Circuit Court Office

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Clerk’s Office to maintain all court records, documents and evidence in its control in a timely and cost-effective manner while providing outstanding service with courtesy, efficiency and impartiality to the citizens and businesses of Middlesex County and the participants of the judicial community.

As a Virginia court, we will be responsive to the changing needs of the community--in the development and operation of the law, in the functions of the judicial process, and in the delivery of public services.

Duties

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is a constitutional officer elected by the citizens of the locality to serve an eight-year term. He or she handles administrative matters for the court and maintains its records. The Clerk also has authority to probate wills, grant administration of estates and appoint guardians. The Clerk also maintains land records, and the Clerk’s Office is where deeds, deeds of trust, and other related documents are recorded. Marriage licenses are also issued by the Circuit Court Clerk.

Jurisdiction 

The Circuit Court is the only trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia, having control over the following:

• Appeals from administrative agencies
• General District Court
• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

The Circuit Court also handles any matter in which jurisdiction is not defined in the Code of Virginia. The Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction on all monetary claims over $25,000.

Civil Cases

The Circuit Court handles civil cases of a domestic relations nature, including divorce and annulment matters. Matters involving child support, custody, and visitation may or may not originate in the circuit court, depending on various factors.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases include:

• All felonies or offenses that may be punished by serving time in the state penitentiary system
• Misdemeanor charges that are initiated by grand jury indictment or appealed from the General District or Juvenile Domestic Relations District Courts
• Transfer or certification of felony offenses committed by a juvenile

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
FOIA - Making a Public Records Request      

FOIA - Rights and Responsibilities Policy of Clerk of Circuit Court

Determining the Appropriate Court for Your Matters

Many people do not realize that there are three courts in Middlesex County:

• Circuit Court (2nd floor of the Courthouse)
• General District Court (1st floor of the Courthouse)
• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (1st floor of the Courthouse)

General District Court

The General District Court hears traffic infractions, all criminal charges involving ordinances and laws of the county, all misdemeanors under state law, and civil matters that do not exceed $25,000. This Court also conducts preliminary hearings on all felony cases.

The telephone number for Middlesex General District Court is 804-758-4312.

Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court

The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hears all criminal and traffic matters involving minors (under age 18). This court also handles matters involving the family such as:

• Criminal cases where the accused and the victim are family or household members
• Custody, support and visitation
• Family abuse cases

The telephone number for Middlesex Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court is 804-758-4312.