City of Salem Clerk of the Circuit Court Guide
23rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia · Clerk of the Circuit Court information · Updated June 2026
540-375-3067County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Feeling overwhelmed?
Free help is available in City of Salem.
Not sure if you need probate?
Many estates can avoid probate entirely. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and trust assets may pass automatically without court involvement.
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingSecure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
Will or trust documents
Property deeds
Bank/investment statements
Insurance policies
Vehicle titles
Tax returns (last 3 years)
Related Topics
Sources (9)
- https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/salem/home
- https://www.salemva.gov/
- https://www.vacourts.gov/static/courts/circuit/resources/coa/commissioner_list_jurisdiction.pdf
- https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/resources/coa/home
- https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/page/37/probate-forms
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter17/section58.1-1712/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title64.2/chapter6/section64.2-601/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title64.2/chapter6/section64.2-602/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title64.2/chapter4/section64.2-444/