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Created May 2026 · Reviewed and verified October 2026 Richmond, VA General District Court

Richmond, VA Small Claims Court (2026)

File a small claims case in Richmond for disputes up to $5,000 — no attorney required. Here's exactly what to pay, where to go, and what to bring.

$5,000
Claim limit
Varies
Filing fee
30-60 days
Hearing wait
5 yrs
Written contracts SOL
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites  ·  Created  ·  Reviewed and verified

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and procedures change — always verify current information with the Richmond General District Court before filing. See our data methodology

Richmond General District Court — Civil Division

Address

John Marshall Courts Building
400 N. 9th St.
Richmond, VA 23219

Contact & Hours

Phone: (804) 646-6455
Mon—Fri: 8:30 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Closed state holidays

Filing Fee Schedule

Set by locality; not published
Use the state fee calculator
Verified VA localities: $46-$52

Service of Process

Sheriff or private process server
Fee is extra; ask the clerk

Official court website (vacourts.gov)

How to File Small Claims in Richmond, VA — Step by Step

1
Confirm your claim qualifies
Your claim must be $5,000 or less, for money or for the return of personal property (Va. Code § 16.1-122.2). File in Richmond if the defendant lives or does business there, or if the dispute arose there.
2
Get the Warrant in Debt form (DC-412)
Download Form DC-412 (Warrant in Debt) from the Virginia Supreme Court's forms page at vacourts.gov, or pick one up at the clerk's office. Fill in the defendant's full legal name, address, and the amount owed with a brief reason.
3
File at the clerk's office
Bring your completed DC-412 to the Richmond General District Court clerk at 400 N. 9th St. Pay the filing fee (check the amount first with the state fee calculator or the clerk). The clerk will assign a case number and a hearing date, typically 30-60 days out.
4
Serve the defendant
The sheriff can serve the defendant (an extra fee applies). If the defendant is a corporation or LLC, the sheriff must serve the registered agent — not a store employee. Look up registered agents at scc.virginia.gov (free). You can also use a private process server or, in some cases, certified mail.
5
Prepare your evidence
Gather contracts, receipts, invoices, photos, texts, emails, and any written communications. Make three copies of everything: one for the judge, one for the defendant, one for yourself. Organize chronologically — judges appreciate clarity.
6
Attend your hearing
Arrive at the courthouse 15-20 minutes early. Check the docket board for your courtroom. When called, state your name and case number. Present your evidence calmly and stick to the financial facts. The judge will typically rule the same day.

What You Can Sue For in Richmond Small Claims Court

Virginia General District Court handles money disputes only. Common cases include:

  • Unpaid rent or security deposit disputes between landlords and tenants
  • Property damage — car accidents, neighbor disputes, contractor damage
  • Unpaid invoices for services or goods sold
  • Breach of contract for amounts under $5,000
  • Unpaid wages — final paychecks, wage theft, tip theft
  • Bad checks — Virginia allows up to triple damages on dishonored checks under Va. Code § 8.01-27.1
Virginia's $5,000 limit is lower than most states

If your claim is above $5,000, it cannot be heard in the small claims division. You can file on the regular civil docket of General District Court, which hears claims up to $50,000 (Va. Code § 16.1-77), or in Circuit Court. Lawyers may appear on the regular docket, so if your claim is close to the limit, consider whether the difference justifies the added complexity.

Virginia Statute of Limitations — Don't Wait Too Long

Claim Type Time Limit Virginia Code
Written contracts5 years§ 8.01-246
Oral contracts3 years§ 8.01-246
Property damage5 years§ 8.01-243
Personal injury2 years§ 8.01-243

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Richmond, VA?
The small claims limit in Richmond, VA is $5,000. This is the Virginia statewide limit — you can sue for up to $5,000 in the small claims division of General District Court without needing an attorney. Claims above $5,000 can go on the regular civil docket of General District Court (up to $50,000) or to Circuit Court, where legal representation is strongly advised.
Where do I file small claims in Richmond, VA?
Small claims cases in Richmond are filed at the Richmond General District Court (Civil Division), located at 400 N. 9th St., Richmond, VA 23219 (John Marshall Courts Building). The court clerk's office handles filing, fee collection, and scheduling. Hours are typically 8:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m., Monday—Friday. Call (804) 646-6455 to confirm current hours.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Richmond?
Virginia General District Court fees vary by locality because local ordinances add fees, and Richmond does not publish its small claims total. Use the Virginia courts' General District Court civil filing fee calculator (vacourts.gov) and select Richmond, or call the clerk. For comparison, the Virginia localities whose fee we verified charge $46 to $52. Sheriff service is extra.
How long does small claims court take in Richmond, VA?
Most small claims cases in Virginia are scheduled within 30-60 days of filing. Uncontested cases (where the defendant doesn't appear or disputes nothing) resolve the same day. Contested cases may require one hearing of 15-30 minutes. Complex cases can be continued to a later date.
Can I sue a business in Richmond small claims court?
Yes. You can sue any business operating in Virginia — a sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, or franchise. For incorporated businesses, you must serve the company's registered agent (not a manager or employee). Look up the registered agent for free at the Virginia State Corporation Commission website (scc.virginia.gov).
What if I can't afford the filing fee in Richmond?
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver by filing a Petition for Proceeding in Civil Cases at State's Expense (Form DC-514) with the Richmond General District Court clerk. You'll need to show financial hardship. See our Virginia small claims fee waiver guide for income limits and the required form.
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