Augusta County Civil Court Records
Augusta County civil court records are filed and maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in Staunton, Virginia, serving the 25th Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office holds civil case filings, judgments, land records, and probate documents for Augusta County. You can search Augusta civil court records through the statewide CJISWeb system online or through the county's dedicated land records portal. This page explains how to find records, contact the clerk, and get copies of documents.
Augusta County Overview
Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk
R. Steven Landes is the Circuit Court Clerk for Augusta County. The office is at 1 East Johnson Street in Staunton and handles all civil case filings, land records, and probate matters for the 25th Judicial Circuit. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Call (540) 245-5321 or email rlandes@vacourts.gov. The fax number is (540) 245-5318.
| Office | Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | R. Steven Landes |
| Street Address | 1 East Johnson Street, Staunton, VA 24401 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 689, Staunton, VA 24402 |
| Phone | (540) 245-5321 |
| Fax | (540) 245-5318 |
| rlandes@vacourts.gov | |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| State Court Page | vacourts.gov - Augusta Circuit Court |
| Land Records | augustaland.org |
Mail should go to the P.O. Box in Staunton rather than the street address. The clerk's office serves Augusta County as well as the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, all within the 25th Judicial Circuit. This means civil court records for cases filed in all three localities run through this same clerk's office.
Search Augusta County Civil Court Records Online
Augusta County is covered by the Circuit Court Case Information System (CJISWeb). Select Augusta County and search by party name or case number. Case type, parties, filing date, and current status all appear in the results. The system is free and available around the clock.
Augusta County maintains a separate online land records system at augustaland.org. This portal provides access to recorded deeds, deeds of trust, and related land documents. Deed and will records for Augusta County go back to 1745. Court records are accessible through the digital system from 1986 forward. For older civil court materials, a visit to the clerk's office or a written request is needed.
For general district court matters, the GDC online system covers Augusta County civil cases below the circuit court threshold. The Virginia Courts self-help portal can help you figure out which system to use and how to interpret the results you find.
Under Virginia Code § 17.1-208, all Augusta County civil court records are presumed public. Walk in during business hours to inspect any case file at no charge. No reason is needed.
Civil Court Filing in Augusta County
File civil cases at the clerk's office at 1 East Johnson Street in Staunton. Filing fees follow the state schedule under Virginia Code § 17.1-275. Claims up to $3,000 carry a $100 filing fee. Cases from $3,000 to $10,000 cost $200. Suits from $10,000 to $25,000 run $300. Claims over $25,000 require a $400 base fee. Local surcharges may be added for courthouse security and law library access.
Standard civil forms are available at courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit. Attorneys may e-file through VJEFS. For land records, e-recording is accepted through approved third-party services. Contact the clerk to confirm which e-recording vendors the Augusta County office accepts.
Secure Remote Access (SRA) for Augusta County land records may be available through the clerk's office. Under Virginia Code § 17.1-292, clerks may offer SRA subscriptions to title professionals, attorneys, and lenders who need regular online access to recorded land documents. Call the office at (540) 245-5321 for current pricing and enrollment information.
Note: Copies cost $0.50 per standard page. Certified copies run $2.00 per document. Send written mail requests to P.O. Box 689, Staunton, VA 24402 with case details and payment enclosed.
Cities in Augusta County
Two independent cities are served by the Augusta County Circuit Court under the 25th Judicial Circuit. The City of Staunton is located within the Augusta County geographic area and uses the same circuit court clerk. The City of Waynesboro is also part of the 25th circuit. Civil court records for cases filed in either city go through the same clerk's office at 1 East Johnson Street in Staunton.
Nearby Counties
Augusta County sits in the Shenandoah Valley of western Virginia. Rockingham County lies to the north. Highland County borders to the northwest. Bath County is to the west. Alleghany County lies to the southwest. Rockbridge County is to the south. Shenandoah County borders to the northeast. Each has its own circuit court clerk managing civil court records for that jurisdiction.