Clerk of the Circuit Court

Court Jurisdiction

The Circuit Courts are trial courts which have jurisdiction over civil claims, criminal cases, equity suits and appeals. Other services provided by the Clerk's Offices include recording deeds, deeds of trust, leases, plats, financial statements, judgments, tax liens, releases, partnerships and charters; assisting in the location of information in public records, applications; issuing marriage licenses, proof of services, and subpoenas; administering oaths of office for Notary Publics, County officials and bonds when required; probating wills, qualifying executors and administrators of estates, certifying allowance of court appointed attorney, releasing deeds of trusts, judgments and mechanic's liens; and receiving and recording court fines and costs for James City County and the City of Williamsburg.

The Clerk's Office accepts e-recordings for land records through Simplifile and CSC.

Transactions

For in-person transactions, our office accepts cash, certified checks, money orders, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover) and Apple Pay.

The Clerk's Office now accepts online payments for Court fines, costs and restitution. Payments are accepted 24-hours a day; however, payment must be received by 7 p.m. in order to be credited the same day.

Excess Funds List

Liability Report (PDF)

Posting of Official Notices

There are no official notices at this time.

 

Freedom of Information Act

For FOIA request, please contact Mona Foley and Elizabeth O’Connor.

Hours & Observances

The Circuit Court Clerk's Office and record room closes to the public at 4 p.m. If you need a marriage license or a concealed handgun permit please come to the office no later than 3:45 p.m. to accomplish this. This will allow the staff 30 minutes of uninterrupted work time.

Holiday Closures

The Circuit Court Clerk's Office is closed for all federal and state holidays. Please check our Holiday Closures list for those dates.