Virginia Court Forms: What You Need and How to Get Them

If you’re starting a lawsuit, filing for divorce, or handling a small claim in Virginia, the first thing you’ll need is the right form. No one likes paperwork, but having the correct form saves time, money, and headaches later. Below you’ll find the easiest places to download Virginia court forms, a quick rundown of the most common ones, and practical tips to fill them out without making costly mistakes.

Where to Find Virginia Court Forms

Virginia’s courts keep every form online for free. The best spot to start is the Virginia Judicial System website. Look for the “Forms & Resources” tab – it’s organized by court type (General District, Circuit, Juvenile, Family) and by case category (civil, criminal, traffic, family). If you prefer a paper copy, any clerk’s office will print the form for you, usually at no charge.

For civil cases, the same site lists the “VA Civil Court Forms” that the article "Where Are Civil Cases Heard in VA? Your Guide to Virginia Courts" mentions. Knowing whether your case belongs in General District Court (claims up to $25,000) or Circuit Court (higher amounts) tells you which version of the form to download.

Need a divorce form? Look under the Family Courts section for the "Complaint for Divorce" and related documents like "Financial Statement" and "Child Custody Parenting Plan." If you’re filing a small claim, the "Money Claim” form is the one to use.

Tips for Filling & Filing Correctly

Read the instructions line by line. Every Virginia form comes with a separate instruction sheet. Skipping that step is the fastest way to get your paperwork rejected.

Use black ink and block letters. Courts still reject forms that are handwritten in cursive or typed in a fancy font. Print clearly, and double‑check spellings of names and addresses.

Don’t leave blanks. If a question doesn’t apply, write “N/A” or “None.” Blank spaces can be interpreted as missing information, which delays the case.

Attach all required copies. Most forms need the original plus two copies – one for the court, one for the opposing party, and one for your records. Keep a folder for each case so you never lose a page.

File with the right fees. Filing fees vary by form and court level. For example, a General District civil claim costs $30, while a Circuit Court filing can be $100 or more. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card at the clerk’s desk. If you can’t afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver form.

Serve the other side correctly. After filing, the other party must be served with a copy of the paperwork. In Virginia, you can use certified mail, a sheriff’s deputy, or a private process server. Skipping proper service means the case won’t move forward.

Lastly, keep a digital backup. Scan every form you file and store it in a cloud folder labeled with the case name and date. If the court asks for a copy later, you’ll have it ready in seconds.

Filling Virginia court forms doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Grab the right document from the official site, follow the simple checklist above, and you’ll be on your way to getting the case moving. Need extra help? Many local legal aid clinics offer free form‑filling sessions – check your county’s website for dates and locations.