Clerk of the Court

Annell Hounshell

Clerk of the Court

PO Box 365 St. Johns, AZ 85936

(928) 337-7550

Scroll down to see a list of clerk/court-related services provided in Apache County.  Click on the link to expand the information.
The Office of the Clerk

 

 

Annell Hounshell, Clerk of the Court was elected to the office by the voters of Apache County in November, 2014 and has prior experience of 18 years with Apache County Government. Annell has worked in the offices of Apache County Adult Probation, County Finance, Engineering, Attorney’s Office and the Board of Supervisors.  She has also worked in private business for 20 years gaining valuable management experience.   The experience and skills she has gained, as well as the relationships she has developed has made her uniquely qualified to serve as the Apache County Clerk of the Court.Annell has spent the majority of her life in Northern Apache County and currently lives in St. Johns, Arizona and understands the history and challenges of Apache County.
Apache County Clerk of the Court Annell Hounshell PO Box 365 St. Johns, AZ 85936 Telephone: (928) 337-7550 ~ Fax: (928) 337-2771 E-Mail the Clerk Delana Waite Chief Deputy Telephone: (928) 337-7587 E-Mail Me!
The Apache County Superior Court House is located at 70 West 3rd South, Saint Johns AZ which is three blocks south of the main street in Saint Johns. To view the map to this location please click on the link above.
THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK: The Clerk of the Superior Court is the record keeper for the Court, as well as the collector of all fees, fines, bonds, and restitution. The Clerk’s Office is the first stop in initiating any Superior Court action in Child Support, Civil (Passport, Marriage License, Protection Order, Divorce/Dissolution, Legal Records), Criminal (Appeals), Probate (Guardianship and Conservatorship), Mental Health, Tax or Domestic Relations Matters (Conciliation and Mediation, Paternity/Maternity). The Superior Court also oversees Juvenile Court filings such as Adoption, Dependency, Severance, and Delinquency Actions. The Court Clerk is one of the oldest of public servant offices. The office can be traced back before Biblical times. The title is derived from the Middle Ages when a “clerk” was a member of a religious order. Since, for all practical purposes, the scholarship of the Middle Ages was limited to the clergy, the name “Clerk” came to be synonymous with “Scholar”. In 1272 AD the Office of the Clerk appears contained with the Corporation of Old London.
The Apache County Superior Court does not currently accept fax filings of Court Documents. Please submit case related documents by mail or in person at the Courthouse.
Court Records

 

COMMON QUESTIONS: Why are record searches usually requested? To get copies of a Marriage License or Divorce Decree, to do background checks, obtain family information, child support pay history or criminal pay history. Who needs to submit a Request for Access to Court Records form? Everyone. What records can be searched / requested? Juvenile Delinquency, Criminal, Probate, Guardianship, Domestic, and Civil cases are all public record. What records can not be searched by the public? Adoption, Mental Health, and all other Dependency are closed to the public unless a Judge approves a release of documents. If you are requesting something out of a sealed file, a written letter of request to the Judge stating specifically what your interest is in the file, and what documents you want out of the file must be included with the Request for Access to Court Records form. It may take some time for the Judge to review and approve the request. How long does it typically take for the Clerk’s office to respond to a record request search? 3-5 days depending on number of requests received and if the case file is in storage. How will I know when my search results are ready? Requests made by fax or mail will typically be mailed back when they are completed. If you want to pick up materials in person at the Courthouse, the Clerk’s office can call you when they are ready and the materials will be available for you at the front desk. Searches requested by mail or fax must still be pre-paid.
SEARCH FEES: You can pay for a record search by cash, check, money order, Visa, or Master Card.
Service  Price
Searching court records online FREE
Searching court records in person at the courthouse FREE
Research performed by the Clerk’s office $27.00
Copies of file document $0.50 per page
Certification $27.00 per document
Mailing or faxing search results $7.00
Mailing search results if SASE is provided with search request form FREE

Pursuant to ARS § 12-304 court fees for searches shall NOT be charged to:

  • The state, a county, city, town or political subdivision of a county. A commission, board or department of the state, county, city, town or political subdivision of a county. An official of the state, county, city, town, or political subdivision of a county who is a party to an action in his official capacity.
COURT RECORDS ONLINE: Information about Apache County Superior Court cases since approximately 1995 are posted online and can be searched for free by using the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access to Court Information website.
REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO COURT RECORDS FORM: To request access to the court records or to have the Clerk’s office perform a search for you, this Request for Access to Court Records form must be completed in hard copy and submitted to the Clerk’s office. Adobe Acrobat PDF version of Request for Access to Court Records Form. The completed form can be:

  • Faxed to the Clerk’s office (928) 337-2771
  • Mailed in to Annell Hounshell  Clerk of the Apache County Superior Court PO Box 365 St. Johns, AZ 85936 (include a check or money order for the fees).
  • Brought in person to the Clerk’s office in the Apache County Superior Courthouse at 70 West 3rd South, Saint Johns AZ which is three blocks south of the main street in Saint Johns.

Make sure the form is filled out completely specifying exactly what is needed from the file. Provide as much information as possible to help us find the file (name, birth date, SSN, case number, date or time period). Note on the form if you would like us to call you to come and pick up the materials in person.
REQUESTING A SEARCH BY THE CLERK: You can request that the Clerk of the Court search the court records for information on a particular person or case using the Request for Access to Court Records Form. The Clerk’s office will provide “essential information” to the public without a charge. Essential information is defined as being the case number, party names and filing date. Requests for case information above and beyond these essential items will be charged a research fee.
SEARCHING COURT RECORDS IN PERSON: If you come to the courthouse and search the records yourself, no search fee will be charged. The Clerk’s Office is open from 8 am to 5 pm weekdays, excepting government holidays. We are located in the Apache County Superior Courthouse at 70 West 3rd South, Saint Johns AZ which is three blocks South of the main street in Saint Johns. NOTE: If the file you wish to search is in storage, there may be a wait of an hour or more while we retrieve it so please be prepared for this. If you can obtain a case number (try the online search) and call (928) 337-7550 to request the file prior to coming to the office in person, we can pull the file and have it ready for you when you arrive.
Courtroom Rules

Superior Court of Arizona, Apache County Courtroom Rules 

  • No talking while court is in session
  • No small children allowed in court
  • No hats or bandanas
  • Turn off cell phones and pagers
  • No food or drink
  • No talking to defendants in custody
  • No shorts or tank tops
  • No sleeping

NO FURTHER WARNINGS VIOLATORS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE COURTROOM

Divorce

DIVORCE WITH CHILDREN: NOTICE TO ATTEND DOMESTIC RELATIONS EDUCATION OF CHILDREN’S ISSUES CLASS If the case involves minor child(ren) and is an action for:

  • Dissolution of Marriage;
  • Legal Separation; or
  • Paternity with a Request to Determine Custody, Parenting Time or Child Support.

Pursuant to ARS §25-352, both the Petitioner and the Respondent must attend and complete the Domestic Relations Education of Children’s Issues Class. Each party must pay the class fee to the Clerk of the Court. The Respondent must register for and complete the course whether or not a “Response” or “Answer” to the Petition/Complaint is filed. You and the other parent must attend and complete the Education of Children’s Issue Class. You do NOT attend the class with the other parent. As a precaution against any type of abuse or harassment, you and the other parent must attend separate classes. This is not a parenting skill class. The purpose of the program is to give parents information about how children are affected by matters that involve family court: divorce, paternity or custody matters. WARNING: Attendance is required. (ARS § 25-352). ATTENDANCE AT THE PARENT INFORMATION CLASS IS REQUIRED BY LAW AND BY THIS COURT. IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND THE CLASS, THE JUDGE MAY NOT SIGN YOUR PAPERS AND YOU MAY NOT GET THE THINGS YOU ASKED THE COURT TO DO. THE JUDGE MAY ALSO FIND YOU IN CONTEMPT OF COURT. You must sign up for the class in advance. You should sign up for the class as soon as you receive this Notice. The class fee is $30.00 and needs to paid to the Clerk of the Court two days before the class is scheduled to be held. The classes are held monthly in St. Johns and Springerville at the Little Colorado Behavioral Health Centers. If you have any questions about this class, contact the Clerk of the Court’s office at: 928-337-7550.

Fee Schedule

 

The Apache County Clerk of the Court can accept the following forms of payment for any and all fees due to the Court:

  • Cash
  • Personal Check
  • Money Order or Bank Check
  • Credit Cards (except for posting cash bonds)
CURRENT FEE SCHEDULE As of March 18, 2013
Certification Certified copies of documents should be obtained from the Clerk of the Court’s office. If you require a certified copy of a document in a court file, there are fees required in addition to the filing fees for the case. Copy Fee: $0.50 per page Certification Fee: $27.00 per document Postage & Handling: $7.00 (when applicable)
Jury Duty
POTENTIAL JURORS: If you are a resident of Apache County registered to vote or in possession of a valid drivers license then you could be a member of the Apache County Superior Court Jury Pool.Being called to serve as a member of a jury is a civic responsibility and an honor.
JURY QUESTIONNAIRE: If you have been selected as a member of the jury pool you will receive a Jury Questionnaire. This questionnaire is not a jury summons. Please read the questionnaire carefully before filling it out. These are all important questions which will be used to help qualify you for active jury duty.As of June 1, 2008 you have two choices on how to complete your Jury Questionnaire Process. Either way, you must complete and return the questionnaire by the deadline date.

  • Complete the paper questionnaire and mail it back to us.
  • Click this link Jury questionnaire and complete the questionnaire online.
  • If you complete the questionnaire process online, you do not need to send the paper questionnaire document back to us.
  • Some questions that will potentially excuse you from jury duty require additional documentation and you may not be able to complete the process online. In this case, complete the paper questionnaire, attach the required documentation and return it to us.
You may, or may not be called for jury duty in the future even if you are a qualified juror based on your questionnaire.
JURY SUMMONS: If you have received a jury summons, you must appear at the place, date, and time specified on the summons. This will usually be 8:30 a.m. at the Apache County Superior Court building at 70 West 3rd South, three blocks south of the main street in Saint Johns. Please read your summons carefully.ARS § 21-223. Failure of juror to attend; fine It is unlawful for a juror who is summoned and who fails to obtain a postponement or who is not excused from jury service to wilfully and without reasonable excuse fail to attend on the date scheduled for jury service. If the person fails to respond to a second summons the court may issue a body attachment as for a direct contempt of the court. The person may be fined an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars and may be compelled to attend for jury service on another date. Jury trials are often cancelled at the last minute. To find out if a jury call has been cancelled call 928-337-7552 or 1-800-510-4111 after 5 p.m. on the verification date specified on your summons (not the appearance date) or click on the Jury Trial Status is see if the trial has been cancelled. Jurors residing on the Indian Reservations are reminded of the potential one hour time difference between Saint Johns and their homes. Daylight savings time is not observed in most of Arizona.
JURY SERVICE: You may wish to pack and bring an overnight bag when you appear for a Jury Summons. Jurors are given $12.00 per day for meals. Mileage is reimbursed at a rate of $0.445 (forty-four and one half cent) per mile from the post office where you receive your mail to the Saint Johns Courthouse.BEING EXCUSED: If you feel you have valid reason to be excused from jury duty call 928-337-7552 or 1-800-510-4111 and speak to the Jury Clerk. You are not guaranteed to be excused. Only statutory reasons can be considered for being excused from Jury Duty. Depending upon the reason for the excuse, being excused from a particular jury summons will usually return your name to the jury pool and you may be called again on a future occasion. You may be asked to submit information regarding your request to be excused in writing. Excuses for medical reasons require a signed Doctor’s note. Requests for excuse in writing can be faxed to (928) 337-2771 or mailed to Annell Hounshell, Clerk of the Court, PO Box 365, Saint Johns AZ 85936. HAVE YOU MOVED? If you have received a questionnaire or have been summoned for Jury Duty but no longer reside in Apache County, please notify the Clerk’s office of this fact in writing so that you may be removed from the jury pool. Information related to Jurors who have moved out of the county is shared with the County Recorder’s office for voter registration records.
JUROR IDENTITY THEFT WARNING:Never provide personal identifying information of the phone to callers claiming to be court employees! The Clerk of the Superior Court in Apache County has learned of an illegal scheme in which identity thieves call potential jurors and threaten them for failing to report for jury service. The thieves proceed to ask for confidential information. When contacting citizens regarding Jury Service, Court employees will NEVER ask for social security numbers, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information. Citizens should not give out such information over the telephone to anyone claiming to work for the judicial system. Although the Court does not know of any such activity in Apache County this illegal scheme has been reported in other counties within Arizona and other states as well. If you receive such a telephone call, please call the Jury Commissioner at 928-337-7550 or 1-800-510-4111.
STILL WANT MORE INFORMATION? The statutes related to juries and jurors is available on the internet.Click to see Arizona Revised Statute Title 21 Statutes – Juries
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses can be obtained at the Apache County Superior Court, Clerk of the Court’s Office or at any of the following Justice Courts:

  • Chinle 928-674-5922
  • Puerco 928-688-2729
  • Round Valley 928-333-4613

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A LICENSE: Licenses cost $76.00 – please bring cash, credit card, personal check or money order made out to “Clerk of the Court” Both parties must be present with valid picture identification. You will be asked to complete and sign an affidavit affirming your identity when you come to get your license. Minors who wish to obtain a marriage license must be accompanied by a parent to obtain the license. The parent must sign a notarized statement of permission for the minor to marry. Minors under 16 years of age must also complete an interview with a Judge of the Superior Court before obtaining a license.
AFTER THE CEREMONY: Once the marriage ceremony has taken place, the bottom portion of the signed marriage license must be returned to the Clerk’s Office by the person who officiated at the ceremony to be officially recorded. The newly married couple should keep the top part of the original license. The bottom portion of the marriage license can be dropped off at the Clerk’s Office in person or mailed to: Annell Hounshell, Clerk Apache County Superior Court PO Box 365 St. Johns AZ 85936
Certified copies of marriage licenses recorded in Apache County can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office for a $27.00 certification fee, $0.50 per page and a self addressed stamped envelope or pay a $7.00 mailing fee. If you need the Clerk’s office to perform the search to find the marriage license, there is another $27 charge. You can perform your own searches by coming to the Clerk’s Office in Saint Johns. Click link to see Arizona Revised Statutes Title 25 Statutes – Marriage