Cumberland County

Cumberland County, Virginia, is a rural county located in the central Piedmont region of the Commonwealth, approximately 60 miles west of Richmond. Established in 1749 from Goochland County, Cumberland County includes approximately 298 square miles and is a historical crossroads in Virginia's development. Cumberland County seat is Cumberland, a small community that houses Cumberland County's governmental offices at 1 Courthouse Circle. As of the 2020 Census, Cumberland County has a population of approximately 9,675 residents, reflecting a modest decline from previous decades but maintaining its character as a close rural community. Cumberland County is traversed by State Route 60 and lies along the southern banks of the James River, offering scenic river views and recreational opportunities. Cumberland area State Forest, one of Virginia's oldest state forests, covers over 16,000 acres and provides hiking, hunting, and educational programs. The Bear Creek Lake State Park, located within the state forest, is a major attraction featuring a 40-acre lake popular for fishing and boating. Cumberland County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, timber, and light manufacturing. Cumberland County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains vital records and property records, while the Commissioner of Revenue handles property assessments. Cumberland County Administrator's office, located at the courthouse complex, coordinates governmental services. Cumberland area's historical significance includes its role during the Civil War and its connection to early Virginia settlement patterns. The rural character, combined with proximity to Richmond and Farmville, makes Cumberland County an area valued for its natural beauty and slower pace of life while remaining connected to larger economic centers.

• Cumberland area State Forest, one of Virginia's oldest state forests, covers over 16,000 acres and provides hiking, hunting, and educational programs.

The Cumberland County Circuit Court serves Cumberland County and is located at 1 Courthouse Square. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Virginia online court portal.

Cumberland County Virginia Circuit Court is located in Cumberland, VA. It has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil cases. The court also has jurisdiction over juvenile and domestic relations cases.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Mugshot photographs taken at booking are generally considered public records and may be obtained through the same FOIA request process, though some restrictions apply to records involving juveniles or sealed cases.
• Processing fees may apply for copying and research time.
• For historical arrest records or case dispositions, requesters may need to contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office as well, since court records provide the final adjudication of arrest charges.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the jail.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• Cumberland County General District Court, sharing the same courthouse address and phone number, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
• The court also processes protective orders and certain eviction proceedings.
• The clerk's office provides in-person access to case files, dockets, and judgments during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by statute at approximately $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
• General District Court records may have more limited online access, and requesters often need to visit the clerk's office in person or submit written requests.

• Some basic searches may be available free of charge, while printing or downloading documents typically requires payment of a per-page fee.
• The clerk's office charges statutory recording fees of approximately $16 for the first page and $3 for each additional page for new recordings, plus additional fees for indexing multiple parties.
• Certified copies of recorded instruments cost approximately $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus the $2.00 certification fee.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates are available to a broader range of requesters and cost the same.
• Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through the Virginia Department of Health's VitalChek partner website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital records/, with additional convenience fees applied.
• Couples must apply in person, pay a fee of approximately $30, and observe a waiting period unless waived.
• Certified copies of divorce decrees cost approximately $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus the certification fee.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• For fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings), businesses register with Cumberland County Circuit Court Clerk's office at the same courthouse address.