VIRGINIA SMALL CLAIMS COURTS
Addresses and information on Virginia small claims courts and filings.
A person can file a claim in small claims court if he/she has a dispute involving a certain amount of money with another person, company or government agency.
The amount that could be recovered is limited, and it varies from state to state (usually from $1,500 to 10,000 Dollars.)
Most common claims in small claims courts involve:
- Auto Accidents - Someone dents your vehicle and refuses to pay for the repairs.
- Small Loans - Someone refuses to pay you back the money he/she borrowed.
- Defected New Products - Your new chair breaks but the store will not fix it or return your money.
- Poor Services Rendered - A dry cleaning company ruins your favorite dress and will not pay for or replace it.
- Landlord/Tenant Issues - The property owner or landlord refuses to return your security deposit, even after certifying the place was left in in good condition.
Things to bring to court:
Original copies of all papers you need to help prove the case (contracts, letters, rental agreements, canceled checks, deeds, repair bills, IOUs, diagrams, written damage estimates, photographs or even drawings.)
2 photocopies of every original document. (one for the defendant, one for the court)
The piece of clothing or the appliance damaged by the defendant, if that's the case.
Any witness that could help the case. Some judges allow notarized statements by witness that cannot appear in court.
Small Claims Courts Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age. (If not, a guardian appointed by the court will sue for the minor.)
- Be of sound mind or mentally competent. (If not, a guardian appointed by the court will sue for the incapacitated.)
- United States citizen and non-citizens can use the small claims court.
- There are no juries in small claims courts.
- No objections are allowed.
- Either the plaintiff (the person who is suing) or the defendant (the person being sued) are allowed to speak with an attorney before coming to court, but lawyers are not allowed in the court with you. You must be a Pro Se litigant (represent yourself.)
Hearing dates are usually set on some evenings or on Saturday (once a month.)
Hearing is scheduled within 40 days in most cases (up to 70 days if one litigant does not live in the same county).
VIRGINIA SMALL CLAIMS COURTS
Arlington General District Court 1425 North Courthouse Road Suite 2400 Second Floor Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: (703) 228`7900
United States Government District Court Clerk Poff Federal Bldg Roanoke, VA 24001 Phone: (540) 857`5100
US Federal District Court 255 W Main St Ste 204 Charlottesville, VA 22902-5058 Phone: (434) 296`9284
Fairfax County General District Court 4110 Chain Bridge Road Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Us Government District Court 101 25 St Newport News Williamsburg, VA 23185 Phone: (757) 223`4640
Us Government District Court 101 25 St Williamsburg, VA 23185 Phone: (757) 223`4610
Fairfax County Government Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court Fairfax, VA 22030 Phone: (703) 246`2343
Commonwealth of Virginia Supreme Court Richmond, VA 23218 Phone: (804) 786`6455
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