Clerk of Circuit Court

The Honorable
Cynthia P. Morrison, Clerk

Welcome to the Portsmouth Clerk of Circuit Court website. It is our pleasure to serve the citizens of Portsmouth. The clerk of court is a constitutional officer elected to a term of eight years by the voters of the locality.
The clerk of circuit court provides administrative assistance to the judges of the Third Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the following:

Civil Claims:

• Over $4,500 but not exceeding $15,000, concurrent jurisdiction with general district

• All claims exceeding $15,000 Circuit Court has original jurisdiction

• All matters of equity such as divorce cases, disputes concerning wills and estates and controversies involving property

Criminal Cases:

• Circuit Court has trial jurisdiction over all felonies punishable by commitment to the State penitentiary and those misdemeanors carrying a penalty of not more than twelve months in jail

• Circuit Court has jurisdiction over juveniles ages 14 and older who are charged with felonies and whose cases have been certified or transferred by the judge of a juvenile and domestic relations district court

Appeal Cases:

• Circuit Court has appellate jurisdiction over all appeals from general district in civil and criminal cases

• Circuit Court has appellate jurisdiction over matters originating in juvenile and domestic relations court

• Appeals from district courts are heard de novo, that is, the cases are tried from the beginning as though there has been no prior trial

• Circuit Court has appellate jurisdiction from certain administrative agencies

Public Services:

• Probate of estates

• Marriage Licenses

• Concealed Weapons Permit

• Notary Services (No Charge)

• DD214 Recordation (No Charge)

• Records search ($10.00)

• Copies ($ .50 per page) Certification ($2.00)

• Public View Stations for Land Record Searches

Personal checks are accepted for probate services and payment of criminal court cost and fines. Cash payments only are accepted for marriage licenses and concealed weapons permits.