Essex Circuit Court cases in Essex County, Tappahannock, VA
Essex County Circuit Court, part of Virginia's 15th Judicial Circuit, is the circuit (trial) court of general jurisdiction serving Essex County from Tappahannock. It conducts jury and bench trials and hears: felony criminal cases; misdemeanor and traffic matters on appeal from the General District Court; civil lawsuits of higher dollar value and equity matters; domestic relations cases such as divorce and equitable distribution, and appeals on custody, visitation, and support from the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court; and probate and other fiduciary proceedings. It also hears de novo appeals from the district courts and convenes grand juries.
Essex Circuit Court Contact and Location Information
Court Type: | Circuit Court |
County: | Essex |
Street Address: | 305 Prince Street |
City: | Tappahannock |
Zip Code: | 22560 |
Phone: | 804-443-3541 |
Fax: | 804-445-1216 |
Hours: | Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
Website URL: | https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/essex/home.html |
Forms & Filing: | Forms |
Services and Case Types Handled in Essex Circuit Court
Essex County Circuit Court (15th Judicial Circuit, Virginia) is the trial court of general jurisdiction serving the public through:
- Case filings: felony criminal cases; major civil actions and equity matters; divorces, adoptions, and name changes; appeals from General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts.
- Protective orders: hears appeals and may issue permanent protective orders; addresses related violations and contempt.
- Jury services: juror qualification and summons; reporting instructions, deferrals/excuses, and compensation.
- Court hearings: scheduling and conducting arraignments, motions, bench and jury trials, sentencings, and post-judgment proceedings.
- Records and clerk services: case docketing; certified copies; land records (deeds, liens, judgments); probate/estate qualification; issuing marriage licenses and concealed handgun permits.
- Public access: in-person filing counters, online information/records where available, payment of fines and fees, and assistance with forms and scheduling (no legal advice).