The circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000. It shares authority with the general district court to hear matters involving claims between $4,500 and $25,000. The circuit court has the authority to hear serious criminal cases called felonies.
The circuit court also handles family matters, including divorce. In addition, the circuit court hears cases appealed from the general district court and from the juvenile and domestic relations district court.
Marriage, Divorce and Birth Records
The Clerk’s Office maintains marriage and divorce records. You may go online to Document Request Form - (norfolkcircuitcourt.us) and request your documents (preferred) or come to the Clerk’s Office to request a copy of the documents. Certified copies from the Clerk’s Office are $2.50 plus $0.50 per page.
There is a Marriage Commissioner available during business hours to perform the ceremony. The Commissioner’s fee is $50.00 (cash only). The telephone number is (757) 664-4175.
For information about the General District Court, please review their page.
The general district court handles traffic violations, hears minor criminal cases known as misdemeanors, and conducts preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases called felonies.
The juvenile and domestic relations district court hears all matters involving juveniles such as criminal or traffic matters. Juvenile delinquency cases are cases involving a minor under the age of 18 who has been accused of committing an offense that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult.
Other juvenile offenses may be referred to as status offenses. Status offenses are those acts that are unlawful only because they are committed by a minor.
In addition, this court handles other matters involving the family such as custody, support and visitation. The court also hears family abuse cases, cases where adults have been accused of child abuse or neglect, and criminal cases where the defendant and alleged victim are family or household members.