Highland County Civil Court Records

Highland County civil court records are held by the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Monterey, Virginia, which serves the 25th Judicial Circuit. As the least populated county in Virginia, Highland County maintains a small but complete set of civil court records covering case filings, judgments, land records, and court documents. This page explains how to search for civil records online, how to contact the clerk's office, and what you need to request copies of civil case documents.

Highland County Circuit Court Clerk

Judy W. Hupman serves as the Circuit Court Clerk for Highland County. The clerk's office is located at 165 W. Main Street, Monterey, VA 24465. Mailing address is P.O. Box 190, Monterey, VA 24465. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Passport services are available from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. You can reach the office by phone at (540) 468-2447. The fax number is (540) 468-2047. You can also contact the clerk by email at jhupman@vacourts.gov.

Given Highland County's small size, the clerk's office handles all civil records in a close-knit setting. Staff are generally accessible and can help direct you to the right records. If you plan to visit in person, it is a good idea to call ahead to confirm the documents you need are on-site and ready for review.

The state court page at vacourts.gov is the most reliable source for current hours, court dates, and any local notices related to civil court operations in Highland County. Check there before submitting a mail request or making the drive to Monterey.

Civil Court Records Search in Highland County

Highland County civil court records can be searched online through the Virginia Judiciary's CJISWeb circuit court case search portal. This free statewide tool lets you look up cases by party name or case number. Because Highland County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit and uses the state case management system, most active and recent civil case data is available through CJISWeb without any login or fee.

For General District Court civil cases in Highland County, the GDC Online Case Information system covers smaller civil claims typically under $25,000. District court handles landlord-tenant matters, smaller contract disputes, and similar civil actions. If you are not sure which court your case is in, try both search portals to locate the right records.

The Virginia Courts self-help center at selfhelp.vacourts.gov provides step-by-step guidance on using the case search tools. It also explains how to read the information you find and what to do next. This resource is useful for self-represented parties working through civil matters in Highland County or anywhere in Virginia.

Note: Because Highland County has a small volume of civil filings compared to other Virginia counties, some case records may need to be retrieved directly from the clerk's office rather than through online databases.

Filing and Fees for Highland County Civil Cases

Civil cases in Highland County are filed at the clerk's office at 165 W. Main Street in Monterey during regular business hours. Filing fees are set by state law under Virginia Code § 17.1-275. Base fees range from $100 for smaller claims up to $400 for claims over $25,000, with additional local fees that may apply.

Attorneys can file civil documents electronically through the Virginia Judiciary E-Filing System. This is available 24 hours a day and removes the need to appear in person for most filings. Self-represented parties must file paper documents at the clerk's office during business hours. Standard circuit court forms are available at courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit.

Requesting Copies of Highland Civil Records

Copies of civil court records from Highland County are available in person at the clerk's office at 165 W. Main Street or by mailing a request to P.O. Box 190, Monterey, VA 24465. Under Virginia Code § 17.1-208, civil court records are public. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document. Include the case number, party names, and specific documents needed in your request. Send a check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

The Library of Virginia holds historical records from Virginia courts including older documents that may not be accessible through the local clerk's office. If you are researching older civil court records from Highland County, the Library of Virginia is worth checking before contacting the clerk's office directly.

Nearby Counties and Cities

Highland County is in the western mountains of Virginia and shares its 25th Judicial Circuit with Augusta County. Augusta County lies to the east and has a much larger court operation. Bath County is directly to the south. Rockbridge County is to the southeast. Each of these counties has its own circuit court clerk and civil records system, but all use the statewide CJISWeb search tool.

The City of Staunton, located in Augusta County and part of the 25th circuit, has its own civil court records. See the Staunton civil court records page for details. The City of Covington, in adjacent Bath and Alleghany County area, is another nearby jurisdiction. See the Covington civil court records page for that city's records information.