Virginia
Small claims court in Virginia
Virginia small claims cases are handled in Small Claims Division (General District Court). The individual claim limit is $5,000; the business limit is $5,000. Filing fees are typically about $33.00 to $68.00, depending on claim size and local court schedules.
This court is built for lower-dollar disputes where speed and plain-language procedure matter more than full civil litigation. Lawyers generally are not allowed at the initial small-claims hearing. Corporations can use the small-claims process. A losing party usually has 10 days to appeal. Always confirm the current fee schedule and local forms before filing, because clerk practices can vary by county or court location.
Important: Virginia small-claims limits and filing fees can change by statute, court rule, or local fee schedule. Use the figures here as the statewide planning baseline, then verify the exact form, fee, and hearing procedure with the court where you file.
Max claim (individual)
$5,000
Business: $5,000
Filing fee
$33.00 – $68.00
Court
Small Claims Division (General District Court)
In person only
The rules at a glance
- Lawyers allowed?
- No (at the initial hearing)
- Corporations allowed?
- Yes
- Right of appeal?
- Yes — 10 days
Frequently asked
- What is the small claims limit in Virginia?
- The listed individual limit is $5,000. If a business is filing, the listed business limit is $5,000.
- Can a lawyer appear in Virginia small claims court?
- Generally no at the initial small-claims hearing. Virginia keeps the process simplified so parties usually speak for themselves.
- Can I appeal a Virginia small claims judgment?
- A losing party usually has 10 days to appeal.
Other states
Alaska
$10,000
Alabama
$6,000
Arkansas
$5,000
Arizona
$3,500
California
$12,500
Colorado
$7,500
Connecticut
$5,000
District of Columbia
$10,000
Delaware
$25,000
Florida
$8,000
Georgia
$15,000
Hawaii
$5,000
Iowa
$6,500
Idaho
$5,000
Illinois
$10,000
Indiana
$10,000
Kansas
$4,000
Kentucky
$2,500
Louisiana
$5,000
Massachusetts
$7,000
Maryland
$5,000
Maine
$6,000
Michigan
$7,000
Minnesota
$15,000
Missouri
$5,000
Mississippi
$3,500
Montana
$8,000
North Carolina
$10,000
North Dakota
$15,000
Nebraska
$3,800
New Hampshire
$10,000
New Jersey
$5,000
New Mexico
$10,000
Nevada
$10,000
New York
$10,000
Ohio
$6,000
Oklahoma
$10,000
Oregon
$10,000
Pennsylvania
$12,000
Rhode Island
$5,000
South Carolina
$7,500
South Dakota
$12,000
Tennessee
$25,000
Texas
$20,000
Utah
$15,000
Vermont
$10,000
Washington
$10,000
Wisconsin
$10,000
West Virginia
$10,000
Wyoming
$6,000
Not legal advice. Procedures vary by court and change
periodically. Always confirm details with the clerk's office or the
official court website (linked above) before filing.