Circuit Court

10th Judicial Circuit of Virginia

The Circuit Court is the trial court with the broadest powers in Virginia. The Circuit Court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000. It shares authority with the General District Court to hear matters involving between $4,500 and $25,000. The Circuit Court has the authority to hear serious criminal cases called felonies.

The Circuit Court also handles family matters, including divorce. In addition the Circuit Court hears cases appealed from the General District Court and from the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

Terms of Court & General Information

  • Terms begin, 3rd Monday, Jan through November and 2nd Monday in December
  • All criminal cases are set with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office
  • All civil cases are scheduled via email
  • Should a Term Day fall on a legal holiday, the Term Day will be on the following day
  • Grand Juries occur on the 1st day of Term
  • Court convenes at 9:30 am
  • Commissioners in Chancery are utilized
  • Jury instructions must be submitted 10 days prior to trial

Other Court Services

  • Probate of wills and administration of estates
  • Recordation and maintenance of deeds and other land records
  • Issuance of Concealed Handgun Permit
  • Issuance of Marriage License
  • Issuance of Notary Public Certificates
  • Jurisdiction over divorces, annulments, adoptions and name changes