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.

 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.

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. 

• Deborah Bingham, Master Clerk

dbingham@vacourts.gov

• Shawanna Harcum, Chief Master Deputy Clerk

sharcum@vacourts.gov

• Kathi Basye, Master Deputy Clerk, FOIA Contact

kbasye@vacourts.gov

• Jenny Headley, Master Deputy Clerk

vheadley@vacourts.gov

• Annette Bartlett, Deputy Clerk

cbartlett@vacourts.gov 

• 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

 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.

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.