Clerk of Court produces Results, Not Promises
Clerk's Responsibilities
Heidi Barshinger
The Code of Virginia lists over 800 responsibilities and duties for the Clerk, many of which are legally sophisticated and highly complex. My 30+ years of experience as an attorney in the court system and my past 8 years as your Clerk make me your best candidate for Circuit Court Clerk.
Circuit Court Clerk'S Office Services
1. Land Record Room
- The Clerk's Office records deeds, deeds of trusts, certificates of satisfaction and other filings pertaining to real estate in Henrico County
- We collect the fees and taxes for recordings
- We assist the general public with research and copy requests
2. Wills and Probate
- The Clerk acts as a probate judge in Virginia
- The probate clerks appoint executors and administrators for an estate, assess the state probate taxes and other fees, and record the wills
- Notices to heirs and real estate affidavits are filed in the Clerk's Office
3. Gun Permits
- Concealed handgun permits are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and are valid for 5 years. The applicant must be 21 years of age or older and must apply in the County or City of their residence.
- Proof of gun training or a DD-214 form must accompany the application.
4. Marriage Licenses
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
- The application can be filled out on line or on our marriage license kiosk in the lobby.
- When the applicants appear, they will be given their oaths and the paperwork for their marriage officiant.
- The application fee is $33.
5. Pastors and Civil Celebrants
- Pastors must be certified to perform marriage ceremonies in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- The Clerk will prepare the application and certification order upon submission of proof of ordination and a letter of good standing from the religious organization that the pastor serves.
- Civil celebrants must petition the Circuit Court to be able to perform a one-time marriage ceremony. Once the petition is granted, the Clerk will contact the celebrant to set up an appointment to complete the paperwork, collect the celebrant bond, and go over the requirements for the completion and return of the completed licenses.
6. Court Services
- The Clerk's Office provides deputy clerks for all criminal cases heard in the Circuit Court.
- The clerks record the proceedings, impanel jurors, swear in witnesses, arraign defendants, prepare the court orders, and assess the fines and costs.
- The clerks also prepare appeals to the Court of Appeals and Virginia Supreme Court.
7. Notary Commissions
- Notary applications are submitted to the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- Once approved, the applicant will appear at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office to take their oath, pay the $10 filing fee, and receive their commission.
8. Judgments
- Domestic and foreign judgments that meet the requirements of the Code of Virgnia are docketed in the Clerk's Land Record Room.
9. Recordkeeper of Election Ballots:
- The Circuit Court Clerk takes custody of all primary and election ballots after the local election officials have certified the election results. The Clerk's Office maintains the records until they are eligible for destruction with the Library of Virginia.