Hanover County Public Records /Hanover County Court Records

Hanover County Court Records

What Is Hanover County Court Records

Court records in Hanover County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities and decisions maintained pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-69.55, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
Docket sheets chronicling case progression and scheduled events
Court orders and final judgments
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

These judicial records differ from other public records maintained by Hanover County, such as property records, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are governed by separate statutory provisions and maintained by different county departments.

In Hanover County, court records are maintained by several courts within the Virginia judicial system:

Circuit Court (court of record for felonies, civil matters over $25,000)
General District Court (misdemeanors, civil matters under $25,000)
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (family matters, juvenile cases)

The Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of records for the Circuit Court, while district court clerks maintain records for their respective courts. These records encompass civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes.

Are Court Records Public In Hanover County

Court records in Hanover County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the constitutional principle of open courts. The Virginia Code § 17.1-208 specifically establishes that "The records and papers of every circuit court shall be open to inspection by any person and the clerk shall, when required, furnish copies thereof."

Publicly accessible court records typically include:

Civil case files and pleadings
Criminal case records (post-charging)
Court orders, judgments, and decrees
Docket sheets and hearing schedules
Property records filed with the court
Marriage licenses and probate records

However, certain categories of records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to statutory provisions or court orders. These exceptions include:

Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Mental health commitment proceedings
Adoption records
Records sealed by judicial order
Cases involving minors as victims of certain crimes
Records containing sensitive personal identifiers

The Virginia Supreme Court has established Rules of Court governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. Additionally, federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (which has jurisdiction over Hanover County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in Hanover County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Hanover County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both physical and digital repositories of court records, with varying procedures for each court.

For in-person requests at the Circuit Court:

Visit the Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
Allow processing time for extensive or archived records

Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
7530 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6150
Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk

For General District Court records:

Visit the General District Court clerk's office
Provide case information (names, approximate date, case type)
Request to view specific case files
Pay applicable fees for copies if needed

Hanover County General District Court
7515 Library Drive
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6191
Hanover General District Court

For Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court:

Submit a written request to the clerk's office
Demonstrate legal interest or statutory authorization to access records
Receive determination regarding access eligibility
Pay applicable fees for authorized copies

Hanover Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
7507 Library Drive
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6209
Hanover J&DR District Court

Written requests may be submitted to any court by mail with the following information:

Case number (if known)
Names of parties involved
Approximate date of case filing
Type of case or document sought
Requestor's contact information
Check or money order for applicable fees

How To Look Up Court Records in Hanover County Online?

Hanover County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online, with varying levels of information availability depending on the court and case type. These electronic resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

For Circuit Court records, users may access:

Virginia Courts Case Information - This system provides access to circuit court case information including:
- Case status and party information
- Hearing dates and times
- Case type and filing date
- Judgment information
- Search by name or case number
Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System - For searching circuit court land records:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Liens and judgments
- Plat maps and surveys
- Marriage licenses
- Requires registration for full access

For General District Court records:

General District Court Online Case Information System provides:
- Criminal and traffic case information
- Civil case status and party details
- Hearing schedules
- Case outcomes and disposition
- Searchable by name or case number

For comprehensive court record searches across multiple courts:

Virginia Judicial System Case Status and Information allows users to:
- Search across multiple courts
- Access appellate case information
- View hearing calendars
- Check case status updates
- Search by party name or case number

When using these online systems, users should note:

Some records may not be available electronically
Older cases may have limited information
Certain sensitive case types are excluded from online access
Document images may require in-person requests
Registration may be required for certain search functions

How To Search Hanover County Court Records for Free?

Virginia law provides for public inspection of court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-275, courts may charge reasonable fees for reproduction services, but inspection of publicly available records is generally free of charge.

Free access options in Hanover County include:

In-person inspection at courthouse facilities:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine records under staff supervision
- Take notes without charge (though copying fees apply)
Free online search platforms:
- Virginia Judicial System Case Information - Free basic case information
- General District Court Case Information - Free access to district court records
- Hanover County Court Case Information - County-specific case lookup
Public access terminals at courthouse locations:
- Available at clerk's offices during regular business hours
- Provide more comprehensive access than remote online systems
- May include document images not available on public websites
- No charge for searching or viewing
Law library resources:
- Hanover County Law Library (located in the courthouse complex)
- Public computer terminals with legal research databases
- Reference assistance from library staff
- Access to court rules and procedures

While basic record searches are free, users should be aware of potential fees for:

Printed copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
Certified documents ($2-5 per document)
Record retrieval from archives (varies by volume)
Extensive research assistance by clerk staff

What's Included in a Hanover County Court Record?

Court records in Hanover County contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, particularly Part 1.

For Circuit Court case files, records typically include:

Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
Responsive pleadings (answers, motions to dismiss)
Court orders and opinions
Evidentiary filings and exhibits
Witness lists and testimony transcripts
Final judgments and decrees
Post-judgment motions and enforcement documents
Appeal notices and related filings

For General District Court cases:

Warrants or summonses
Criminal charging documents
Civil claim forms
Judgment forms and disposition information
Payment records for fines and costs
Appeal notices
Continuance orders

For Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court (with restricted access):

Petitions regarding juvenile matters
Child custody and visitation orders
Child and spousal support determinations
Protective orders in domestic violence cases
Delinquency adjudications
Child welfare proceedings

Case dockets in all courts typically contain:

Chronological listing of all case events
Hearing dates and outcomes
Filing dates for all documents
Party and attorney information
Judge assignments
Service of process information
Disposition status

Court records also include administrative information such as:

Case numbers and filing dates
Party names and contact information
Attorney information
Judge or magistrate assignments
Court reporter information for transcribed proceedings
Filing fees and payment records

How Long Does Hanover County Keep Court Records?

Hanover County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia pursuant to Virginia Code § 42.1-86.1. These schedules vary by record type and significance, with some records preserved permanently while others are destroyed after prescribed periods.

For Circuit Court records:

Land records (deeds, mortgages, plats): Permanent retention
Felony case files: Permanent for significant cases; 20 years after final disposition for others
Civil case files: 20 years after final disposition
Divorce records: Permanent retention
Probate records and wills: Permanent retention
Adoption records: Permanent retention
Judgments and liens: 20 years after satisfaction or expiration
Marriage licenses: Permanent retention

For General District Court records:

Criminal case files: 10 years after final disposition
Civil case files: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic cases: 10 years after final disposition
Small claims: 10 years after judgment
Preliminary hearings: 10 years after certification to Circuit Court

For Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court:

Juvenile criminal cases: Until subject reaches age 19 unless serious offense
Child custody and support: Until youngest child reaches age 19
Adoption records: Permanent retention
Child protective cases: 25 years after final disposition

Court dockets and indices are typically maintained permanently as finding aids, even when underlying case files may be destroyed according to retention schedules.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though storage methods differ. The Circuit Court Clerk has implemented digital preservation systems for permanent records pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-240.

Types of Courts In Hanover County

Hanover County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels within Virginia's unified court system.

Hanover County Circuit Court
7530 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6150
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Hanover County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court serves as the county's court of general jurisdiction and court of record, handling:

Felony criminal cases
Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
Appeals from lower courts
Probate and estate administration
Real property disputes
Divorce proceedings

Hanover County General District Court
7515 Library Drive
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6191
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hanover General District Court

The General District Court has limited jurisdiction over:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations
Civil claims up to $25,000
Small claims (up to $5,000)
Preliminary hearings for felony cases

Hanover Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
7507 Library Drive
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 365-6209
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hanover J&DR District Court

The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles:

Juvenile delinquency cases
Child custody and visitation
Child and spousal support
Family abuse protective orders
Cases involving minors

Appeals from Hanover County courts proceed to:

Court of Appeals of Virginia
100 North 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-5651
Court of Appeals of Virginia

Supreme Court of Virginia
100 North 9th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-2251
Supreme Court of Virginia

Federal cases involving Hanover County residents fall under:

United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division
701 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 916-2200
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia

What Types of Cases Do Hanover County Courts Hear?

Hanover County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictional authority as established by the Code of Virginia.

The Hanover County Circuit Court hears:

Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, serious drug offenses)
Civil matters with claims exceeding $25,000
Real property disputes (title issues, boundary disputes, easements)
Divorce and annulment proceedings
Will contests and estate administration
Appeals from General District and J&DR Courts
Administrative appeals from government agencies
Medical malpractice and complex litigation
Injunctions and equitable remedies

The Hanover County General District Court handles:

Misdemeanor criminal cases (assault, petty theft, trespassing)
Traffic violations (speeding, DUI, reckless driving)
Civil claims up to $25,000
Small claims actions up to $5,000
Landlord-tenant disputes and unlawful detainer actions
Protective orders (non-family members)
Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Local ordinance violations

The Hanover Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court addresses:

Juvenile delinquency cases
Status offenses by minors (truancy, runaway)
Child abuse and neglect proceedings
Child custody, visitation, and support
Spousal support (when related to child support)
Family abuse protective orders
Termination of parental rights
Adoption consent cases
Criminal cases where victim is family/household member

Specialized dockets may exist within these courts for:

Drug court programs
Mental health cases
Veterans treatment court
DUI/sobriety court
Domestic violence cases

Cases involving federal law or constitutional questions may be heard in federal court rather than Hanover County courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Hanover County

Court dockets in Hanover County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. These public records are accessible through several methods depending on the court and case type.

For Circuit Court dockets:

Online access via the Virginia Courts Case Information system:
- Select "Hanover Circuit Court" from the court selection menu
- Choose search by hearing date to view daily dockets
- Select specific date range to view upcoming hearings
- Filter by case type or judge if needed
In-person at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
- Request to view daily or weekly printed dockets
- Inquire about specific case scheduling
- Check posted dockets outside courtrooms

For General District Court dockets:

Online access through the General District Court Online Case Information System:
- Select "Hanover General District Court"
- Choose "Hearing Date Search" option
- Enter desired date range
- Filter by case type (criminal, traffic, civil)
Telephone docket information:
- Call the clerk's office at (804) 365-6191
- Provide case number or party name
- Request hearing date information

For Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court:

Due to confidentiality restrictions, dockets are not publicly available online
Parties to cases may inquire at the clerk's office or by telephone
Attorneys can access limited docket information through secure portals

For all courts, case participants receive written notice of hearing dates, which serves as the official notification regardless of docket listings.

Daily dockets are typically finalized the afternoon before court dates, though emergency matters may be added with limited notice. Court schedules are subject to change due to continuances, settlements, or judicial emergencies.

Which Courts in Hanover County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Virginia's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-69.5. This distinction determines procedural rules, appeal processes, and record-keeping requirements.

Courts not of record in Hanover County include:

Hanover County General District Court
Hanover County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

These courts are characterized by:

Proceedings that are not routinely transcribed verbatim
More informal procedures than courts of record
Appeals that proceed as trials de novo (new trials) rather than reviews of the record
Limited record-keeping requirements compared to courts of record
Judges who are appointed by the legislature rather than elected

By contrast, the Hanover County Circuit Court is a court of record, meaning:

Proceedings are recorded verbatim
Appeals are based on the established record
Stricter procedural and evidentiary rules apply
Comprehensive records are maintained permanently
It serves as the appellate court for courts not of record

The practical significance of this distinction for litigants includes:

Right to a completely new trial when appealing from district courts to circuit court
Different rules of evidence and procedure between court levels
Varying record access procedures and availability
Different preservation requirements for case documents

Magistrates, while judicial officers, are not considered courts at all under Virginia law, though they perform important judicial functions including issuing warrants and setting bail.