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Clerk of the Circuit Court

VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- 2023 SESSION CHAPTER 739 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 231Proposing an amendment to Section 6-A of Article X of the Constitution of Virginia, relating to real property tax exemption; surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty.

Concerned about property fraud? Please view our Property Notification Service.


APPOINTMENT REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT, TO PROBATE A WILL, OR QUALIFY ON AN ESTATE. Please call (757) 365-6233 for more information.


Mission

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is a constitutional officer required by the Constitution of Virginia and elected by the citizens of Isle of Wight County. The office was established in colonial times to preserve and make accessible to the public important records, such as deeds, wills, and other documents relating to the ownership of real estate and court records.

Today the Clerk and staff perform multiple duties that in many states are divided among several government offices. The Code of Virginia lists over 800 responsibilities and duties for the Clerk. The variety of duties include the following: court services, recorder of deeds, probate, custodian of court cases, public services, preservation of historic records, and keeper of election ballots.

The Clerk’s Office records deeds, wills, civil suits, financing statements and other documents relating to real estate and civil cases. It is also the administrative office for the Circuit Court and serves as support for Circuit Court Judges. Our judicial responsibilities are keeping both the active and concluded court dockets and make arrangements necessary for trial of both civil and criminal cases. The Clerk’s Office issues subpoenas for witnesses, draws jurors, sets trial dates and attends trials to obtain the facts for writing court orders reflecting the result of the cases. The Clerk’s Office dockets judgments and collects fines and costs.

The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office serves as the Probate Court appointing persons to administer estates and recording estate documents.  Other duties include issuing marriage and passports, administering notary oaths and oaths of all County appointed officials and elected officials, and recording liens and releases.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
  • Continue to provide the services necessary as Keeper of the Records
  • Continue to support the Circuit Court Judges
  • Continue to provide such services as the public requires and expects
  • Continue to improve and add new technology and computer programs to enhance the record keeping for the general public and users of the systems

The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office is open weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Document Recording 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
(Please note that General District Court hours are 8-4 and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court hours are 8:30-4)

You may contact the Clerk’s Office using the information below.

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Laura E. Smith, Clerk
P.O. Box 110
17000 Josiah Parker Circle
Isle of Wight, Virginia 23397
lksmith@vacourts.gov
(757) 365-6233


Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Many Circuit Court Clerk's Office records are public records and copies can be obtained by visiting the Clerk's Office, calling the Clerk's Office, or
mailing a detailed written request for copies with appropriate payment. 
In accordance with Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3704.1 and 2.2-3704.2, the
following information is provided:

Isle of Wight County FOIA Officer: Don Robertson