State guide
Virginia
This is general information, not legal advice. Virginia's small claims division is part of the general district court. Code section 16.1-122.2 says that division has jurisdiction, concurrent with the rest of the general district court, over the civil actions described in section 16.1-77(1) when the amount claimed does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of interest. The code site shows amendments in 1988, 2002, and 2006. The $5,000 line is the small-claims division, not the entire civil jurisdiction of the general district court. A larger money case can still be a general-district case under section 16.1-77 without being in the small claims division. The division is the informal docket. Interest is outside the $5,000.
Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Which court hears it
- Small claims division of the general district court
- Dollar limit we could verify
- Code of Virginia section 16.1-122.2 says the small claims division has jurisdiction over the civil actions in section 16.1-77(1) when the amount claimed does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of interest.
- Statute or court page
- Official page →
- Filing or self-help page
- Official page →
Concurrent jurisdiction means you may have a choice. A claim under $5,000 that fits section 16.1-77(1) can be filed in the small claims division or as a regular general-district civil case. The division uses simplified procedure. The regular docket uses the ordinary civil practice of that court. Read section 16.1-77(1) to see which actions qualify, because 16.1-122.2 incorporates that subsection rather than repeating every type of claim. If the amount claimed exceeds $5,000 before interest, the small claims division is not available under 16.1-122.2. The rest of general district court might be, up to that court's own limit in 16.1-77.
General district courts sit in every city and county. File in the court that has venue. The clerk has a small-claims form and a regular civil form. Using the small-claims form is how you ask for the division. You may speak for yourself. Bring the contract, photos, and a number that does not exceed $5,000 before interest. Ask for interest separately. The Legislative Information System page is the official code. It is short. Most of the hearing detail is in the small-claims rules and in the court's pamphlet, which the clerk can hand you.
A judgment of the division is a general-district judgment for collection. Ask the clerk about a writ of fieri facias or garnishment after the judgment and after any appeal time. If you need more than $5,000, decide whether the general district court's regular civil jurisdiction is enough or whether circuit court is required. Do not file the same claim in two courts. Concurrent jurisdiction is a choice. The 2006 amendment is the latest date on the code history line retrieved here. Reopen the code section when you file, in case a later General Assembly has changed the amount.
Official resources in Virginia
Statute giving the small claims division cases up to $5,000, exclusive of interest.
Official Code of Virginia, including section 16.1-77.
Chapter on venue, jurisdiction, and procedure in civil matters.
Key facts for Virginia
- Virginia's small claims division is part of the general district court.
- Section 16.1-122.2 sets a $5,000 limit, exclusive of interest.
- Jurisdiction is concurrent with the rest of the general district court.
- The qualifying actions are those in section 16.1-77(1).
- The code history shows a 2006 amendment.
- A larger claim may still fit regular general district court or circuit court.
What to do next
- Use the small-claims form only when the amount claimed does not exceed $5,000 before interest.
- Read section 16.1-77(1) to see which cases qualify.
- Ask for interest separately from the $5,000 claim.
- Reopen the code section before you rely on the 2006 history line.
Looking for your city or county in Virginia?
We haven't found official court-level pages for Virginia we can verify yet, so we don't show local numbers here rather than guess. Here's what to use instead, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above. It applies across Virginia, but cities and counties can add their own steps, fees or deadlines.
- Call to confirm Ask the official office. They have the current local rule, fee and form.Virginia Legislative Information System
Website →Phone not shown: use the contact page on the official website above.Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Virginia page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us and include a link to the official page. We check every tip before it goes up.
Helpful guides
- What small claims court is
- How dollar limits work
- Who can sue and be sued
- A demand letter before you file