Charlottesville Civil Court Records

Charlottesville civil court records are filed and maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in Charlottesville, Virginia. The 16th Judicial Circuit handles civil cases for this independent city, covering contract disputes, property matters, judgments, and other civil filings.

Charlottesville Circuit Court Clerk

The Clerk of Circuit Court for Charlottesville is Llezelle Dugger. The office handles civil case filings, land records, judgments, wills, and official court documents for the 16th Judicial Circuit. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The courthouse is at 315 East High Street. The 16th Judicial Circuit also covers Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties. Charlottesville is an independent city surrounded by Albemarle County but with its own separate circuit court.

The Charlottesville Circuit Court page on the state judicial website and the city clerk's page both have current contact details and links to case search tools. Charlottesville and Albemarle County share the 16th Judicial Circuit but have separate clerk's offices. Cases involving Charlottesville addresses go to the city clerk, not Albemarle County.

Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson. It is an independent city in central Virginia, surrounded by Albemarle County. The city has its own circuit court and its civil records are maintained separately from the county. Charlottesville civil court records cover a range of case types common to a mid-sized Virginia city, including contract cases, property disputes, judgment liens, landlord-tenant matters, and business litigation.

Search Charlottesville Civil Court Records Online

The main tool for searching Charlottesville civil court records is the Circuit Court Case Information System (CJISWeb). Select Charlottesville City from the locality list and search by party name or case number. The system is free, requires no login, and shows case type, filing date, party names, and current status.

Note that Charlottesville and Albemarle County are separate localities in CJISWeb. If you are not sure which jurisdiction your case is in, check both. Cases involving UVA or property within city limits are typically in Charlottesville's court. For civil claims in general district court, use the General District Court online system. The Virginia Courts self-help portal can help identify which court has your case.

Civil Court Filing in Charlottesville

Civil cases in Charlottesville are filed at the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 315 East High Street. Filing fees follow the state schedule under Virginia Code § 17.1-275. Claims up to $3,000 carry a $100 fee. Cases from $3,000 to $10,000 cost $200. Suits between $10,000 and $25,000 cost $300. Cases over $25,000 require a $400 base fee.

Virginia State Bar members may use VJEFS to file electronically. Self-represented parties file paper documents in person. Civil court records are presumed public under Virginia Code § 17.1-208. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page; certified copies cost $2.00 per document.

Nearby Areas

Charlottesville is in central Virginia and is surrounded by Albemarle County. The county handles civil records for the rural areas around the city and has its own circuit court clerk. The 16th Judicial Circuit covers a wide region of central Virginia. For county civil records, see the Albemarle County clerk's office page.