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Circuit Court – 17th Judicial Circuit

The Circuit Court Clerk’s office is open to walk-in customers daily from 8am – 4pm. Considering the COVID pandemic, customers are encouraged to use remote processes as much as possible. Please use the eRecording and eFiling systems for fastest service. Effective March 15, 2021, the Circuit Court Clerk’s office no longer accepts filings sent by email.

Marriage license issuance is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. For more information, please visit our marriage page.

Effective January 3, 2022, the Circuit Court Clerk’s office will now charge a $5.00 paper submission fee for all Civil matters initiated in paper. For Circuit Court fee calculations, please visit: Circuit Court Civil Filing Fee Calculation (state.va.us)

Arlington County Circuit Court’s Online Payment System

Arlington Circuit Court Jury Fraud Alert

Circuit Court of Arlington/Falls Church

arlington_courthouse

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is an elected constitutional office in each county and large city in Virginia and performs more varied functions than any other office in the Commonwealth.

Paul Ferguson was elected to serve as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Arlington County and the City of Falls Church beginning January 1, 2008.

The Circuit Court is the only trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia. In Arlington, the 17th Judicial District includes the City of Falls Church. Circuit Court judges are elected by a majority vote of each House of the General Assembly, and serve for eight-year terms.

The 17th Judicial Circuit is comprised of four judges: Honorable William T. Newman Jr., Chief Judge; Honorable Daniel S. Fiore II; Honorable Louise M. DiMatteo; and Honorable Judith L. Wheat.

Courtroom Technologies Overview

Information on inclement weather and closings

Clerk’s Office Contact Information

(Mon. – Fri. 8am to 4pm)
1425 N Courthouse Rd, 6th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
Email Circuit Court

Civil Division (Suite 6700): 703-228-7010
Criminal Division (Suite 6100): 703-228-4399
Land Records (Suite 6200): 703-228-4369
Probate (Suite 6300): 703-228-4376
Judicial Chambers: 703-228-7000
Courtroom technology requests: ccttech@arlingtonva.us
Freedom of Information (FOIA) Officer: Christopher Falcon

Address and Hours of Operation

Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in the Courthouse. View courthouse security policy.

Circuit Court Judges

The 17th Judicial Circuit is comprised of four circuit court judges administering litigation for the Arlington County and the City of the Falls Church. The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia.

Civil Actions and FAQs

The Circuit Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court over civil claims from $4,500 to $25,000 and exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases with claims of more than $25,000.

Civil Rights Restoration

Virginia moved to an automatic restoration of rights for non-violent felons effective July 15, 2013.

Concealed Handgun Permits

Virginia Resident Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP) are issued by the Circuit Court of the Virginia county or city where the applicant resides.

Arlington County Drug Treatment Court

Arlington’s Drug Court Program enhances public safety by providing a cost-effective, integrated system of treatment and judicial supervision. The program requires participant accountability with the goal of reducing recidivism and its effects on the community.

Criminal Record Expungements

Expungement is a process by which a record, or a portion thereof, is officially erased or removed after the defendant is not convicted.

Garnishments

A garnishment is a post-judgment collection process whereby a judgment creditor may levy against a portion of a judgment debtor’s wages or bank accounts.

Jury Duty

The Arlington County Circuit Court covers both Arlington County and the City of Falls Church, but not Falls Church residents who live in Fairfax County.

Land Records Division

The Arlington Circuit Court Land Records (Deeds) Office is open to walk-in customers Monday through Friday from 8:00 – 4:00.

Marriage Information

The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office issues marriage licenses. A couple may go to any circuit court in Virginia to obtain a marriage license.

Name Change

To petition the Court for a name change, you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Arlington County or the City of Falls Church.

Becoming a Notary Public

Paul Ferguson, Clerk

Paul Ferguson was elected to serve as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Arlington County and the City of Falls Church beginning January 1, 2008.

Project Paperless

Project Paperless is an initiative by Clerk of the Circuit Court, Paul Ferguson, to streamline and automate Circuit Court files and to eliminate to the greatest extent possible the processing and tracking of paper court documents.

Probate & Wills

NOTICE – Circuit Court Clerk’s office is now offering remote probate appointments. Please call the Probate office at 703-228-4376 for details.

Subpoenas

If attendance of a witness is desired in a pending court proceeding, or at a deposition in connection with such proceeding, any party may file a request for a witness subpoena. The request must be in writing.

Criminal Division Pro Se Forms

Pro se notice and motion forms for Arlington County Circuit Court. The forms are not intended to provide you with any legal advice regarding your case.

Payment of Court Costs, Fines and Restitution

Any individual who is required to pay criminal fines, costs and/or restitution by the Court may establish a payment plan with the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk.