Estate Planning & Probate in Charlottesville City, Virginia
Charlottesville City estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Circuit Court.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Circuit Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Charlottesville City→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Charlottesville City home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Charlottesville City→The Probate Process in Charlottesville City
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Charlottesville City, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 315 East High Street, Charlottesville. The court sits in the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Full Charlottesville Cityprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Circuit Court
Charlottesville City · 16th Judicial Circuit
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Clerk of Circuit Court
Charlottesville City · Clerk · Llezelle Agustin Dugger
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$26 for 1-10 pages, $40 for 11-30 pages, $60 for 31+ pages.
Full recording details →Verified September 9, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Circuit Court
A cover sheet (Form CC-1416) is required for civil case filings. Civil cases are scheduled at 2:00 p.m. during court terms. The Clerk's Office and Records Room are located on the lower level of the Circuit Courthouse.
Virginia Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Charlottesville City.
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