Virginia court guides

Virginia has two courts that hear family law matters in every city and county. The juvenile and domestic relations district court decides custody, visitation, support and protective orders. The circuit court grants divorces and divides property — and decides custody only where it comes attached to a divorce.

Filing in the wrong one costs you a docket cycle. Each guide below sets out what that court decides, what opens a case there, and how to reach the clerk.

Largest localities

All other localities

112 further cities and counties. These guides carry directory contact details and statewide procedure; local detail is being verified locality by locality.

Not sure which locality covers your case? Virginia publishesits own court finder. Contact details here come from the Office of the Executive Secretary directories — always confirm fees and local practice with the clerk before filing.