Small claims court in Richmond City, Virginia
In Richmond City, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by more than one court: Two locations. File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 804-646-6461 (Richmond City General District Court) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Richmond City
One of several courts in Richmond City: Two locations. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Richmond City General District Court
Address: John Marshall Courts Building, 400 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219 · Map
Phone: 804-646-6461
Two locations: John Marshall Courts Building, 400 N. 9th Street (civil 804-646-6461) and Marsh Manchester Courts Building, 920 Hull Street, Richmond, VA 23224 (804-646-6677); ask the clerk which one hears your case.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
The General District Court in the city or county where the defendant lives or mainly works, where a business has its main office or registered agent, or where the events happened.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Virginia counties.
How to file in Richmond City
Ask for payment in writing
Virginia doesn't require a demand letter before filing, but it's a good idea and can be used as evidence. Make a free demand letter.
Fill out the claim form
Warrant in Debt, with the Small Claims box checked (DC-404 Warrant in Detinue to get property back) (DC-402).
File it with the right court and pay the fee
About $46 to $55 to file, depending on local add-ons, plus $12 per defendant for sheriff service. For example, Prince William charges $50 and Virginia Beach $52. The state's online fee calculator shows the exact amount for each court. Fee waiver: Petition for Proceeding in Civil Case Without Payment of Fees (form DC-409).
Have the papers served
The sheriff or a private process server serves the defendant, in person, through a family member 16 or older at home, or by posting on the door. Also mail the defendant a copy by first-class mail at least 10 days before court and file a Certificate of Mailing (DC-413).
Go to the hearing
You pick the court date with the clerk when you file, between 5 and 60 days after service; expect about 3 to 8 weeks. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Virginia filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Richmond City?
Richmond City has more than one small claims court (Two locations). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Richmond City General District Court, John Marshall Courts Building, 400 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Phone: 804-646-6461. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/dist.pdf
How much can I sue for in Richmond City small claims court?
Up to $5,000. Small claims court hears claims for money or the return of property worth up to $5,000, not counting interest. Bigger claims, up to $50,000, go on the regular General District Court docket, where lawyers and formal rules are allowed.
How much does it cost to file in Richmond City?
About $46 to $55 to file, depending on local add-ons, plus $12 per defendant for sheriff service. For example, Prince William charges $50 and Virginia Beach $52. The state's online fee calculator shows the exact amount for each court. Fee waiver: Petition for Proceeding in Civil Case Without Payment of Fees (form DC-409).