The Clerk of the Circuit Court (commonly called the County Clerk) is a constitutional officer elected for a four-year term by the voters of Hancock County. This position has what is generally referred to as term-limits as mandated by law, which means that the Clerk is prohibited from serving more than eight years within a period of 12 years.

The duties of the Clerk’s office are varied and seemingly unrelated; yet, stakeholders have one primary thing in common: all persons entering the doors, calling on the telephone or corresponding by mail deserve to be assisted by public spirited individuals. The employees of the Hancock County Clerk’s office are such public spirited individuals committed to serving their fellow tax-payers.

In short, the Clerk’s office is “clerk” to the Court System and keeper of the records. A sample of some of the specific responsibilities of the clerk’s office are duties such as issuing marriage licenses, overseeing the collection of court related fees and fines.  As a result of handling public funds, the Hancock County Clerk’s office, like other government agencies, is audited annually by the State Board of Accounts to assure that internal controls are kept. The audit findings are posted on the State Board of Account’s website.

• State Board of Accounts

An additional task assigned to the Clerk of the Circuit Court is to serve as the ex officio as secretary of the Hancock County Election Board and clerk of the Board of Canvassers. More information about the Election Office may be learned by following the link to the Hancock County Election Office tab or by following the link to the Secretary of State’s website specifically designed to educate the public about Elections.

• Indiana Secretary of State: Indiana Election Division

For more specific information about the educational requirements, role and duties of the Clerk, please visit the Clerks' Association website.

• Association of Clerks of Circuit Courts of Indiana.

Please note that although there are continuing education requirements, the Clerk of the Court is typically not an attorney and is not allowed to render opinion or advice in matters of the law.