In an effort to reduce citizen visits to the courts complex in Leesburg, limit the number of people in the Clerk’s Office consistent with recommendations from state and local health officials and promote social distancing, the Clerk will be offering new ways to deliver court filings and land records documents on Monday, March 23.
Attorneys, title companies and other clients can deliver filings and recordings by leaving documents for legal filing and legal recordation in secure drop boxes that will be located at each customer service transaction window. The Clerk’s Office employees will routinely review documents secured in the drop boxes for legal processing. Employees will notify the clients of receipt and deliver confirmation of filing and receipts for payment via email or by mail. Drop boxes for these deliveries will be located at the land records recording counter, the criminal case management counter, the civil case management counter and the probate office. These drop off locations will enable customers to deliver these legal papers without requiring the interaction with employees to promote improved social distancing in response to coronavirus (COVID-19.)
Clerk of Circuit Court Gary Clemens is also establishing a “by appointment only” policy for individuals seeking a marriage license or notary public commission. Information regarding the “by appointment only” approach can be reviewed by visiting the Clerk’s website at www.loudoun.gov/clerk and selecting the marriage licenses or notary public button on the home page. “We are still going to offer vital services for residents to obtain a marriage license and receive a notary commission but we want to limit the number of visitors to our office at the same time and promote better social distancing. The appointment process will allow us to achieve the right balance in delivering these essential services while pursuing improved precautions to address the virus,” stated Clemens. Questions related to these new approaches can be directed to the Clerk’s Office at DEPT-CLERKCT-PUBLIC_SERVICES@loudoun.gov.
The Clerk’s Office is temporarily closing the historic records research room as the flow of clients to this area of the office has been reduced by virtue of providing residents with free remote access accounts to research deeds, land records and a vast collection of historic records for the next 30 days. Additionally, Clerk’s Office staff is responding to copy requests by email and phone to deliver these services. Residents who must research the original historic papers and cannot rely exclusively upon the digital records may contact the historic records manager to request an appointment to conduct research in the Clerk’s Office. However, the Clerk encourages individuals to postpone any visits for this purpose. Requests for appointments can be directed via email to CLERKS-ARCHIVES@loudoun.gov.
The Clerk of Circuit Court launched other remote services initiatives earlier this week so please refer to the previous press release and announcement regarding other remote service opportunities. Information regarding any changes in business operations and service delivery will be posted regularly on the Clerk’s website at www.loudoun.gov/clerk. More information regarding Loudoun County’s response to and preparations for coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found at www.loudoun.gov.