The St. Johns County Clerk of Court is an elected official responsible for maintaining court records, issuing marriage licenses and passports, and collecting fees for various services. The Clerk of Court also serves as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners.
The Clerk of Court is an important part of the justice system in St. Johns County. The Clerk's office ensures that court records are accurate and up-to-date, and that fees are collected and distributed properly. The Clerk's office also provides a variety of services to the public, including marriage licenses, passports, and certified copies of court documents.
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court has a long and distinguished history. The first Clerk of Court was appointed in 1821, and the office has been continuously staffed since that time. The Clerk of Court has played a vital role in the development of St. Johns County, and the office continues to provide important services to the community today.
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St. Johns County Clerk of Court
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court is a vital part of the justice system in St. Johns County, Florida. The Clerk's office performs a variety of essential functions, including:
- Maintaining court records
- Issuing marriage licenses and passports
- Collecting fees for various services
- Serving as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners
The Clerk of Court is elected by the voters of St. Johns County and serves a four-year term. The current Clerk of Court is Cheryl Strickland.
The Clerk of Court's office is located in the St. Johns County Courthouse in St. Augustine, Florida. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
1. Maintaining Court Records
Maintaining court records is a critical function of the St. Johns County Clerk of Court. Accurate and up-to-date court records are essential for the proper functioning of the justice system. They provide a record of the proceedings in each case, and they are used by judges, attorneys, and other court officials to make decisions. Court records are also essential for historical research and for ensuring the transparency of the justice system.
- Preserving the integrity of the justice system
Court records provide a permanent record of the proceedings in each case. This record is essential for ensuring the integrity of the justice system. It allows judges, attorneys, and other court officials to review the history of a case and to make decisions based on the facts in evidence. Court records also help to ensure that the public has access to information about the justice system. - Protecting the rights of individuals
Court records can be used to protect the rights of individuals. For example, a person who has been accused of a crime can use court records to show that they were not guilty. Court records can also be used to enforce child support orders and other court orders. - Providing a historical record
Court records are a valuable historical record. They provide a glimpse into the past and can be used to learn about the development of the law and the history of a community. Court records can also be used to research genealogy and to learn about the lives of our ancestors. - Ensuring the transparency of the justice system
Court records are essential for ensuring the transparency of the justice system. They allow the public to see how the justice system works and to hold judges and other court officials accountable for their actions. Court records also help to prevent corruption and abuse of power.
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court is committed to maintaining accurate and up-to-date court records. The Clerk's office uses a variety of technologies to ensure the security and integrity of court records. The Clerk's office also provides a variety of services to the public, including online access to court records.
2. Issuing marriage licenses and passports
In the United States, marriage licenses are issued by state and local governments. In St. Johns County, Florida, the Clerk of Court is responsible for issuing marriage licenses. Marriage licenses are required by law in order to get married. The Clerk of Court also issues passports. Passports are required for international travel.
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The process of obtaining a marriage license or passport is relatively straightforward. To obtain a marriage license, couples must complete an application and provide proof of identity and residency. To obtain a passport, applicants must complete an application, provide a passport photo, and pay a fee.
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court plays an important role in the community by providing these essential services. Marriage licenses and passports are necessary for many important life events, and the Clerk of Court's office makes it easy for residents to obtain them.
3. Collecting fees for various services
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court collects fees for a variety of services, including:
- Filing fees
Filing fees are charged for filing a new case in court. The amount of the filing fee varies depending on the type of case. - Service of process fees
Service of process fees are charged for serving legal documents on a defendant. The amount of the service of process fee varies depending on the method of service. - Recording fees
Recording fees are charged for recording a document in the public records. The amount of the recording fee varies depending on the type of document. - Certified copy fees
Certified copy fees are charged for providing a certified copy of a court document. The amount of the certified copy fee varies depending on the number of pages in the document.
The fees collected by the Clerk of Court are used to fund the operation of the court system. The fees help to pay for the salaries of court employees, the maintenance of court facilities, and the purchase of new equipment.
The Clerk of Court is committed to providing efficient and affordable services to the public. The Clerk's office offers a variety of payment options, including online payment and credit card payment. The Clerk's office also offers a fee waiver program for low-income individuals.
4. Serving as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court serves as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners. This means that the Clerk of Court is responsible for providing administrative support to these two governing bodies. The Clerk of Court attends meetings of the county commission and the board of county commissioners, records the minutes of these meetings, and maintains the official records of these bodies.
Serving as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners is an important component of the St. Johns County Clerk of Court's duties. The Clerk of Court plays a vital role in ensuring that these two governing bodies are able to function effectively. The Clerk of Court's work helps to ensure that the county commission and the board of county commissioners are transparent and accountable to the public.
The connection between "Serving as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners" and "st johns county clerk of court" is clear. The Clerk of Court is an essential part of the county government, and the work that the Clerk of Court does helps to ensure that the county commission and the board of county commissioners are able to serve the public effectively.
FAQs about the St. Johns County Clerk of Court
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court is an elected official who performs a variety of essential functions, including maintaining court records, issuing marriage licenses and passports, and collecting fees for various services. The Clerk of Court also serves as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners.
Question 1: What are the Clerk of Court's main responsibilities?
Answer: The Clerk of Court's main responsibilities include maintaining court records, issuing marriage licenses and passports, collecting fees for various services, and serving as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners.
Question 2: How do I obtain a marriage license or passport from the Clerk of Court's office?
Answer: To obtain a marriage license, couples must complete an application and provide proof of identity and residency. To obtain a passport, applicants must complete an application, provide a passport photo, and pay a fee.
Question 3: What types of fees does the Clerk of Court collect?
Answer: The Clerk of Court collects fees for a variety of services, including filing fees, service of process fees, recording fees, and certified copy fees.
Question 4: What is the Clerk of Court's role in county government?
Answer: The Clerk of Court serves as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners. In this role, the Clerk of Court provides administrative support to these two governing bodies, attends meetings, records minutes, and maintains official records.
Question 5: What are the qualifications to be the Clerk of Court?
Answer: The Clerk of Court must be a qualified elector of St. Johns County and must have resided in the county for at least six months prior to the election.
Question 6: How can I contact the Clerk of Court's office?
Answer: The Clerk of Court's office is located in the St. Johns County Courthouse in St. Augustine, Florida. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also contact the Clerk of Court's office by phone at (904) 824-8300 or by email at clerkofcourt@stjohnsclerk.com.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought:
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court is an important part of the county government. The Clerk of Court performs a variety of essential functions that help to ensure the smooth operation of the justice system and the county government. The Clerk of Court's office is committed to providing efficient and affordable services to the public.
Transition to the next article section:
For more information about the St. Johns County Clerk of Court, please visit the Clerk of Court's website at www.stjohnsclerk.com.
Tips from the St. Johns County Clerk of Court
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court offers the following tips to help you navigate the court system and access court services:
Tip 1: File your documents electronically. E-filing is a convenient and efficient way to file court documents. You can e-file from anywhere with an internet connection, and your documents will be processed more quickly than if you file them in person.
Tip 2: Use the Clerk of Court's website. The Clerk of Court's website provides a wealth of information about court services, including filing fees, court forms, and case information. You can also make payments online and sign up for email notifications about your case.
Tip 3: Contact the Clerk of Court's office for assistance. The Clerk of Court's office is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals who can answer your questions and help you with your court-related needs.
Tip 4: Be prepared when you come to court. When you come to court, be sure to arrive on time and dress appropriately. You should also bring all of the necessary documents with you.
Tip 5: Be respectful of the court. The courtroom is a place of business, and you should behave accordingly. Be respectful of the judge, the court staff, and other court users.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your court experience is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Transition to the article's conclusion:
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court is committed to providing excellent customer service to the public. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk of Court's office.
Conclusion
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court is a vital part of the justice system and county government. The Clerk of Court performs a variety of essential functions, including maintaining court records, issuing marriage licenses and passports, collecting fees for various services, and serving as the clerk for the county commission and the board of county commissioners. The Clerk of Court is committed to providing excellent customer service to the public and to ensuring that the justice system and county government operate efficiently and effectively.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the St. Johns County Clerk of Court's office.
