Virginia § 16.1-122.3 - Actions; how commenced; notice; continuances; pleadings
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 16.1-122.3 — Actions; how commenced; notice; continuances; pleadings, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16.1-122.3. Actions; how commenced; notice; continuances; pleadings
A. Actions in the small claims court shall be commenced by the filing of a small claims civil warrant by a plaintiff.
B. At the time of filing a small claims civil warrant, the plaintiff shall pay to the clerk a required fee, which will be taxed as costs in the case. The plaintiff may be afforded the opportunity to receive preprinted information promulgated by the Committee on District Courts explaining the small claims court, including but not limited to information on case preparation, courtroom procedures, methods of collection, removal rights and appeals. The plaintiff shall select a time for the hearing which shall be held at least five days after service of the warrant. Such time shall be subject to concurrence by the clerk's office. The chief judge may limit the number of cases any one person may set for trial on any one date.
C. Upon the filing of the small claims civil warrant in small claims court, the court shall cause notice of process to be served upon the defendant. Notice of process shall consist of a copy of the warrant and shall be served by the method used in general district court. If applicable, the defendant shall be served with a copy of the preprinted information identified in subsection B of this section attached to the copy of the civil warrant.
D. All forms required by this article shall be prescribed by the Supreme Court of Virginia.
E. The trial shall be conducted on the first return date. However, by consent of all parties or upon order of the court, the time for trial may be changed from the time set for the first return. A continuance shall be granted to either the plaintiff or defendant only upon good cause shown.
F. There shall be no pleadings in small claims court actions other than the warrant and answer, grounds of defense and counterclaims not to exceed $5,000.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 16.1-122.3
What does Code of Virginia § 16.1-122.3 cover?
Section 16.1-122.3 ("Actions; how commenced; notice; continuances; pleadings") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 16.1-122.3?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 16.1-122.3" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 16.1-122.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.