Requests for File Access and Copies
Prior to the Commissioner filing an approved Inventory or Account with the Court, members of the general public are not permitted to review or copy the supporting documents.
No person, whether an interested party or a member of the general public, may review or copy working papers and notes of the Commissioner and his or her staff.
The information below provides information to interested parties on how to obtain copies of documents filed with this office.
1. Once the Commissioner has approved an Inventory or Account and it is filed with the Court, these documents are considered public record and members of the general public may obtain copies of approved filings from the Commissioner’s office through the Court at a cost of $0.50 per page.
2. Interested parties, including fiduciaries, beneficiaries, heirs, bonding companies, claimants, and their respective attorneys, may review filings and related correspondence prior to the Commissioner approving the documents.
- Interested parties may obtain copies of the unapproved filings and attached schedules, at a cost of $0.50 per page.
- Interested parties are permitted to inspect supporting documents in the Commissioner’s office; however, copies of such supporting documents are available only upon the prior approval of the Commissioner, which may be withheld in his or her discretion. Copies will cost $0.50 per page.
- Attorneys may be required to show proof of their representation of an interested party.
3. Any heir or beneficiary may receive copies of filings, excluding supporting documentation, after sending a formal written request to the personal representative. The personal representative filing an Inventory or Account with the Commissioner shall then be required to send a copy of that filing, excluding supporting documentation, to any heir or beneficiary who submits a formal written request. (Virginia Code § 64.2-1303).
- Prior to seeking copies from the Commissioner’s office, an interested party should make such a request of the personal representative.
- The Commissioner’s office requests a copy of any formal requests for copies from any heir or beneficiary be sent to this office.
- More information regarding copies to beneficiaries and heirs is proved of the Notice Regarding Estate found on our “Forms” page.
4. After the Commissioner of Accounts completes work on an Account, the Commissioner files it and a Commissioner’s Report approving the Account in the Clerk's office. An interested party may make written request to receive a copy of the report to the Commissioner, who will mail the report on or before the date that it is filed in the Clerk's office.
5. Fee for Copies: The person requesting the copies shall pay a fee of $0.50 per page for all copies, without regard to the manner in which copies may be delivered.
