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)
- Fictitious/Assumed Name
- 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, 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 1979 and are available to the public for $50.00 per month. Please see the Download Section for the Agreement and Application.
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 (10/2017))
- Valid form of Photo ID
- Current concealed handgun permit, Safety course certificate or Military DD214
- Self addressed, stamped envelope
- Cost is $50.00 for new and renewal permit
*** 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
Please go to www.courts.state.va.us to get forms such as:
- Real Estate Affidavit (REA)
- Assumed Name
- Name Change for Adults or Minors
- Certificate of Satifaction
- 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
Criminal Court Dates for 2019
September 10
September 17
September 24
October 1
October 8
October 15
October 22 (Term Day)
October 29
November 5
November 12
November 19
November 26
December 3 (MA Day)
December 10
December 17