Small Claims Court
Va. Code 16.1-122.2 — claims up to $5,000, and no lawyers for the parties
In Virginia, the small claims court hears civil claims of up to $5,000, not counting interest, sharing that jurisdiction with the general district court. The general district court itself hears money claims of up to $50,000, exclusive of interest and attorney fees.
Every party represents itself. In small claims court the parties represent themselves. A business may be represented by an owner, partner, officer, member or employee, and a party who cannot participate on their own may be helped by a friend or relative who is not an attorney.
A defendant has the right to move the case to the general district court at any point before the judge decides, and may use an attorney to do so.
Sources for this section (3)
- Va. Code 16.1-122.2 — Small claims court; jurisdiction
- Va. Code 16.1-122.4 — Small claims court; representation and removal; rights of parties
- Va. Code 16.1-77 — Civil jurisdiction of general district courts
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.