The Tazewell County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for the Tazewell County Circuit Court in Virginia. The Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining court records, recording deeds and land records, issuing marriage licenses, processing probate matters, collecting court fees, and preserving other official legal documents. It also manages case filings, certified copy requests, and various administrative services that support the operation of the Circuit Court.
Residents, attorneys, title companies, and businesses rely on the Tazewell County Clerk of Court to access public records, file legal documents, obtain certified copies, and complete court-related transactions. The office also provides access to land records, wills, judgments, and other public documents while ensuring records are maintained in accordance with Virginia law. Many services are available through the Clerk’s Office, although some requests may require an in-person visit or a formal written application.
Services Offered by the Clerk of Court
The Tazewell County clerk of court offices offer a standard set of services that support judicial operations and public access to records. Tazewell Court Services include accepting new case filings, processing documents, issuing certified copies, administering oaths, and managing jury selection. Each office structures its service list to match the requirements of its state court system and local rules. Many services are available both in person and online, with e-filing and remote record requests growing in popularity across both states. Standard fees apply for filings, certified copies, and searches, with payment methods varying by office. Members of the public should review the specific fee schedule published by the relevant clerk’s office before requesting services.
Filing Services and Records Access
The clerk’s office accepts new civil and criminal case filings from attorneys and self-represented parties. Documents can be filed in person at the public counter or electronically through the state’s e-File system. Small claims, traffic, and ordinance violation filings are also accepted at the circuit court level. Each filing receives a unique case number for tracking. Records access includes docket searches, party name searches, and case number lookups through the online portal or at public terminals in the office. Certified copies of judgments, decrees, and orders are available for a per-page fee. Exemplified copies, which carry a raised seal for use in other states, are issued by request and require additional processing time.
Fee Schedule
Standard filing fees vary by case type, with civil cases generally higher than small claims or traffic matters. Certified copy fees are typically charged per page, with a minimum charge per document. Search fees may apply for staff-assisted record searches that go beyond the public portal’s capabilities. E-filing convenience fees are added by the third-party processing vendor. Accepted payment methods at both offices include cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit or debit cards. Card transactions may include a small processing fee. Some offices accept payment through the state’s online payment portal. Fees are subject to change by state statute or local rule, and the most current schedule is posted on each office’s official website.
| Service | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Civil case filing | Varies by case type |
| Small claims filing | Set by state statute |
| Certified copy (per page) | Set by state statute |
| Exemplified copy | Higher than standard certified copy |
| E-filing convenience fee | Set by vendor |
Jury Services and Marriage Licenses
Jury services administration falls under the clerk’s office in both jurisdictions. Residents who receive a jury summons must respond by the deadline listed on the summons, either online or by mail. Deferral and exemption requests are processed by the clerk based on statutory criteria. Failure to respond to a jury summons can result in contempt of court. Marriage license applications in Tazewell County, Illinois, are processed by the County Clerk’s office, which works closely with the Circuit Clerk for related court records. In Tazewell County, Virginia, marriage licenses are issued directly by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Both offices issue certified copies of marriage certificates for a small fee. Notary public commission filings in Illinois are handled by the County Clerk, not the Circuit Clerk.
Clerk of Court Responsibilities
The Tazewell County Clerk of Court performs a wide range of judicial and administrative duties to support the Circuit Court and maintain official county records. Key responsibilities include:
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Court Record Management | Maintains official civil, criminal, probate, and land records filed with the Circuit Court. |
| Case Filing | Accepts and processes civil, criminal, probate, and other court filings. |
| Marriage Licenses | Issues marriage licenses and records related marriage documents. |
| Probate Administration | Processes wills, estate filings, and probate matters. |
| Land Records | Records deeds, mortgages, plats, easements, and other real estate documents. |
| Certified Copies | Provides certified and non-certified copies of court records and recorded documents. |
| Court Fees & Payments | Collects filing fees, court costs, fines, and other payments required by law. |
| Jury Administration | Prepares jury lists, issues jury summonses, and supports jury operations. |
| Court Orders & Judgments | Enters, maintains, and preserves court orders, judgments, and final decrees. |
| Concealed Handgun Permits | Accepts and processes concealed handgun permit applications as authorized by Virginia law. |
| Record Preservation | Preserves permanent judicial records and historical documents according to state retention requirements. |
| Public Assistance | Assists the public with access to non-confidential court records and provides general information about Clerk’s Office services. |
Jurisdiction, Court Structure & the Role in the State Court System
The clerk of court operates within a defined state judicial hierarchy that determines which cases the office handles. In Illinois, Tazewell County sits within the 8th Judicial Circuit, a multicounty trial court district established under Article VI of the Illinois Constitution. In Virginia, Tazewell County forms the 29th Judicial Circuit, a single-county district operating under Article VI of the Virginia Constitution. Appeals from the circuit court level move to the intermediate appellate courts in each state. In Illinois, appeals from the 8th Judicial Circuit go to the Illinois Appellate Court, 3rd District. In Virginia, appeals go to the Court of Appeals of Virginia, which sits in Richmond. Federal cases originating in either county are handled by separate federal district courts.
The 29th Judicial Circuit
The 29th Judicial Circuit of Virginia covers Tazewell County only and operates under the Virginia Constitution and the Code of Virginia. The Circuit Court sits above the District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in the Virginia trial court hierarchy. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases above the jurisdictional limit, and domestic relations matters. Appeals from the 29th Circuit go to the Court of Appeals of Virginia, which was established in 1985. Further review by the Supreme Court of Virginia is discretionary. The Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia provides administrative oversight for the circuit, including case management technology and training programs.
Federal Courts vs. County Clerks
Federal cases originating in Tazewell County, Illinois, are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, with courthouses in Peoria, Springfield, and Urbana. Federal cases originating in Tazewell County, Virginia, are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, with the main courthouse in Roanoke. Federal clerks operate separate case management systems.
County clerks of court do not have authority over federal filings. Users seeking federal court records must contact the federal clerk’s office or use the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. State and federal courts share overlapping subject matter in some cases, and the choice of court depends on the type of claim and the parties involved.
Clerk of Court Fees
The Tazewell County Clerk of Court charges statutory fees for a variety of services, including marriage licenses, court record copies, document recording, and probate-related filings. These fees are established under Virginia law and apply to the most common transactions handled by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Reviewing the fee schedule in advance helps individuals and businesses prepare the correct payment before requesting records or filing legal documents.
| Service | Exact Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage License | $10.00 |
| Court Record Copy | $0.50 per page |
| Certified Copy | $2.00 + $0.50 per page |
| Record a Deed (10 pages or fewer) | $18.00 |
| Probate Qualification (Estate up to $5,000) | No Fee |
| Probate Qualification (Estate $5,001–$50,000) | $20.00 |
| Bond Preparation | $3.00 |
| Will Lodging (Safekeeping) | $5.00 |
Contact Information
- Address: 135 Court Street, Suite 202 Tazewell, VA 24651-1071
- Phone: (276) 385-1200
- Fax: (276) 988-7501
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM – 4:00PM (closed for lunch 12:30-1:30 PM)
Frequently Asked Questions
Residents rely on the Tazewell County Clerk of Court for court records, legal filings, and vital documents. This office serves the public by maintaining case files, issuing certified copies, and processing new lawsuits each day. Visitors can access marriage licenses, probate files, and land records through the clerk’s office. Online search systems make it easy to check case status from home. Knowing the right contact details saves time when you need court help fast.
What does the Tazewell County Clerk of Court do?
The Tazewell County Clerk of Court serves as a public records officer for the local court system. This office files new lawsuits, maintains case dockets, and issues certified copies of legal documents. Residents can request marriage licenses, record deeds, and access probate files through this office. Next, court staff collect filing fees, schedule hearings, and send summons to parties involved in cases. Public records stay open for inspection during business hours, so anyone can verify court actions without paying a fee. Elected officials run the office for four-year terms across many states.
How do I search Tazewell County Clerk of Court records online?
Start your search at the official county website for the Tazewell County Clerk of Court. Click the records or case search tab, then enter the party name, case number, or filing date. Most online systems display civil, criminal, traffic, and family court files. You can view hearing dates, charges, and judge assignments at no cost. To print documents or download images, a small fee may apply. If the online system lacks older files, call the clerk’s office to request archived records. Some files require a written request with valid identification before staff release them.
What are the Tazewell County Clerk of Court office hours and contact details?
Office hours for the Tazewell County Clerk of Court run Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Illinois Circuit Clerk office in Pekin opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. The Tazewell County Clerk of Court phone number for Illinois appears on the county’s main website under the court section. Meanwhile, the Virginia office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. You can find the Virginia phone number on the county homepage. So call ahead during major holidays before visiting either location.
Where is the Tazewell County Clerk of Court located?
The Tazewell County Clerk of Court in Illinois operates from the county courthouse in Pekin, Illinois. First, free parking sits behind the building with public entry through the main courthouse door. Next, the Tazewell County Clerk of Court address in Virginia places the office at the county courthouse in Tazewell, Virginia 24651. This location sits near the town square with public transit access. Both buildings feature wheelchair ramps and public restrooms. So plan to arrive 15 minutes early during peak morning hours when lines grow long.