Chancery Clerk deputies review records
A Day in the Life: Inside the Chancery Clerk’s Office

Step into the Lafayette County Chancery Clerk’s Office, and you’ll find a team bustling with activity—answering questions about land records, handling court cases, and assisting with passports—all in service of making county resources accessible.

The work is varied and demanding, but for Chancery Clerk Mike Roberts and his team, it’s all about helping people navigate through life’s challenges. 

“We’re here to serve the public, but we’re also here to be a friendly face,” says Roberts. It’s a philosophy that has shaped the office and its service to the residents of Lafayette County.

Court of the Heart

“They say Chancery Court is the court of the heart,” says Roberts. 

The Chancery Court often deals with deeply personal and impactful moments—both joyful and challenging, which can forever shape families’ lives.

“We had three adoptions this week, and those are beautiful moments,” Roberts shares. “In a court system that usually deals with divorces, land disputes, and child custody, it’s rewarding to have those moments of happiness. It makes your heart smile.”

For Roberts and his team, these moments bring a sense of fulfillment to their work. The office also oversees guardianships and conservatorships, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the care and support they need. Whether it’s managing financial affairs or making critical decisions about a person’s well-being, the role of the Chancery Clerk is often one of advocacy and compassion.

“When they come to me, my number one responsibility is their care. I need them in a safe place. I need them taken care of while I preserve their assets. What have I got to do to make sure they have quality of life?” Roberts explains.

“You develop a personal bond with them,” he adds. “They become your family at that point.”

Serving the Community

One of the core responsibilities of the office is overseeing land records. Residents looking to access these records can visit the office in person or access them online, thanks to the team’s years of effort in scanning and uploading documents. 

“You can still find rows and rows of these records in the office, but making them available digitally has been a priority,” says Roberts. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get the information they need.”

The office also helps residents with passport applications, providing a welcoming face during what can often be a stressful process.

The services provided by the Chancery Clerk’s office go beyond administrative tasks—they’re about making residents feel supported and cared for. “We try to help everybody who comes in the best we can, and to make sure they leave with their questions answered,” says Johnson. 

A Team United by Service

The Chancery Clerk’s office is made up of a close-knit team that shares a dedication to serving the people of Lafayette County. For many of the staff members, this work is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a difference in their community.

Deputy Chancery Clerk Gloria Nicks, who has been with the office since 2007, recalls her early days. “I came from a medical job before this role, not really talking to the public,” she says. “But here, it’s different. I’ve met a lot of people. We have a lot of new students come in. Meeting them and helping them find what they need is what I really like.”

For Chief Deputy Clerk and Office Manager Paula Childress, it’s about the everyday interactions that make a difference. 

“The friendliness here goes a long way,” Childress says. “We work as a team to try to help all the people who come in.”

The relationships between the staff members are just as important as the relationships with the public. When Mike Roberts took on the role of Chancery Clerk, he joined a team that had been led for over a decade by Sherry Wall, who passed away in early 2024. 

“Having Sherry for 17 years—my burden was heavy, losing her,” Nicks shares. “And when Mike came in, he made it enjoyable, just like Sherry did. It was like my burden was lifted.” 

Roberts, in turn, feels privileged to be part of such a dedicated team. “They’ve spoiled me, really,” he says with a smile. “They are so good. It didn’t take long at all to realize that we all work good together.”

Deputy Chancery Clerk Tina Johnson agrees. “We all are a family here,” she says. “We love each other.”

Civic Engagement

Twice a month, Lafayette County holds a Board of Supervisors meeting, where community members are invited to participate in local governance. The Chancery Clerk’s office plays an important role in facilitating these meetings, ensuring that all county matters are properly documented and accessible to the public.

“The first Monday of the month is the first meeting, and it’s at 5:00 p.m., and the second meeting is the third Monday of the month at 9:00 a.m.,” explains Chancery Clerk Mike Roberts. “It’s an opportunity for residents to come in, hear what’s being said, learn about projects the county is working on, and see how funds are being allocated.”

Roberts spent years as a Supervisor himself before stepping into the role of Chancery Clerk, giving him a unique perspective on the process. 

“It’s like being on the sideline of the football game,” Roberts says with a smile. “You’re not playing, but you’re still involved.” 

Roberts encourages residents to attend the meetings and get involved. “I tell people, if you’re able, go to one of these meetings. The Board of Supervisors are people just like we are, and they value input. You don’t always have to agree with what’s happening, but having a different perspective can be helpful.”

Responsibility in Action

Residents may be surprised to learn how many responsibilities the Lafayette County Chancery Clerk’s office has. Altogether, the team assists in the Chancellors and Chancery Court, supports the Board of Supervisors, and serves as the clerk of the court, custodian of all Chancery Court records and public land records, county auditor, and county treasurer. They also manage land redemption and act as the local Passport Accepting Agent.

“It’s a lot,” says Childress. “There’s a very wide range of tasks, but we split the work up well, and it just falls into place every day.”

The work may be complex and varied, but the Chancery Clerk’s office approaches it all with one goal: serving the community with empathy and integrity. 

Years ago, when Roberts’ father ran for Chancery Judge, Roberts wondered why anyone would take on such a challenging role. With cases involving divorces, child custody, and land disputes, it seemed unlikely that any decision would leave everyone satisfied.

His father’s words have guided him ever since: “The people in this court deserve folks who think through cases with feelings and back them up by statute and law.”

Now, as Chancery Clerk, Roberts brings that perspective into his work every day. “I’ve seen that there’s good in people, and that most times when you get face-to-face and talk—and this court allows you to do that—people can usually find some common ground,” Roberts shares. 

It’s this belief in open communication and fairness that drives the Chancery Clerk’s office as they support the community through life’s challenges.

The responsibilities may be vast, but each task—whether processing land records or assisting with a guardianship—provides a chance to serve the residents of Lafayette County effectively and with care. For Roberts and his team, that focus on practical support and genuine engagement is what makes their work fulfilling.