on how to register and file online are available on the court's E-Filing User Guide. Meanwhile, the General District Court does not accept online filings. Those interested in mail filings may download the required forms online. Complete the forms, print them, and mail them along with any other supporting documents to the appropriate court address. For in-person filings, litigants should visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case will be heard. They may call ahead to make inquiries and schedule appointments with the court clerk.

Filing fees vary depending on the case type and the Fairfax County court handling the case. Individuals who cannot afford the filing fees may be eligible for a fee waiver. To apply, complete the Petition For Indigent Filing or the Virginia Judiciary CC-1414 Petition forms. Submit the petition along with supporting financial information for the court's review. If approved, the waiver allows the applicant to proceed without paying filing fees or other related expenses.

Filing a case in Fairfax County typically involves these steps:

• Contact the General District or Circuit Court Clerk for guidance on where and how to file a case.
• Fill out required court forms with accurate information, including names, phone numbers, and current addresses for all parties involved.
• Include any relevant evidence such as medical records, financial statements, photos, contracts, or police reports.
• Submit the required fee at the time of filing. Litigants who cannot afford the fee should submit the fee waiver application.
• Properly deliver the court papers to the opposing party as required by law.
• Submit documentation to the court confirming that the defendant was officially notified of the case.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Fairfax County residents involved in lawsuits who cannot afford legal representation may seek assistance from local and state nonprofit legal organizations. These organizations often offer free consultations, self-help resources, or referrals to lawyers with discounted legal services.

Some legal aid and referral services available within Fairfax County include the following:

• Fairfax County Bar Lawyer Referral Service
• Fairfax Courthouse Self-Help Resource Center

Here are some referral services and legal aids in Virginia:

• Virginia Lawyer Referral Service (VLRS)
• Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) - For eligible accused persons who cannot afford the services of an attorney

Other legal aid services and self-help resources are listed below:

• Fairfax Public Law Library - Provides legal research materials, public computers, and guides for self-represented litigants.
• Fairfax Law Foundation's Pro Bono Law Center - Connects indigent litigants with volunteer attorneys for free legal help in civil matters.
• Fairfax County Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) - Provides legal and support services for victims of domestic violence, including protective orders.
• Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) - For low-income residents dealing with legal actions involving housing and family law.
• Just Neighbors - Provides immigration legal services to low-income immigrants and refugees, especially those vulnerable to exploitation or abuse.
• Virginia Legal Aid Services - A statewide network offering free legal assistance to eligible low-income residents in a variety of civil matters.
• Virginia Free Legal Answers - An online service where qualified users can ask legal questions and get answers from volunteer attorneys.

Types of Courts in Fairfax County, Virginia

The Fairfax County judicial system, comprising the circuit, general district, juvenile, and federal courts, ensures justice for individuals and business entities. The following outlines each court's contact details and jurisdiction:

Fairfax County Circuit Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It has jurisdiction over felony cases, civil disputes exceeding $25,000, family law matters, probate, and appeals from lower courts. It also handles real estate and equity cases.
• Address and Contact Information

Fairfax County General District Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It resolves misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases involving claims up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. It does not conduct jury trials.
• Address and Contact Information -

Vienna Division

Herndon Division

City of Fairfax Division

Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Juvenile cases heard in this court include delinquency, child custody, visitation, support, abuse, and neglect. It also deals with family-related legal matters involving domestic violence and protective orders.
• Address and Contact Information -

Federal Courts in Fairfax County

The following are the federal courts in the county:

United States District Court Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - This court presides over immigration matters, interstate disputes, and disputes involving federal agencies in Fairfax.
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court - Virginia Eastern District (Alexandria Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It handles all bankruptcy filings, including debt relief, liquidation, and restructuring cases.
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fairfax County Courts

The following provides answers to some frequently asked questions related to Fairfax County, VA, courts.