Civil Court is held every Tuesday at 1:00pm. You must allow 3 weeks from the time you file the warrant until the court date. Contested court dates are set by the Judge.

The Small Claims Docket is held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 1:30pm except state holidays. The Small Claims docket for January and February will be on the 4th Monday at 3:00pm. The Small Claims Division is for claims of $5,000.00 or less without attorneys. Separate forms are required, however, the filing fees and post-judgment enforcement is the same.

The following information is provided to help you complete the form and understand court procedures. Please complete an original and 4 copies (5 total) for one defendant and an original and 6 copies (7 total) for two defendants. Once the form is completed and a court date selected, return the original, a copy for each defendant and a file copy, along with a check, money order or cash for the appropriate amount of filing fees [listed below] to the Clerk’s office. Mail a copy to each defendant and keep one copy for your records. On the back of your copy (in lower right hand corner), you will need to certify by date and signature that you mailed a copy to the defendants and bring to court. The clerk’s office must receive the warrant and fees no less than 3 weeks before the return date.

 §8.01-15.2 & §8.01-428 SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT, Default Judgment

Notwithstanding the provisions of §8.01-428, in any civil action or proceeding in which the defendant does not make an appearance, the court shall not enter a judgment by default until the plaintiff files with the court an affidavit (i) stating whether or not the defendant is in the military service and showing necessary facts to support the affidavit; or (ii) if the plaintiff is unable to determine whether or not the defendant is in the military service, stating that the plaintiff is unable to determine whether or not the defendant is in the military service. Any judgment by default entered by any court in any civil action or proceeding in violation of Title II of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. Appx. §§501 et seq.) may be set aside as provided by the Act.

The Act also provides that where appointment of counsel is required for a servicemember pursuant to federal law, the Court may assess attorney fees and costs against any party as the Court deems appropriate. The Court in its order shall direct which of the parties to the case shall pay such fees and costs directly to the appointed counsel.
                                  Form DC-418 available in the Clerk's Office.

If you wish to issue a garnishment against the defendant’s wages for any civil judgment, there are forms you will need to complete. These forms are located in the Clerk’s office or online at www.courts.state.va.us.

Virginia Code §16.1-94.01 requires that the judgment creditor shall give written notice to the clerk of court in which the judgment was rendered or an abstract of judgment has been filed once any judgment rendered in a court not of record is paid or satisfied within thirty (30) days of receipt.  Such notice shall include the docket number, the names of the parties, the date and amount of the judgment, and the date of payment or satisfaction. Form DC-458 is available at the Clerk's office or online at www.courts.state.va.us.