Judgments

The purpose of this information is to better inform the general public of procedural matters. Nothing contained herein is intended to advise anyone as to legal remedies for a particular circumstance. Circuit Court Clerks and their Deputy Clerks cannot render legal advice.

The Clerk of each court of every circuit shall keep in his office a judgment docket in which he shall docket without delay any judgment for money rendered in his court.  The Clerk shall likewise docket without delay any judgment for money rendered by any state or federal court.  The clerk shall be required to docket the judgment upon receipt of an authenticated copy of the judgment upon the request of any interested party and the proper payment of fees.

Some of the fees associated with filing a judgment are:

Abstract of judgment (within Va.) $ 10.00 (no release fee)
Roanoke Co./Town of Vinton Liens $ 2.00   (plus 1.00 release fee) 
IRS Liens $ 5.00 (plus $5.00 release & revocation fee)
Commonwealth Liens $ --0--
Foreign Judgments (outside Va) $25.00

The Code of Virginia sets out the various methods by which to proceed to collect on judgments docketed in Circuit Court.   Deputy Clerks in the Circuit Court cannot render legal advice on how to proceed to collect a debt or how a lien/judgment affects your property.  Refer to the Code of Virginia or seek legal counsel.

Roanoke County Circuit Court does not perform "searches" and will not give judgment information over the telephone. Judgments are public record, and the docketed judgment information can be obtained in the public records room on the second floor of the Roanoke County Courthouse, 305 East Main Street, Salem, Virginia 24153.

The receipt given at the time of recording contains the judgment book and page number. This number is necessary to obtain copies (50 cents per copied page, $2.00 additional per document for certification) and must be given on the "Authority to Fully Release/Partially Release a Judgment" docketed in Circuit Court.