Civil

Jurisdiction of Circuit Court

Civil jurisdiction of the Circuit Court includes:

  • Monetary disputes involving more than $4,500 (concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court for civil actions up to $25,000 and for personal injury or wrongful death up to $50,000)
  • Civil/equity cases, such as adoptions, appointments of guardian/conservator, divorces, estate and will disputes, name changes and property disputes.

Filing

When filing a civil case in the Circuit Court, the filing party is responsible for ensuring that all pleadings are prepared in accordance with the Code of Virginia and Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court. For the most current Civil filing fees, please access the Civil Filing Fee Calculation tool.

Fee Schedule

After reviewing the Civil Fee Schedule please feel free to contact the Civil Division should you have questions. View payment options.

Forms

Unlike the two District Courts, the Circuit Court does not typically provide forms for use by litigants in filing civil suits. Hence, it is strongly recommended that the services of an attorney be employed when filing a civil action at the Circuit Court level.

Note: Clerk's Office personnel are strictly prohibited from providing legal advice.

  1. Interpreters

Interpreters

To request an interpreter for a civil case, submit a written request three to four weeks prior (PDF) to the hearing/trial with the following information:

  • Date of request
  • Case number
  • Style/name of case (Plaintiff vs. Defendant)
  • Name of party for whom interpreter is needed and their relation to the case (Plaintiff, Defendant or witness)
  • Language required
  • Date, time and duration the interpreter is needed
  • Name, address and phone number of requesting attorney or party
  1. Subpoena Requirements
  1. Commissioners in Chancery
  1. Newspapers Approved for Orders of Publication

Common Civil Actions

View process information for common civil actions handled by the Circuit Court.

  1. Adoptions

Adoptions

An adoption proceeding is very complex; therefore, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney.

Adoption files and proceedings are always handled in the most confidential manner. Therefore, no information will be released over the telephone. Adoption files are only made available for review under very specific circumstances.

  1. Church Trustee Appointment or Removal
  1. Divorce and Name Change Pursuant to Divorce
  1. Guardian or Conservator Appointment
  1. Marriage or Civil Celebrant Appointment
  1. Name Changes
  1. Operator's License - Restricted or Restored
  1. Wills and Estates