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Location: Judicial Center, Room 314, 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, Virginia 20110
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays Cashier hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 703-792-6029 E-mail: courts@pwcgov.org
Civil cases are disputes between individuals or entities, or groups of individuals or entities. Typical civil disputes are ones in which monetary damages are sought stemming from tort (civil wrong) or breach of contract. Not all civil cases stem from monetary or contract disputes. Examples include, but are not limited to, divorce, annulment, adoption, partition of real estate, will and estate matters, name changes, appointments of church trustees and encumbrance or conveyance of church property.
The Circuit Court serves as the appellate court in civil cases appealed from the General District Court. Likewise, the Circuit Court serves as the appellate court in civil (domestic relations) cases appealed from the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, typically child support, custody and visitation matters. In civil cases where monetary claims range from $4,500 to $15,000, the Circuit Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court. Monetary disputes involving more than $15,000 fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Circuit Court. In civil cases of a domestic relations nature, the Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction in divorce and annulment matters, including property settlement/equitable distribution of marital assets. Matters involving child support, custody, and visitation may or may not originate in the Circuit Court, depending on various factors.
Bankruptcy, including the appointment of a receiver, would occur in the federal bankruptcy court in Alexandria.
Filing Requirements: A Prince William Cover Sheet must be used for all initial filings. A written request for service or a completed form is required also.
Prince William Court does not provide initial filing forms. Attorneys or pro se parties are to prepare the legal documents needed to file a suit. When filing a civil case in the Circuit Court, the filing party is responsible for ensuring that all pleadings are prepared in accordance with the Code of Virginia and Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court. Unlike the two District Courts, the Circuit Court does not typically provide “forms” for use by litigants in filing civil suits. Hence, it is strongly recommended that the services of an attorney be employed when filing a civil action at the Circuit Court level.
NOTE: Clerk’s Office personnel are strictly prohibited from providing legal advice. We strongly suggest that you seek legal assistance from an attorney.
If you have a question
How do I send a Change of Address Notice? Complete the form: http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/district/dc437.pdf, and mail it to: Prince William County Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Room 314, Manassas, VA 20110. Please make sure you sign it. Also, provide the case number if at all possible. Can I fax or e-mail a pleading, motion, etc.?
No. This Court does not accept faxed or e-mailed documents. What if there has been no activity on a case for three years?
The Prince William County Circuit Court, in it’s discretion, may order a case to be struck from the docket without any notice to the parties if there has been no order or proceeding, except to continue it after three years. Cases can be dismissed by the Court for inactivity sooner than that, but notice is required.
How do I get a bond released?
An order signed by the Judge must be entered before the bond can be released. The order should state the amount and name, address, and telephone number to whom the bond should be released. For questions about the status of a bond release, e-mail courts@pwcgov.org. What if there is no service shown in the case management system?
Service may not have been requested at the time of filing. Or the address may have not been correct. The party who requested service must submit a new service with payment and a new address if service was not perfected. How long does it take for Circuit Court to Transfer a Case? Typically the transfer of cases to a lower court or to another locality will occur within 21 days of the entry of the final order.
What if I need an interpreter?
Circuit Court does not provide interpreters in Civil cases unless it has been court ordered. If an interpreter is needed, one or both of the parties would need to hire an interpreter. What if I need a transcript of what happened in court?
Circuit Court does not provide transcripts. If a transcript is needed, one or both of the parties would need to hire a court reporter. Brochures
Forms
Other Links
Please notify the Circuit Court Clerk's Office by e-mail if you find that any of the links on this page do not work.
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