Find Your Court

How do I find the right court?

Step 1.  What kind of case do you have?

• Custody, support, domestic violence, paternity determination, juvenile traffic infraction, as well as other family and juvenile matters, are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
• Adult traffic infractions, landlord - tenant matters, non-family abuse protective orders, misdemeanors and money cases up to $25,000 are heard in the General District Court.
• Divorce, probate, guardianship and conservatorship, felonies and other matters, are heard in the Circuit Court.

Step 2.  Which court has jurisdiction?

For example, the power to decide the case because one of the parties lives there; a traffic stop occurred there; an apartment was rented there, etc.

• If you are unsure of the name of the city or county where the court is located, but know generally where it is, see the Map of Virginia's Judicial Circuits and Districts showing how Virginia's cities and counties are divided.

Step 3. Select your specific court.

• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
• General District Court
• Circuit Court