Frederick County Civil Court Records

Frederick County civil court records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in Winchester, Virginia, part of the 26th Judicial Circuit. The clerk holds civil case filings, land records, judgments, and other court documents for Frederick County. You can search Frederick civil court records online through Virginia's CJISWeb system for free. This page covers how to search records online, use the local clerk's website, request copies, and understand Frederick County's local court schedule and civil filing procedures.

Frederick County Circuit Court Clerk

Sarah J. Kahle serves as the Circuit Court Clerk for Frederick County. The clerk's office is located in Winchester, the county seat, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call (540) 667-5770 for general inquiries. Frederick County shares the 26th Judicial Circuit with the City of Winchester and Clarke County. The clerk's office handles civil case filings, land records, judgments, and estate matters for all of Frederick County.

Frederick County's clerk also operates a dedicated local site at winfredclerk.com. This site, run jointly with the City of Winchester clerk, contains local information about filing procedures, fees, and court schedules that are specific to the 26th Judicial Circuit. It is worth checking before your visit to make sure you have the right forms and know what to bring.

Frederick County Civil Court Records Online

The Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System (CJISWeb) is the main online search tool for Frederick County civil court records. Select Frederick County from the locality list and search by party name, case number, or date range. You'll see case type, filing date, parties, case status, and docket events. CJISWeb is free and runs 24 hours a day without a login required.

For district court civil cases in Frederick County, the General District Court case search covers smaller civil claims and landlord-tenant matters handled at that court level. If you are not sure which court handled a case, try both systems before concluding a record does not exist.

Land records and recorded instruments for Frederick County can also be searched through CJISWeb's land records module. If you need a more complete search of deed records or land records going back further in time, visit the clerk's office in person during record room hours.

Local Court Schedule in Frederick County

Frederick County follows a specific local court calendar. Court terms begin on the Thursday after the first Monday in January, April, July, and October. Motion day is the first Wednesday after the first Monday of each month. If you plan to appear on a motion, note that praecipe filings must be submitted at least seven days before the motion day deadline. Missing this deadline can push your matter to the following month's docket.

These local scheduling rules are specific to the 26th Judicial Circuit. If you practice in or appear before this court, review the local rules posted on the vacourts.gov Frederick Circuit Court page or the winfredclerk.com site for the most current scheduling requirements. Local rules can differ from the general statewide circuit court rules in meaningful ways.

Filing Civil Cases in Frederick County

Civil cases are filed at the clerk's office in Winchester during regular hours. Filing fees follow the statewide schedule under Virginia Code § 17.1-275. Claims up to $3,000 carry a $100 base fee. The $200 fee applies to suits from $3,001 to $10,000. Claims between $10,001 and $25,000 cost $300. Claims over $25,000 carry a $400 base fee. Local surcharges may be added at filing.

Attorneys may file electronically through the Virginia Judiciary E-Filing System. Self-represented parties file in person. Civil forms for circuit court are available at courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit. Under Virginia Code § 17.1-208, Frederick County civil court records are public. Copies are $0.50 per page for standard copies and $2.00 per certified document.

Note: Sealed records and matters involving juveniles are exempt from public access regardless of how the request is made.

Cities in Frederick County's Circuit

The City of Winchester is an independent city that shares the 26th Judicial Circuit with Frederick County and Clarke County. Civil court records filed in Winchester cases are held by the Winchester Circuit Court Clerk, which is a separate office from the Frederick County clerk. See the Winchester civil court records page for information about civil records in that jurisdiction.

Nearby Counties

Frederick County is in the northern Shenandoah Valley near the West Virginia border. Shenandoah County lies to the south. Clarke County is to the east. Warren County borders to the southeast. Hampshire County, West Virginia is to the northwest. Each Virginia county has its own circuit court clerk handling civil court records for that locality.