Rockingham County Circuit Court and Clerk’s Office

Rockingham County Clerk of Circuit Court, Chaz W. Haywood preserves, protects, and provides public access to the historic records of the Circuit Court of Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg. Established in 1778, the Rockingham County Circuit Court has preserved centuries of legal and historical records that document the region’s development.

The Clerk’s Office is responsible for over 800 duties as outlined in the Code of Virginia, including recording deeds, processing probate matters, issuing marriage licenses, maintaining court records, and ensuring the certification and preservation of historic documents.

The Rockingham County Circuit Court Historic Archives safeguards these records, which reflect the legal, social, and cultural history of the Shenandoah Valley. From land grants and freedom suits to criminal trials and business transactions, these documents provide insight into the lives of those who shaped the county’s past. The Archives is committed to making these records accessible for public research, education, and historical preservation.