Our office will be closed, Friday, July 3, 2020 in observance of Independence Day. O
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
**See Court Order for COVID-19 Emergency**
Our office will be closed to the public until July 19, 2020 unless extended. Please note the following procedures:
- The Circuit Court Clerk's Office will be closed to the public. Personnel will be available to respond to telephonic, fax and email inquiries and to process recordings and case filings. Recordings and probates may proceed by approval of the Clerk with scheduled appointments according to the Clerk's protocol.
- Effective June 8, 2020, Attorneys, Tittle Searchers, Real Estate Agents and Surveyors can schedule an appointment to use the records room with certain requirements.
- We are now scanning all recordings as they come in to the system so that the Secure Remote Access (SRA) will be up to date. Please remember to look under Unverified Documents to see the recorded items that have not been verified.
- If you need to record you must call our office and set up an appointment to come to the building. To enter the building you will need to be wearing a mask that covers your noses and mouth. We will meet you at the door, record your documents then return them to you. **Please make sure that the document has all the necessary information and the check is correct. You can check the recording amount online at www.courts.state.va.us, look for Circuit Court Deed Calculation.
- Please call our office to set up an appointment or for further information at 804-580-3700..
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
About Us
Our Duties:
The Clerk of the Circuit Court, Mrs Deborah Bingham is a constitutional officer elected to an eight-year term by the voters of the locality.
The Circuit Court is the trial court with the broadest powers in Virginia and has authority to try a full range of both civil and criminal cases. In civil cases, the court has concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court over claims from $4,500 to $25,000 and exclusive original jurisdiction over almost all claims exceeding $25,000. The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over divorce cases, disputes concerning wills and estates, and controversies involving real property. In criminal cases, this court has jurisdiction over the trial of all felonies (offenses that may be punished by commitment to the penitentiary) and of those misdemeanors (offenses carrying a penalty of not more than 12 months in jail) on appeal from district court or originally charged in circuit court. Only in a circuit court is a jury provided for the trial of many disputes and controversies.
The Clerk's office handles a variety of duties including administrative matters for the court, recorder of deeds, custodian of court cases, public services, custodian of historic records including preservation, and official record keeper of election ballots.
Listed are some of the common duties:
- Concealed Hand Gun Permits
- Deeds and Land Recordings
- Divorces
- Fines, Costs and Payment Plans
- Jury Management
- Issuance of Marriage Licenses and Officiant Information
- Probate of Wills and/or Estate Qualification (Please call for appointment)
- Mechanic's Liens
- Notary Public
In addition, our Court has appellate jurisdiction over all appeals from General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Our Mission:
It is the duty and mission of the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County to provide a wide range of services to the public, judicial system, County Government and other agencies.
We provide these services with pride, honesty, professionalism and efficiency while providing a spirit of friendliness and cooperation.
Our role in serving Northumberland County:
As a public service forum for our community, it is our goal to provide an independent, accessible, and responsive environment for the just resolution of disputes, both criminal and civil, in order to preserve the rule of law, and to provide the highest quality of customer service to the citizens of Northumberland County.
Meet the Staff
- Deborah Bingham, Master Clerk
- Shawanna Harcum, Chief Master Deputy Clerk
- Kathi Basye, Master Deputy Clerk, FOIA Contact
- Jenny Headley, Master Deputy Clerk
- Annette Bartlett, Deputy Clerk
Terms of Court and General Information
- Terms begin, 4th Tuesday, January, April, July & October
- All cases set by agreement with Commonwealth's Attorney at preliminary hearing, on Term day, or by agreement of counsel and the Court
- Court convenes at 9:00 a.m.
- In civil jury trials, instructions must be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel 5 days prior to trial
- Commissioners in Chancery are utilized in general chancery causes and divorces
- Distribution of final orders are sent through regular mail
Information
Land Records
Our land records trace back to the 1600's in our record room, and are now accessible through the secure remote access online. The online records go back to 1967 and are available to the public for $50.00 per month. Please see the Download Section for the Agreement and Application. Minimum six(6) month subscription.
Marriage License
Records can be found as earlier as 1600's in our record room.
You can request a copy of these licenses by calling, mailing or e-mailing in the name of the parties and date of marriage. Cost is $0.50 per page or $3.00 for a certified copy.
To apply for a Marriage License in Northumberland County, both parties must be present at the time of application and must have valid photo ID. The cost is $30.00 and the license is valid for only 60 days. License are ONLY valid in the State of Virginia.
Information
Applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit
You will need the following:
- Completed Virginia State Police Application (SP-248 (07/01/2020)
- Valid form of Photo ID
- Current concealed handgun permit, Safety course certificate or Military DD214
- Self addressed, stamped envelope
- Cost is $25.00 for new and renewal permit
Check out the Download Section on our page for the Information Sheet and Application
*** IMPORTANT: DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION UNTIL YOU ARE BEFORE A DEPUTY CLERK OF OUR COURT***
Wills and Probate
Wills are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court by appointment. When coming to file, please remember to bring the following items:
- Driver's License
- Original Death Certificate
- Original Will
- List of Heirs form with addresses
- List of assets in decedent's name alone
- Payment for probate or qualification
Divorce
Due to the complexity of divorces, there are no specific legal forms provided by the Virginia Supreme Court. To seek legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney or try one of the following:
- Rappahannock Legal Aid- 804-443-9393
- Legal Aid Services of Northern Virginia- 540-374-5023
- Virginia State Bar- 804-775-0500
Forms
You can go to www.courts.state.va.us to get forms such as:
- Real Estate Affidavit (REA)
- Name Change for Adults or Minors
- Certificate of Satisfaction
- List of Heirs
- Civil Cover Sheets
Affiliated Agencies/ Departments
Sheriff's Department-(804) 580-5221
Virginia State Police (Area 2)- (804) 333-3700
Commonwealth Attorney- (804) 580-4471
General District Court- (804) 580-4323
Juvenile & Domestic Court- (804) 580-6635
Tax Assessment Office- (804) 580-7612
Commissioner of Revenue- (804) 580-4600
Court Dates for 2020
ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
July 7
July 14
July 21
July 28 (Term Day)
August 2
August 11
August 18
August 25
September 1
September 8 (MA Day)
September 15
September 22
September 29
October 6
October 13
October 27 (Term Day)
November 3
November 10
November 17
November 24
December 1
December 8
December 15 (MA Day)
December 22