Fauquier County Court Dockets

Court records in Fauquier County, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. FauquierCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through the Virginia court system's online tools, visit the clerk's office in person, contact court staff directly, or use public-access terminals at the courthouse. The approach that works best depends on the type of record, the court that handled the case, and whether you need a certified copy.

Fauquier Court System & Jurisdictions

Fauquier County is served by multiple courts, each handling different case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter is the first step to finding the right docket.

• Fauquier County Circuit Court — The court of general jurisdiction. Handles felony criminal cases, civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $4,500, equity matters (including divorce and land disputes), appeals from the district courts, and probate of wills and estate administration. The Fauquier Circuit Court is led by Clerk of Court Hon. Gail H. Barb.
• Fauquier County General District Court — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, civil claims up to $25,000, small claims (up to $5,000), and preliminary hearings for felonies. Small claims cases are filed and heard in this court.
• Fauquier County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (JDR) — Covers cases involving juveniles (delinquency, abuse, neglect), custody, visitation, child and spousal support, and protective orders. Many JDR records are confidential by statute.
• Magistrate's Office — Issues arrest warrants, search warrants, emergency protective orders, and sets bail. Magistrates operate around the clock but do not maintain public docket calendars in the same way as the other courts.

There is no separate probate or family court in Virginia. Probate matters are handled by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, and family law cases are split between the Circuit Court (divorce, equitable distribution) and the JDR Court (support, custody, protective orders).

Fauquier Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings

To find today's or upcoming court hearings in Fauquier County, use the statewide Case Status and Information portal maintained by the Virginia Judicial System. This tool lets you search by name or case number across Circuit Courts, General District Courts, and JDR Courts.

Steps to check a court calendar:

1. Visit the Virginia Courts case information page.
2. Select the appropriate court level (Circuit, General District, or JDR).
3. Choose Fauquier County from the locality list.
4. Search by party name or case number to see scheduled hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and case status.

For Circuit Court–specific information, the Fauquier Circuit Court page may post courtroom schedules or links to daily dockets. You can also call the Clerk's Office during business hours (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) to ask about a specific hearing date.

General District Court and JDR Court calendars are generally available through the same statewide portal. If you need same-day information — such as confirming a hearing time — calling the court directly is often the fastest option.

How to Get a Copy of a Fauquier Court Document

The Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is the custodian of Circuit Court records, including civil judgments, criminal case files, land records, wills, and marriage records. General District Court and JDR Court records are maintained by those courts' clerks separately.

Certified vs. Uncertified Copies

• Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
• Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.

How to request copies:

• Online — The Circuit Court Clerk offers eSearch, an online portal for searching and accessing court records. Land records are also available through Virginia's Secure Remote Access (SRA) system, which requires registration and a subscription fee.
• In person — Visit the Clerk's Office during business hours. The record room has separate posted hours; check with the office before visiting for record room access.
• By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number or party names, the document needed, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Mail requests to:

Restricted records: Juvenile cases, sealed cases, adoption files, and certain mental health records are not available to the general public. Ask the clerk whether a specific record is accessible before submitting a request.

Fauquier Court Records Fees & Payment

Fees for court records in Virginia are set by statute (primarily Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and related sections). The following are common fees you may encounter when requesting records from the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office:

Fees are established under the Virginia Code and may be updated by the General Assembly. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's Office before submitting payment.

Payment methods:

• In person — Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Some clerk's offices also accept credit and debit cards; confirm with the Fauquier office.
• By mail — Check or money order payable to "Clerk of Circuit Court."
• Online — The eSearch portal and SRA system may charge transaction or subscription fees in addition to per-page copy costs.

For vital records such as birth and death certificates, those are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records, not by the court clerk. Certified copies of vital records can also be ordered at select Virginia DMV locations.