The circuit court is the trial court with the broadest powers in Virginia. Its jurisdiction includes all civil cases with claims of more than $15,000 and all felonies. In addition, the circuit court also handles family matters, including divorce, and cases appealed from the general district court and from the juvenile and domestic relations district court.
The circuit court clerk has over 800 duties. These include, but are not limited to, recording of deeds; issuing marriage licenses; probating will; issuing passports; qualifying fiduciaries; issuing concealed weapon permits; filing fictitious name certificates; docketing judgements; and qualifying notaries.
Additionally, the circuit court clerk is the official court administrator for all civil and criminal court cases. In this latter capacity, the Clerk creates and maintains all court files and records; prepares court orders and jury lists; contacts jurors; and issues summons and court processes. |
