Find Civil Court Records in Dinwiddie County

Dinwiddie County civil court records are filed and kept by the Circuit Court Clerk in Dinwiddie, Virginia. The 6th Judicial Circuit handles civil cases here, including contract disputes, property matters, judgments, and other civil filings. This page tells you how to search Dinwiddie civil court records online, contact the clerk, and get copies of case documents.

Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk

The Clerk of Circuit Court for Dinwiddie County is John B. Chappell Jr. The clerk's office handles all civil case filings, land records, judgments, wills, and official court documents for the 6th Judicial Circuit. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The court administrator is Terri Driskill, reachable at (804) 431-5602.

The Dinwiddie County Circuit Court page on the state judicial website has current contact information and links to the online case search system. The county website also has information about the court's location and services.

Court terms in Dinwiddie County begin on the 3rd Tuesday in January, March, May, July, September, and November at 9:00 AM. Civil motions and scheduling matters follow this calendar. Check with the clerk or court administrator for specific scheduling deadlines on your case.

Search Dinwiddie Civil Court Records Online

The main tool for searching Dinwiddie County civil court records online is the Circuit Court Case Information System (CJISWeb). Select Dinwiddie County from the list and search by party name or case number. The system is free and shows filing dates, case type, parties, and current status. No login is needed.

For smaller civil matters handled in general district court, use the General District Court online system. This covers civil claims up to $25,000 and eviction cases. Both systems are maintained by the Virginia Judicial System and updated as cases move through the courts.

If you are not sure which court handled your case, the Virginia Courts self-help portal can guide you. It explains case types, search methods, and what the results mean. No legal experience is required to use it.

Civil Court Filing in Dinwiddie County

Civil cases in Dinwiddie County are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk. 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.

Civil case forms are available online at courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit. Download and complete the forms, then bring them to the clerk's office. Virginia State Bar members may use VJEFS to file electronically. Self-represented parties typically file paper documents in person.

All civil court records in Dinwiddie County are presumed public under Virginia Code § 17.1-208. You can inspect case files during business hours at no charge.

Getting Copies of Dinwiddie Court Records

Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $2.00 per document. For in-person requests, visit the clerk's office during business hours. For mail requests, write to the Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk with the case number or party names, what you need, and payment by check or money order. Allow processing time for large requests.

Sealed records, juvenile files, and expunged matters are not public. The clerk will not release those documents. For all other civil records, access is open to anyone during office hours under the public records law.

Nearby Counties

Dinwiddie County is in south-central Virginia near Petersburg. Neighboring counties include Chesterfield County to the north, Prince George County to the east, Surry County to the east, Sussex County to the south, Brunswick County to the southwest, and Nottoway County to the west. The cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell are adjacent to Dinwiddie County and have their own independent circuit courts.