Common Questions About Henrico County Court Records
How do I search Henrico County court records online?
Use the official Virginia Courts online services. OCIS 2.0 gives statewide access to certain criminal and traffic data. General District Court Case Information covers many Henrico traffic, misdemeanor, civil, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases. Circuit Court Case Information covers participating circuit cases. For full documents, certified copies, land records, or older files, contact the Circuit Court Clerk. The Henrico County court records page walks through each portal and the search fields.
Is Henrico's Circuit Court the same as a District Court?
No. In Virginia the Circuit Court is the main court of record and the broadest trial court. The General District Court is a lower court for traffic, misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, and lower-dollar civil matters. The J&DR Court is separate for juvenile and family cases. Henrico's primary trial court should not be called a district court. The Henrico County Circuit Court page explains how the three courts divide the work.
Who is the Henrico Circuit Court Clerk?
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is Heidi S. Barshinger. Her office keeps Circuit Court records, land records, probate, marriage licenses, judgments, divorce files, and felony and circuit criminal files. It also handles many public copy requests. The general information line is (804) 501-4202. The Circuit Court Clerk page lists the division phone numbers, hours, and fees for copy requests.
Can I bring a phone into the Henrico Courts Building?
No. Henrico warns that cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited in the Courts Building at 4309 East Parham Road. The Clerk page shows a no phones, cameras, or weapons notice, and the probate page repeats the rule. Leave prohibited items outside the building and allow extra time for security screening before any hearing or clerk appointment. Print anything you need to bring inside.
Where do I get a Henrico marriage license?
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk in Room 240, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Both applicants must appear in person with valid, unexpired government photo ID. The fee is $33, credit cards add a 2% fee, and the license is valid for 60 days. The marriage and divorce records page covers the online application and copy rules.
Where are Henrico divorce records?
Divorce and annulment are Circuit Court matters in Virginia. Search through the Circuit Court case tools or contact the Clerk's Civil and Divorce division at (804) 501-5422. Certified copies may require the case number, party names, the decree date, and payment. A vital-record certification from the state is different from the full court file. The marriage and divorce records page explains both routes.
How do I probate a will in Henrico?
Schedule a probate appointment with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Bring the original will and codicils, a certified death certificate, valid photo ID, an heir list, asset values, and payment, plus witnesses or depositions unless the will is self-proving. Appointments usually take about an hour. The Henrico County probate records page lists the full document checklist and the small estate option.
Does Henrico have a small estate process?
Yes. Henrico's probate page says a small estate affidavit may be used instead of probating a will and qualifying a personal representative when statutory conditions are met and the estate value at death does not exceed $75,000. A value under the limit does not always mean a simple estate. See Va. Code sections 64.2-600 and 64.2-601, explained on the probate records page.
How do I find someone in the Henrico jail?
Use the official Sheriff inmate search. Search by last name or use the alphabet buttons. Results show first, middle, and last name, suffix, booking date, facility, and inmate ID. The site excludes juvenile offenders and does not show charges or dispositions. The Henrico County inmate records page explains the search fields, the two jail facilities, and how to send money or mail.
Does the inmate search prove guilt?
No. The Sheriff's disclaimer states that all defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty and that an arrest is not an indication of guilt. The search is a custody locator, not a criminal-history report. For the charge or the disposition, contact the charging agency or the court clerk. The Henrico County arrest records page explains the difference between a jail record and a court record.
How do I send money to a Henrico inmate?
Use Access Corrections online, the app, phone deposits at 636-888-7004, a Keefe kiosk, or certified checks and money orders in person or by mail. Jail West accepts in-person deposits 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; Jail East 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Personal checks are not accepted, and cash should never be mailed. The inmate records page lists the full rules.
Does Henrico publish a released inmates list?
No separate released-inmates list was located. The official jail lookup is a current inmate locator, not a recent-release log. To verify a release, check the current inmate search, call the facility, set up VINELink notifications, and check the state or federal locators if the person may have transferred. The released inmates page covers each verification step and reentry resources.
Does Henrico publish active warrants?
No official Henrico active-warrant search was located. Active warrants are often not published for safety and enforcement reasons. Verify through court clerks, official sheriff or police numbers, the magistrate or court process, or an attorney. Do not rely on third-party warrant sites, and never send gift cards or wire payments to clear a warrant. The warrant records page explains how to check safely.
What Henrico records are restricted?
Juvenile court records, juvenile law-enforcement records, adoption files, sealed and expunged records, and some mental-health materials are restricted. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and protected victim information are redacted. J&DR records are especially limited under Virginia law. The court records page explains what is public and how to petition to view a sealed record.
How fast does Henrico respond to a FOIA request?
Henrico's FOIA services page says the county responds within five working days after receiving a request. Day One is the day after receipt, and weekends and holidays do not count. FOIA applies to existing records, not general questions, and a request does not have to use the word FOIA. The public records page explains request methods, fees, and how to challenge a denial.
Where do I pay a Henrico traffic ticket?
Use the Virginia Courts payment tools for eligible General District Court cases. OCIS 2.0 itself does not accept payments, so verify the court and case number first. Some offenses, such as reckless driving and DUI, cannot be prepaid and require a court appearance. Paying often counts as a guilty plea. The traffic court records page explains paying versus contesting a ticket.
What happens if I miss a Henrico court date?
It depends on the case. A missed criminal or traffic date can trigger a capias or bench warrant and a possible license hold. A missed civil date can mean a default judgment or a dismissal. Check the official case system and contact the clerk or your attorney right away. The court dockets page explains docket schedules and missed-date consequences.
Still Have Questions?
For the right office, see the Circuit Court Clerk. For broader access rules, see public records. For records by topic, browse court records, arrest records, inmate records, warrant records, marriage and divorce, or probate records.