Clerk of Court

Duties

Clerks of Superior Court have been elected county constitutional officers since 1798 when the framers of Georgia's constitution created the office and provided for the election of a clerk in each county of the state.

The Clerk is accountable only to the people who elect her. She is not an employee or appointee of any county or state commission or any agent or agency of the judiciary. As an impartial county officer, the Clerk provides some of the most important checks and balances needed in both local county government and the state's judicial system.

The Clerk is considered the official record-keeper of the county, which includes safeguarding and preserving criminal and civil court filings and serving as custodian of land and property records. It is the duty of the Clerk to provide quality and professional service to the citizens of Washington County.

The Clerk's duties also include, but are not limited to, running the business arm of the local court system; collecting and accounting for all monies arising from fines, fees, court costs, and fees imposed and required by law, including intangible taxes and transfer taxes for real estate transactions; managing county trial and grand juries, including summoning jurors for service; issuing Notary Public commissions; registering trade names; issuing subpoenas for court appearances; providing oversight and administrative support to the county board of tax equalization; and accepting Passport applications for the Department of State.

In the performance of the Clerk's duties, the Clerk works closely with Superior Court Judges, the State Court Judge, the Juvenile Court Judge, the District Attorney's Office, the State Court Solicitor, the Public Defender's Office, the Sheriff's Office, the local Police Departments, the Department of Community Supervision, and the Department of Juvenile Justice, in addition to all local government departments such as the Magistrate Court, Probate Court, Tax Commissioner, Tax Assessor, Board of Commissioners, and County Administrator.

Services Provided

  • Recording of Deeds, Plats, Liens, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
  • Collection of Transfer Tax and Intangible Tax
  • Registering Trade Names
  • Recording of Armed Services Discharges
  • Issuing Notary Public Commissions
  • Accepting Civil, Criminal, and Domestic Filings
  • Accepting Family Violence Petitions
  • Accepting Garnishments
  • Collection of Fines and Fees
  • Jury Management
  • Accepting Passport Applications
  • Issuing Subpoenas

Divisions

Disclaimer: The Clerk of Superior Court is committed to providing quality customer service. However, the Clerk's Office cannot provide legal advice. If you have questions about what to file or your legal rights, please seek advice from an attorney licensed to practice law in Georgia.