In Virginia small claims court, the “jurisdiction” of a court is the power of that court to hearand decide a particular type of case. The small claims court has jurisdiction over civil cases in which the plaintiff is seeking a money judgment up to $5,000 or recovery of personal property valued up to $5,000.

In trials before the small claims court, witnesses shall be sworn. The judge shall conduct the trial in an informal manner so as to do substantial justice between the parties. The judge shall have the discretion to admit all evidence which may be of probative value although not in accordance with formal rules of practice, procedure, pleading or evidence, except that privileged communications shall not be admissible. The object of such trials shall be to determine the rights of the litigants on the merits and to dispense expeditious justice between the parties. The successful plaintiff in a civil case will in most cases be awarded a money judgment.

Once a small claims is filed in the state of Virigina, a return date is issued (warrant of debt). The defendant is served and must file an answer or appear on that given return date. Courtlinked.com will handle this process and keep you posted.

Courtlinked.com will assist you with your question in regards to judgment entry forms and additional procedures required for the state of Virginia.

Courtlinked.com will handle your entire Virginia small claims from start to finish.