Accomack County Court Records

Accomack County court records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at the courthouse in Accomac, Virginia. You can search case files online through the Virginia judicial system or visit the courthouse in person to get copies. The county sits on Virginia's Eastern Shore and its circuit court is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Cases range from civil disputes and criminal matters to land records and probate filings, all kept on file and available for public inspection under state law.

Accomack County Circuit Court Clerk

The Clerk of Circuit Court is the official keeper of all court records in Accomack County. The office handles civil and criminal case files, land records, wills and probate, marriage licenses, and judgments. Records held by the Clerk date back to 1663, making this one of the oldest continuous court record collections in Virginia. The Clerk's office is open to the public and staff can help you locate cases, pull files, and make copies.

The current Clerk of Court is Hon. Talia Taylor, elected in November 2023. The office operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You can call ahead to confirm what documents you need before visiting. Mail requests are also accepted, though certified copies must be paid for in advance.

The Accomack Circuit Court page on vacourts.gov provides current contact information, court schedules, and links to case search tools.

This screenshot shows the Accomack Circuit Court page on the Virginia courts website, where you can find clerk contact details and links to the online case search system.

Search Accomack County Court Records Online

Two main online tools let you search Accomack court records. The Circuit Court Case Information System gives you access to civil and criminal cases filed in the Accomack County Circuit Court. Select "Accomack County Circuit" from the dropdown and search by name, case number, or hearing date. The system shows real-time data directly from the Clerk's office. You can view party names, docket entries, pleadings, and service information.

For traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small civil claims, use the General District Court Online Case Information system. This tool covers criminal, traffic, and civil cases handled by the General District Court. Some prepayable fines can also be paid online through this system. Both tools are free to use and do not require an account.

In-person searches at the Clerk's office give you access to the full paper record, including documents not available online. You can view older case files and request certified copies at the front counter. Bring your ID and any case information you already have. The public records room contains documents going back hundreds of years. Staff can assist with name searches when you do not have a case number.

Note: Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court records are not available online or to the general public. Those records are confidential under Virginia law.

Accomack General District Court Records

The Accomack County General District Court is part of the 2A Judicial District of Virginia. It handles traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, civil claims up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Small claims cases involving up to $5,000 can also be filed here. The court serves multiple communities on the Eastern Shore, with traffic court sessions held at various locations including Onley, Hallwood, Bloxom, Parksley, and Chincoteague.

The General District Court's phone number is (757) 787-0923 and the fax is (757) 787-5619. The court is located at 23371 Front Street, P.O. Box 276, Accomac, VA 23301. Case records from the General District Court are searchable through the GDC Online Case Information portal. Appeals from General District Court decisions go to the Circuit Court, and a notice of appeal must be filed within ten days of judgment.

What Accomack Court Records Contain

Court records in Accomack County cover a wide range of case types. Circuit Court records include civil lawsuit filings, felony criminal cases, divorce and custody matters, probate filings, and appeals from lower courts. Each case file holds the initial petition or complaint, all motions filed by both sides, court orders, and the final judgment. Land records are also kept by the Clerk and include deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. These property documents date back to 1663.

Criminal court records show the charges filed, arrest warrants, indictments, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and any related motions. Civil records show the parties involved, the nature of the dispute, financial judgments, and appeal documents. Probate records include wills, inventories of estates, and orders of the court related to estate settlement. Marriage licenses issued since the county's early days are also maintained in the Clerk's office.

Most Accomack County court records are open to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Va. Code § 2.2-3700. Sealed records and adoption files are not accessible without a court order. Juvenile court records are confidential. Financial source documents like tax returns filed in civil cases may also be restricted.

Online payments for criminal fines can be made through the Virginia Judiciary Online Payment System at eapps.courts.state.va.us/fmsOnline. A four percent convenience fee applies for credit or debit card payments.

Getting Copies of Accomack Court Records

Copies of court records from the Accomack County Clerk's office cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies, which carry the deputy clerk's signature and seal, have an additional fee of $2.00 per document. Triple-seal copies, signed by both the Clerk and a judge, cost an additional $2.50 per document. These fees apply to most court documents, land records, and other official files held by the Clerk.

Mail requests are accepted. Include the case number or year, the full names of all parties, and a certified check or money order made out to the Clerk of the Accomack Circuit Court. Personal checks may not be accepted for all requests, so call ahead. Also include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the Clerk can return the copies to you. Electronic land record recording is available, and remote access subscriptions for land records cost $50 per month with a three-month minimum, or $550 per year. To apply for remote access, contact the office at smayes@vacourts.gov.

Note: In-person requests are usually processed the same day. Mail requests may take several days depending on the complexity of the search.

Virginia FOIA and Public Records Access

Virginia's public records law, found at Va. Code § 2.2-3700, gives citizens the right to inspect and copy public records held by government bodies. Court records in Accomack County are subject to this law, and the Clerk of Circuit Court is obligated to respond to records requests within five business days. You do not need to state a reason for requesting court records, and there are no restrictions on how you use them.

Some records are exempt. Criminal investigation files, sealed cases, adoption records, juvenile court files, and certain mental health records are not open to the public. Virginia also limits FOIA access to state residents, so you must be a Virginia citizen or a qualifying media outlet to make a formal request. More information about Virginia's FOIA law is available at nfoic.org/virginia-foia-laws.

Legal Help in Accomack County

If you need help understanding court records or navigating the court system in Accomack County, several resources are available. The Virginia Courts Self-Help website at selfhelp.vacourts.gov has guides for common court matters, including how to find a case, file a small claim, and respond to civil suits. The site also explains how court records are organized and what each type of document means.

The Virginia State Bar runs a lawyer referral service if you need legal representation. Virginia Legal Aid organizations serve low-income residents and may be able to help with civil matters. Contact your local legal aid office to ask about eligibility and available services.

Nearby Counties

Accomack County sits on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Northampton County is the only Virginia county directly adjacent on the peninsula. Other nearby Virginia counties accessible by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel include the following.