Find Court Records in Fauquier County

Fauquier County court records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 29 Ashby Street in Warrenton. You can search cases online through the Virginia Judicial System or visit the Record Room during business hours to review files and request copies. This page covers how to access Fauquier County court records, where to go, what it costs, and what to expect when you make a request.

Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk

The Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk serves as recorder of deeds, court administrator, and records custodian. The clerk processes all civil and criminal cases, maintains court files, issues subpoenas, prepares court orders, and oversees jury selection. The office is at 29 Ashby Street in Warrenton.

The Record Room is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You can visit in person to search case files, review court orders, or request copies. If you plan to visit just to look up a case, bring the full name of the person or the case number. Staff can pull records and help you find what you need during open hours.

The Fauquier court records search portal provides case information for civil and criminal matters filed in Fauquier County.

Searching Fauquier Court Records Online and In Person

The Virginia Judicial System provides two main online tools for searching court records. The Circuit Court Case Information System covers Fauquier County Circuit Court cases. You can search by party name, case number, or hearing date. The General District Court Case Information system covers the district court level. Both are free.

The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil cases in Fauquier County. The General District Court has limited jurisdiction over civil claims up to $25,000. If you are looking for a felony case or a major civil suit, start with the Circuit Court system. For traffic, misdemeanor, or small civil matters, use the General District Court portal.

For in-person searches, go to the Record Room during business hours. Bring a photo ID and as much information about the case as you have. Staff will help you locate the file. The office handles both current and historical records.

The Virginia Court Records page for Fauquier County provides additional information on accessing case files and requesting copies.

Fauquier General District Court

The Fauquier County General District Court is part of the 20th Judicial District. It sits at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. The clerk is Ms. Whitney Danielle Thornton. The district court handles traffic and criminal arraignments on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 11:30 AM. Preliminary hearings in felony cases take place on the first, second, and fourth Wednesday at 1:00 PM. Civil cases are heard on the fourth Monday at 1:00 PM.

You can search General District Court cases through the Fauquier General District Court page on the Virginia Courts website. That page lists court schedules and contact information for the district-level clerk.

The Fauquier General District Court page on the Virginia Courts site lists current court schedules and case lookup tools for district-level matters.

What Fauquier County Court Records Contain

Fauquier County court records cover a wide range of legal proceedings. Civil files include complaints, answers, motions, and final judgments. Criminal files contain arrest warrants, indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. Family law files include divorce decrees, child custody orders, support agreements, and adoption records. Probate records include wills, estate inventories, and administrator appointments.

The Circuit Court Clerk also keeps land records, deed of trust filings, judgment liens, trade names, financing statements under the UCC, and marriage licenses. These are maintained separately from active court case files but are accessible through the same clerk's office. Most records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute.

Note: Some records dating back many years may be in bound books rather than electronic form. Older records may take more time to locate and copy.

Getting Copies of Fauquier Court Records

Copy fees in Fauquier County are $0.50 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost an extra $2.00 per document. There is also a $5.00 search fee if you need staff to locate a record. To get copies by mail, include the full name of the party, date of birth, case number, the approximate date of the case, your contact information, and a check or money order. Do not send cash. The Records Room will process your request and mail back the copies.

For in-person visits, come during Record Room hours (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday) with a valid photo ID. Staff can pull the file, let you review it, and make copies. Bring as much detail about the case as you have. The more information you give, the faster they can locate it.

Public Access and FOIA in Fauquier County

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, Va. Code § 2.2-3700, applies to Fauquier County court records. Most records are open to any member of the public. You do not need to be a party to the case or give a reason for the request. If a record is withheld, the clerk must explain the legal basis for the denial. For more on your rights under Virginia FOIA, visit nfoic.org/virginia-foia-laws.

Sealed records, juvenile records, and certain family law documents may be restricted. When in doubt, call the clerk's office at (540) 422-8100 before making a trip to confirm a file is available and where it is located.

Legal Help in Fauquier County

The Virginia State Bar can refer you to a local attorney through its lawyer referral service at (800) 552-7977. Piedmont Legal Services provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in the Fauquier County area. Income and case type limits apply. The Virginia self-help court portal at selfhelp.vacourts.gov has guides and court forms for people who want to handle matters without a lawyer.

Nearby Counties

Fauquier County is in Piedmont Virginia. These neighboring counties also have Circuit Court Clerk offices with public court records.