To the Citizens of Pitt County:

As a lifelong resident of Pitt County, it has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Clerk of Court since December 2007. 

The office of the Clerk of Court impacts the lives of many people each day.  The duties and responsibilities of the Clerk are varied and numerous.  It is important for your Elected Clerk to have a complete understanding of the law and to employ sound business practices and discretion. I have drawn from my many experiences as an attorney in private practice, arbitrator, mediator, small business owner and educator as I have served as your Clerk of Court and Judge of Probate.  My extensive legal and business background is an asset whether I am holding judicial hearings, maintaining court records, managing public funds or insuring that our clerk staff is well-trained and up-to-date on changes in the law and technology.

Since my appointment in 2007 and election in 2008, I have worked with our dedicated staff to find ways we can better serve you.   I am committed to providing competent and professional service to all our citizens and to seeking ways in which our office can work with all stakeholders to promote a more accessible and efficient judicial system.   

Thank you for your support and vote in the May primary.  I humbly ask for your vote and support in the General Election on November 2nd.

                                                                                   Sara Beth Fulford Rhodes

                                                                  Clerk of Superior Court of Pitt County

DID YOU KNOW . . . . . . . . .

In North Carolina the Clerk of Court serves as the Judge of Probate and has exclusive original jurisdiction over the probate of wills and estate administration.  The Clerk's judicial functions also extend to holding hearings and rendering decisions in special proceedings such as adoptions, incompetency proceedings, guardianships, land partitions, name changes and foreclosures.  The Clerk is the custodian of all court records for District and Superior court and is responsible for all court clerical and record-keeping functions. Additionally, the Clerk serves as a comptroller and fiduciary by collecting, investing and distributing all money coming into the court system. The Clerk has numerous administrative and ministerial duties, and each Elected Clerk of Court serves as a manager and leader of their office.