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Dinwiddie County Virginia

Departments: Circuit Court Clerk

 

Civil Case Information

Civil cases are disputes between individuals or entities, or groups of individuals or entities.  Typical civil disputes are ones in which monetary damages are sought stemming from tort (civil wrong) or breach of contract.  Not all civil cases stem from monetary or contract disputes.  Example of civil cases included but are not limited to:

Adoption
Annulment
Appointments of church trustees
Breach of contract
Divorce
Expungement
Garnishment
Highway condemnation
Name changes
Partition of real estate
Restoration of Driving Privileges

The Circuit Court serves as the appellate court in civil cases appealed from the General District Court.  Likewise, the Circuit Court serves as the appellate court in civil (domestic relations) cases appealed from the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, typically child support, custody and visitation matters.
In civil cases where monetary claims range from $4,500 to $15,000, the Circuit Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court.  Monetary disputes involving more than $15,000 fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Circuit Court.

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.  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.

Circuit Court Case Information:

Virginia’s Supreme Court case information web page shows the status of Dinwiddie Circuit Court Civil Cases, including plaintiffs’ and defendants’ names and trial dates.

Please click on the following link for circuit court case:
http://wasdmz2.courts.state.va.us/CJISWeb/circuit.html

Do I need to employ a lawyer or may I represent myself in a Circuit Court civil action?

Lawyers commonly represent parties to civil cases, although it is not required.  If you have been unable to hire one, the Virginia State Bar’s Resources for the Public Webpage has information about finding a lawyer or look at our Legal References Page.

Where can I find Circuit Court Forms?

Virginia’s Judicial System website provides forms for use by lawyers and persons representing themselves at http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit/home.html or you can also find a list of forms provide by Dinwiddie Circuit Court Clerks Office on our Forms page.

How are hearings or trials scheduled in Circuit Court civil cases?

Attorneys or persons representing themselves may contact the Circuit Court Judge's office at 434-645-7784-to schedule hearings or trials, if they have the opposing party's available dates.

Trials or hearings are also scheduled at docket call on Term Days if the person requesting a hearing date has the opposing party’s available dates. 

How may I obtain copies of orders and pleadings?

Copies of final orders are sent to the attorneys for the parties. Copies of non-confidential pleadings or extra copies of orders may be requested in person or in writing. The fee for copies is 50¢ per page. A $2.00 fee is charged for certifying a copy. Mail in requests must be accompanied by check or money order payable to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk covering the copy cost. The mailing address is Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Attention: Civil Division, PO Box 63, Dinwiddie, VA 23841.

Where are civil actions for small money claims filed?

The General District Courts (tel. 804-469-4533) decide many civil cases involving amounts up to $15,000.  VA Code § 16.1-77

Where can I find additional information regarding circuit court?

The Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia’s Courts System section of Supreme Court of Virginia.

Clerk of Circuit Court

Dinwiddie County Courthouse
14008 Boydton Plank Road
3rd Floor
PO Box 63
Dinwiddie, VA  23841

Phone:  (804) 469-4540     Fax:  (804) 469-5383

Contact Us: Clerk of Circuit Court