Courts & Judicial Services

Mission

The mission of Virginia’s judicial system is to assure that disputes are resolved justly, promptly, and economically. In Nelson County, cases are heard by the Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Learn more about the Virginia Judicial System.

QUICKLINKS

Jury Information

As a juror, you are providing an important public service. You are also helping to uphold an essential part of the American system of justice–the right to a trial by a jury made up of persons representing a fair cross section of the community. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge to be a juror, but you do need to be fair, impartial, and willing to keep an open mind.

Circuit Court Jury Call-In Line
434-263-7026

The Answer Book for Jury Service | Handbook for Virginia Grand Jurors

Land Records & Deeds

The Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court is where all documents (deeds, deeds of trust, etc.) involving property transactions in Nelson County are recorded. Recording fees may be paid by cash, check or money order. Land records are fully searchable in the public records room of the:

Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court
84 Courthouse Square
Lovingston, Virginia

Magistrates

Serving the Commonwealth through offices in all 32 judicial districts, the magistrate’s primary functions are to conduct probable cause hearings on complaints of criminal conduct brought by law enforcement or the general public and to determine whether an arrested person is eligible for bail.

The magistrate system for the Commonwealth is divided into eight regions, and each magistrate is authorized to exercise his or her powers throughout the magisterial region for which he or she is appointed. Each region is comprised of between three and five judicial districts. There are magistrate offices located throughout Virginia, including at least one in each of Virginia’s 32 judicial districts.

Nelson County is located in Region 2 – Judicial District 24

Judicial District 24 Chief Magistrate
Andrew Michael
524 Ninth Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
434-847-1426 phone
434-847-1887 fax

Region 2 Regional Magistrate Supervisor
Don McCown
540-886-0490

Region 2 Nelson County Magistrate
Robert Goad, II
434-263-7029

CIRCUIT COURT

84 Courthouse Square
P.O. Box 10
Lovingston, VA 22949
Lisa D. Bryant | Clerk
434-263-7020

GENERAL DISTRICT COURT

84 Courthouse Square
P.O. Box 514
Lovingston, VA 22949
Mrs. Ashley M. Johnson | Clerk
434-263-7040
434-263-7033 fax

JUVENILE & DOMESTIC COURT

84 Courthouse Square
P.O. Box 7
Lovingston, VA 22949
Heather Stevens | Clerk
434-263-7030
434-263-7044 fax