Court records for the city of Portsmouth, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. PortsmouthCourt.us allows you to view public information about court cases. Additionally, records are available through official state court online systems, clerk's offices, and public terminals directly in the courthouse building.
Portsmouth Court System & Jurisdictions
Portsmouth is an independent city in Virginia, so its court system is not part of any county structure. There are three separate courts here, each with its own jurisdiction.
Circuit Court
This is the highest level general jurisdiction court in the city. It handles:
- Criminal cases for felonies
- Civil claims over $4,500
- Divorce, custody, and other family matters requiring a final decision
- Appeals from lower courts
- Land records, wills, and probate cases (probate — the judicial process for distributing an estate)
The Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office also maintains deeds, land records, and marriage records.
General District Court
This court handles cases that residents most frequently encounter. It deals with traffic violations, misdemeanors, civil claims up to $25,000, and eviction cases. Preliminary hearings in felony cases also start here.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
This court deals with cases involving minors — from offenses to custody and child support issues. It also handles protective orders and domestic violence cases between family members. Records from this court are usually restricted due to the confidentiality of juvenile cases.
There is no separate small claims court in Virginia — such cases up to $5,000 are handled by the General District Court in a simplified manner.
Portsmouth Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or this week, use several resources.
- State online system. The Case Status and Information page on the Virginia Court System website allows you to search for case information in the Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Searches can be conducted by last name or case number, and the results display upcoming hearing dates.
- Circuit Court page. The official Portsmouth Circuit Court page publishes announcements and changes in court operations. Note: Starting January 29, 2026, visitors are prohibited from bringing portable electronic devices into the courthouse.
- In-person visit. The current hearing calendar can be viewed on public terminals in the courthouse or inquired about at the clerk's office.
For traffic violation cases, a separate ticket payment page on the Virginia court system website allows you to check the status of a ticket and the hearing date.
How to Get a Copy of a Portsmouth Court Document
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office issues both certified and uncertified copies of documents. A certified copy has an official stamp and the clerk's signature — it is required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or banks. An uncertified copy is cheaper and suitable for personal review.
Ways to Obtain
- In-person. Visit the clerk's office at the address below. The office does not accept payments after 4:00 PM, except for document copy requests.
- By mail. Send a written request specifying the full names of the parties, the case number (if known), the type of document, and a return address. Include payment in the form of a money order.
- Online. For land records and deeds, the clerk's office accepts requests according to the procedure described on the Deeds / Land Records page. A cover sheet is required for all recorded documents.
Clerk's Office Contact Information
Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office
For inquiries regarding civil cases, call (757) 393-8671, option 4.
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records are issued not by the court, but by the Vital Records department — certified copies can be ordered through the Division of Vital Records in Richmond or through the Portsmouth Health District.
Portsmouth Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for court documents in Virginia are determined by state law (Code of Virginia). Below are approximate rates applicable at the Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The exact amount should be confirmed directly with the clerk, as fees may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of a document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $2.00 per document |
| Record search (search fee) | Depends on the type of request; confirm with the clerk |
| Deed recording | Depends on the number of pages; cover sheet required |
| Copy of marriage certificate | Issued through Vital Records; fee from $12.00 |
| Request for expungement of criminal record | Includes fee for check through Virginia State Police |
Payment Methods
- Cash, money order, cashier's check — accepted at the clerk's office
- Credit and debit cards — availability should be confirmed, as an additional processing fee may apply
- Personal checks — some transactions may not accept them
The clerk's office stops accepting payments after 4:00 PM. Document copy requests are accepted until the end of the business day.