Clerk of the Circuit Court

The Clerk of Circuit Court is elected by Franklin County citizens every eight years.

Procedures for Entering the Courthouse Complex During the Pandemic

In accordance with the emergency orders entered by the Governor and the Judicial Declarations Emergency orders entered by the Virginia Supreme Court, all individuals entering the Franklin County Courthouse Complex are hereby ORDERED to do the following:   Order from the Franklin County Circuit Court (please read the entire order so that you know what to expect when coming to the Courthouse Complex)

Safety Plan for Conducting Jury Trials During the Pandemic

Amended Franklin County Circuit Court Safety Plan for conducting Jury Trials: (Revised 11/23/20) This plan has been developed in consultation with Judges of the 22nd Circuit Court, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, deputy clerks, bailiffs from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, judicial assistant, Franklin County Commonwealth Attorney and members of the Franklin County Bar Association.

Responsibilities

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for:

  • Docketing of judgments
  • Filing of financial statements under the Uniform Commercial Code
  • Recording on the land records books:
    • Deeds
    • Deeds of trust
    • Mechanics liens
    • Plats
    • Other miscellaneous instruments

The Clerk files and processes all law and chancery suits, including:

  • Adoption proceedings
  • Appeals from General District Court
  • Divorces
  • Injunctions
  • Land partitions
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Name changes

Duties also include:

  • Appointing administrators, trustees, and guardians
  • Collecting fines and costs for Circuit Court
  • Issuance of marriage
  • Jury scheduling
  • Probating wills
  • Processing indictments for both felony and misdemeanor cases

Open Records

All records of this office are open to the public with the exception of sealed juvenile and adoption records.