Highland County Court Records
Highland County court records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at the courthouse in Monterey, Virginia. You can search case files through the statewide Virginia judicial system or contact the clerk's office directly to request copies. Highland is a small county in the Alleghany Highlands region, and its circuit court is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit. Court records go back to the county's formation in 1847 and cover civil, criminal, land, and probate matters.
Highland County Overview
Circuit Court Clerk Highland County
The Clerk of the Highland County Circuit Court is the official custodian of all court records in the county. The circuit court is presided over by the Honorable Edward K. Stein. Court terms are held on the third Tuesday of March, June, September, and December. Records held by the clerk begin in 1847, the year the county was formed from parts of Bath and Pendleton (now West Virginia) counties. These records cover everything from land transactions and estate matters to criminal proceedings and civil disputes.
The clerk's responsibilities include recording deeds and real estate documents, processing divorces and name changes, handling criminal and civil court matters, maintaining probate and estate files, and appointing notaries, guardians, conservators, and church trustees. The office also issues concealed handgun permits and marriage licenses. The courthouse is located at 165 West Main Street in Monterey. Copies of records cost $0.50 per page as set by Virginia law.
The Highland County Circuit Court page at highlandcova.org provides current contact information, court term dates, and an overview of the clerk's responsibilities and available services.
This screenshot shows the Highland County Circuit Court page, which lists court term dates, contact information, and the full scope of the clerk's duties.
| Office | Highland County Clerk of Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 165 W. Main Street, PO Box 190, Monterey, VA 24465-0190 |
| Phone | (540) 468-2447 |
| Court Terms | 3rd Tuesday of March, June, September, and December |
| Presiding Judge | Honorable Edward K. Stein |
| Website | highlandcova.org/circuit-court |
How to Search Highland County Court Records
Highland County circuit court records are searchable through the Circuit Court Case Information System at eapps.courts.state.va.us. Select Highland County Circuit from the dropdown menu and search by party name, case number, or hearing date. The system is free to use and shows current case data entered by the clerk's office. You can view party names, docket entries, and case status.
For general district court cases, traffic violations, and misdemeanor matters, use the General District Court Online Case Information system. This covers criminal and traffic records for the local district court. Third-party tools like Trellis.law's Highland County page also provide access to Highland court cases, including a free case summary and docket information with the option to download court documents.
Because Highland County is small, not all records may be available online. For older filings and detailed case documents, visiting the courthouse in Monterey is often the most reliable option. Bring any identifying information you have about the case, such as a party name or year of filing. Staff are generally available to assist during regular business hours.
Historical chancery records for Highland County, covering 1848 to 1912, are available through the Library of Virginia's Chancery Records Index. Digital images of those records can be accessed at the Library of Virginia's website. These are useful for genealogical research and older legal matters.
General District Court in Highland County
Highland County's general district court handles civil cases up to $25,000, traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal matters, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. Small claims cases involving up to $5,000 can also be filed here. Because Highland is a small and rural county, the general district court shares the same courthouse building as the circuit court in Monterey. The court calendar and case information are available through the statewide GDC online system at the Virginia courts website.
Appeals from general district court rulings go to the circuit court. A notice of appeal must be filed within ten days of the district court's judgment. The circuit court then reviews the case as a new proceeding, with the opportunity for a jury trial in certain cases. Contact the clerk's office at (540) 468-2447 for questions about scheduling or case status in either court.
Highland County Court Record Types
Court records in Highland County include a wide range of document types. Land records such as deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, plats, and other real estate instruments are recorded by the clerk. Marriage records held by the clerk date from 1850, and divorce records are also available from 1850 forward. Birth records from 1850 to 1898 are held by the clerk, along with probate records from 1860 and general court records from 1837. The collection spans nearly two centuries of legal activity in the county.
Criminal records show charges, warrants, indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders for felonies tried in circuit court. Civil records include lawsuits, judgments, and appeals from district court. Chancery causes, which are old equity-based proceedings, are part of the historical record dating back to 1848. The Library of Virginia has processed and digitized Highland County Chancery Causes covering 1848 to 1912. Those records are held in about 0.45 cubic feet of material in one box and are accessible through the chancery records index online.
Most Highland County court records are open to the public. Sealed files, juvenile court records, and adoption documents are restricted. All public records are subject to Virginia's open records laws.
Copies and Fees for Highland Records
Copies of court records from the Highland County Circuit Court Clerk's office cost $0.50 per page. This fee applies to standard uncertified copies of any court document, land record, or other file held by the clerk. Certified copies, which include the clerk's signature and official seal, carry an additional $2.00 per document fee. Triple-seal copies, signed by both the clerk and a judge, cost an additional $2.50 per document.
For mail requests, include the full names of the parties, the year or case number, and a certified check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Highland County Circuit Court. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of documents. Call (540) 468-2447 before mailing to confirm what you need and the exact cost. Walk-in requests during regular business hours are typically processed the same day.
Note: Payment methods accepted may vary, so contact the office to confirm before submitting a request by mail.
FOIA and Public Access in Highland County
Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, codified at Va. Code ยง 2.2-3700, gives residents the right to inspect and copy public records held by government bodies, including the Highland County Circuit Court Clerk. The clerk must respond to written records requests within five business days. You do not need to state a reason for your request, and there are no restrictions on how you use the records you obtain.
Exempt records include sealed cases, juvenile court files, adoption records, active criminal investigation files, and certain mental health or personnel matters. Virginia also limits formal FOIA access to state residents. Learn more about Virginia FOIA at nfoic.org/virginia-foia-laws.
Legal Help in Highland County
If you need help finding or understanding court records in Highland County, the Virginia Courts Self-Help website at selfhelp.vacourts.gov has plain-language guides for common court tasks. These include how to find a case, what to expect in small claims court, and how to respond to a civil lawsuit. The site is free and does not require registration.
The Virginia State Bar's lawyer referral service can connect you with a local attorney. Call (800) 552-7977 to reach the referral line. Legal aid organizations serving the western Virginia region may also be able to help low-income residents with civil matters. Contact your nearest legal aid office to find out what services are available and whether you qualify.
Nearby Counties
Highland County is in the western mountains of Virginia. These nearby counties are also served by courts in the 25th Judicial Circuit or adjacent circuits.