Guidance that has been recently updated.

1. CELL PHONE POLICY (effective July 1, 2026) - Order regarding portable electronic devices, courthouse screening, and prohibited items. Refer to "Cell Phone" section below.
2. MOTIONS TO COMPEL - section added on 7/22/2026.
3. SHOW CAUSE ORDERS - section added on 7/22/2026.

 LOCAL PROCEDURES – CIVIL 

Civil Local Procedures are on this website.  Scroll down for detailed instructions on Court procedures and policies.  If you have any questions, please contact the Alexandria Circuit Court Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123.  Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

MOTIONS DAY - REMOTE HEARINGS  (updated 7/22/2026)

The final virtual Motions Day hearing will be held on September 23, 2026.

Motions Day hearings will be held remotely until September 23, 2026 via a Microsoft Teams meeting link and telephone call-in number provided by the Court 2 business days prior to the Motions Day. The meeting links and telephone call-in numbers are also posted to this website. Refer to "Motions Day-Remote" section of this website for additional information. 

MOTIONS DAY - IN-PERSON HEARINGS.   (updated 7/22/2026)

Effective October 14, 2026, Motions Day: Motions Day hearings will be held in-person beginning October 14, 2026, and thereafter. In-person Motions Day hearings will resume effective October 14, 2026. Refer to "Motions Day-Remote" section of this website for additional information. 

TRIALS AND HEARINGS   (updated 7/22/2026)

Trials and hearings are held in-person in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse. Consult the 4th floor bulletin board for courtroom assignment. Refer to "Technology in the courtroom" section for guidance on remote witness testimony (via counsel-provided MS Teams meeting link and the Court's technology cart) or electronic evidence presentation (in a technology courtroom).

LOCAL PROCEDURES –CRIMINAL

 Local Procedures - Criminal   

Click on the link above for the Criminal Local Procedures, which includes detailed instructions on Court procedures, policies and deadlines.

SETTING CRIMINAL TRIAL DATES AND HEARINGS. Available criminal slots are posted to the Criminal Local Procedure website weekly. 

TRIALS AND HEARINGS are held in-person in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse. Consult the 4th floor bulletin board for courtroom assignment.

updated  7/22/2026

1.   ALEXANDRIA CIRCUIT COURT

Judges' Chambers   520 King Street, 4th floor    Alexandria, VA  22314  

Telephone:  703.746.4123  Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Telephone calls only.  No walk-ins by attorneys or pro se litigants.

Drop box is next to the door (exit the elevator; u-turn towards the left; use the clear plastic drop box)

CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES

Circuit Court Judges are elected by a joint vote of both houses of the General Assembly and are commissioned by the Governor for a term of eight years. The Governor can make interim appointments when the General Assembly is in recess. Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia, and the court has authority to try a full range of both civil and criminal cases.

         * Judge Kathleen M. Uston  (Chief Judge)

         * Judge Rebecca J. Wade

         * Judge Heidi E. Meinzer

COURT ADMINISTRATORS  

Court administrators provide general assistance regarding court policies and procedures. Court administrators schedule trial dates. Contact a court administrator to reserve a TECHNOLOGY COURTROOM if needed to present electronic evidence at a trial or hearing. Court Administrators may be contacted at 703.746.4123. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

JUDICIAL LAW CLERKS (STAFF ATTORNEYS)  

Judicial Law Clerks are licensed attorneys that work with the Circuit Court Judges and provide assistance to counsel and the pro se litigants regarding procedural questions involving Motions Day, etc.   Judicial law clerks may be contacted at 703.746.4123. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

2.  COURTS IT   703.746.4310

Counsel or pro se litigants shall contact Courts IT Department to schedule a TECHNOLOGY CART (after a judge has granted permission for remote witness testimony; refer to "Remote Witness Testimony" section of this website) or to request mandatory training on the Court's technology cart or electronic evidence presentation equipment on a date other than a Thursday.  (Refer to "Technology in the Courtroom" section regarding walk-in training on Thursdays (no reservation required) or what to bring to the training and the court trial/hearing.   

TECHNOLOGY COURTROOMS are scheduled by calling a court administrator (see above section).

updated  7/22/2026

1.   For assistance in the CIRCUIT COURT CLERK OF COURT'S OFFICE (filing documents, etc.) in Room 307

    A.   Complete the appropriate form at least 5 business days prior to the court hearing.  Include the date on which you need assistance, the specific accommodation being requested, and the name, telephone number and email address for the person requesting reasonable ADA accommodations. 

  B.    File the completed ADA form with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website.

  C.    Call the Clerk’s office (703.746.4044). Speak with the ADA Coordinator to ask if additional information is needed.

2.    For assistance in CIRCUIT COURT (trials/hearings, selection of trial dates, Term Day and/or status conference/docket call hearings) on the 4th floor

   A.   Complete the appropriate form at least 5 business days prior to the court hearing.  Include the date on which you need assistance, the specific accommodation being requested, and the name, telephone number and email address for the person requesting reasonable ADA accommodations. 

   B.  File with the completed ADA form with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website.

    C.  Deliver a MANDATORY COPY to the 4th floor drop box.

    D.  Call Judges’ Chambers  (703.746.4123). Speak with the ADA Coordinator to ask if additional information is needed.

3.   FORMS AND INFORMATION

   A.  Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deafblind  

Accommodations Request Form for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deafblind

    B.   Supreme Court of Virginia    

 Supreme Court of Virginia - Website 

   C.  ADA Accommodation Request Form 

 ADA Accommodation Request Form 

updated 7/22/2026

A.   GENERAL DISTRICT COURT (GDC) APPEALS  TO CIRCUIT COURT

       (1)    Counsel or pro se litigant appeals the case in the GDC Clerk's office. The GDC Clerk assigns the date of the Selection of Trial Date hearing by using specific cut-off dates. The date and time of the Selection of Trial Date hearing will appear on the Notice of the Appeal.

       (2)    After 10 days (during which time the appellant may withdraw the appeal), the case is sent from GDC to the Clerk of Circuit Court. The Clerk of Circuit Court shall issue a Notice of Appeal to be served on the appellee to make that person aware of the Selection of Trial Date hearing date and time.

       (3)    The Selection of Trial Date hearing is held at 9:00 a.m. in the 4th floor lobby area, typically on the 2nd Monday of the month. If the 2nd Monday of the month is a holiday, the hearing will be held on the next business day.

       (4)    There are 2 ways to set the Circuit Court trial date

                 a.  All counsel and pro se litigants (if any) call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) together on the same telephone call to schedule a Circuit Court trial date; or

                 b.    All counsel and pro se litigants appear at the Selection of Trial Date hearing to schedule a Circuit Court trial date.

       (5)     After selecting a Circuit Court trial date, counsel shall sign a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order.

       (6)     If the appellant fails to appear at the selection of trial date hearing

                  a.  (option 1)  If the appellee appears, the appellee may set the trial date; or

                  b.  (option 2)  The Court may continue the selection of trial date hearing to a future date.  A notice of docket call/status conference will be mailed to all counsel and pro se litigants approximately 3 weeks prior to the next hearing.  Refer to “Status Conference” section of this website for additional information.

                  c.   (option 3)  The Court may dismiss the appeal and remand the case to GDC for enforcement of all orders after the appellant fails to appear for a total of 3 hearings to select a trial date (either by selection of trial trial or status conference/docket call hearings). The dismissal order will be mailed to all parties.

  B-1.    JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS (JDR) APPEALS TO CIRCUIT COURT

ALL APPEALS  except for termination or permanency plan cases

       (1)    Counsel or pro se litigant appeals the case in the JDR Clerk's office. The JDR Clerk assigns the date of the Selection of Trial Date hearing by using specific cut-off dates. The date and time of the Selection of Trial Date hearing will appear on the Notice of the Appeal.

       (2)    After 10 days (during which time the appellant may withdraw the appeal), the case is sent from JDR to the Clerk of Circuit Court. The Clerk of Circuit Court shall issue a Notice of Appeal to be served on the appellee to make that person aware of the Selection of Trial Date hearing date and time.

       (3)    The Selection of Trial Date hearing is held at 9:00 a.m. in the 4th floor lobby area, typically on the 2nd Monday of the month. If the 2nd Monday of the month is a holiday, the hearing will be held on the next business day.

       (4)    There are 2 ways to set the Circuit Court trial date

                 a.  All counsel and pro se litigants (if any) call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) together on the same telephone call to schedule a Circuit Court trial date; or

                 b.    All counsel and pro se litigants appear at the Selection of Trial Date hearing to schedule a Circuit Court trial date.

       (5)     After selecting a Circuit Court trial date, counsel shall sign a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order.  If the trial date is scheduled by telephone, counsel shall file a fully endorsed Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within 14 days with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website.  A copy of the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order does not have to be delivered to the 4th floor drop box.   

       (6)     If the appellant fails to appear at the selection of trial date hearing

                  a.  (option 1)  If the appellee appears, the appellee may set the trial date; or

                  b.  (option 2)  The Court may continue the selection of trial date hearing to a future date.  A notice of docket call/status conference will be mailed to all counsel and pro se litigants approximately 3 weeks prior to the next hearing.  Refer to “Status Conference” section of this website for additional information.

                  c.   (option 3)  The Court may dismiss the appeal and remand the case to JDR for enforcement of all orders after the appellant fails to appear for a total of 3 hearings to select a trial date (either by selection of trial trial or status conference/docket call hearings). The dismissal order will be mailed to all parties.

  B-2.    JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS (JDR) APPEALS TO CIRCUIT COURT

Termination or Permanency Plan cases

       (1)    Counsel or pro se litigant appeals the case in the JDR Clerk's office. The JDR Clerk assigns the date of the Selection of Trial Date hearing, which shall be held on the 7th calendar day after the transfer of the file to the Clerk of Circuit Court. 

       (2)    The case is  sent from JDR to the Clerk of Circuit Court within 3 days of the filing of the notice of appeal. The Clerk of Circuit Court shall issue a Notice of Appeal to be served on the appellee to make that person aware of the Selection of Trial Date hearing date and time.

       (3)    The Selection of Trial Date hearing is held at 9:00 a.m. in the 4th floor lobby area on the assigned date and time.

       (4)    There are 2 ways to set the Circuit Court trial date

                 a.  All counsel and pro se litigants (if any) call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) together on the same telephone call to schedule a Circuit Court trial date; or

                 b.    All counsel and pro se litigants appear at the Selection of Trial Date hearing to schedule a Circuit Court trial date.

       (5)     After selecting a Circuit Court trial date, counsel shall sign a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order.  If the trial date is scheduled by telephone, counsel shall file a fully endorsed Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within 14 days with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website.  A copy of the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order does not have to be delivered to the 4th floor drop box.   

       (6)     If the appellant fails to appear at the selection of trial date hearing

                  a.  (option 1)  If the appellee appears, the appellee may set the trial date; or

                  b.  (option 2)  The Court may continue the selection of trial date hearing to a future date.  A notice of docket call/status conference will be mailed to all counsel and pro se litigants approximately 3 weeks prior to the next hearing.  Refer to “Status Conference” section of this website for additional information.

                  c.   (option 3)  The Court may dismiss the appeal and remand the case to  JDR for enforcement of all orders after the appellant fails to appear for a total of 3 hearings to select a trial date (either by selection of trial trial or status conference/docket call hearings). The dismissal order will be mailed to all parties.

 updated  4/3/2025

1.    FILE AN APPEAL

Contact the Clerk of Circuit Court prior to the appeal deadline for instructions on how to appeal a case to the Virginia Court of Appeals or to the Supreme Court of Virginia.   Refer to Clerk's Office website.   The Clerk of Circuit Court is located at 520 King Street, Room 307  Alexandria, VA  22314.  Telephone number: 703.746.4044.

2.   TRIAL TRANSCRIPTS

A.  AGREED TRANSCRIPTS. If the trial transcript is agreed-to by counsel for all parties, counsel shall file all of the following documents with the Clerk’s Office:  (1) motion; (2) fully-endorsed order; and (3) transcript.

B.  OBJECTIONS TO TRANSCRIPTS.  Any party may object to a transcript or written statement of facts on the ground that it is erroneous or incomplete by following the guidelines as articulated in the Virginia Rules of Supreme Court.  See generally, Va. R. Sup. Ct. 5A:8. 

C.   STATEMENT OF FACTS.  In lieu of a trial transcript, a statement of facts may be filed with the Clerk's office. The Statement of Facts will become part of the court record. All procedures as articulated in the Virginia Rules of Supreme Court must be followed.

NO LEGAL ADVICE FROM COURT PERSONNEL. Court personnel cannot provide legal advice.  Consult legal counsel if you need detailed instructions or additional guidance.

ATTORNEY REFERRAL. Contact Alexandria Lawyer Referral Service at 703.548.1106 if you need help finding an attorney.

added 3/9/2026

1. Virginia-issued birth certificate. Any person wishing to amend a birth certificate issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia shall file a petition with the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. A petition to amend may only be filed in Circuit Court if the petition is denied by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records.
2. Out-of-state birth certificates.   Corrections to out-of-state birth certificates cannot be filed in Virginia. Please seek guidance from the state in which the birth certificate was issued. 

updated 1/23/2026

Call Judges' Chambers if you have questions.  703.746.4123.

A.  2026 COMPREHENSIVE CALENDAR  

(updated on 6/10/2026 to include additional Supreme Court of Virginia holidays) 

The comprehensive calendar includes all holidays, early court closures, civil cases and court events, and criminal cases and court events.

B.    2026 Monthly Calendar  

(updated on 6/10/2026 to include additional Supreme Court of Virginia holidays) 

The monthly calendar includes all holidays, early court closures, civil/criminal cases and court events in a monthly format. 

Cell Phones, Smart Watches and Other Electronic Devices

 Order regarding portable electronic devices, courthouse screenings, and prohibited items  dated 6/22/2026 - effective July 1, 2026.

updated 1/23/2026

Whenever a church or other religious affiliation seeks confirmation of certain individuals to serve as trustees, the Petitioner shall follow these instructions. Counsel will be contacted by a Judicial Law Clerk (Staff attorney) if additional information is needed.

1.   File all required documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website.
2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box (so the Judges will know the documents were filed).  
3. Required documents include

  A.  PETITION with a description of the facts and circumstances surrounding the relief sought. The petition shall be signed by counsel of record (where applicable), or by an individual with authority.

   B.   BY-LAWS.  Relevant provisions of the by-laws or governing document pertaining to elections shall be attached to the petition.

   C.   NOTARIZED AFFIDAVIT  (signed in front of a notary public) stating (a)  the affiant is an officer of the church; (b) an election was held pursuant to the applicable by-laws; (c) a quorum was present; (d) a vote was taken; (e) the result of the vote; and, (f) that the following individuals were duly elected or appointed to serve as trustees [insert the names of  the individuals].

   D.   ORDER containing the names of the appointed trustees, signed by counsel of record (where applicable), or by an individual with authority. 

4.   A judicial law clerk will review the documents. If there are any questions or documents are missing, counsel will be contacted by a Judicial Law Clerk (staff attorney). 

5.   Call the Clerk's office at 703.746.4044 to ask if the order has been entered.

6.   Copies of the entered order are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website.

updated 1/23/2026

1.  File the Motion and Order appointing a Commissioner in Chancery  with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website.
2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box (so the Judges know the documents were filed).
3. COMMISSIONER IN CHANCERY'S NAME
   1. Shall be included on the Order Appointing Commissioner in Chancery (do not leave the name blank on the order).
   2. Contact the proposed Commissioner in Chancery prior to filing the proposed order to confirm the appointment will be accepted
   3. Counsel may select a Commissioner in Chancery from the list below or select another attorney (follow instructions below).

   4.  Attorneys with previous experience of serving of serving as a Commissioner in Chancery in Alexandria (this list shall not be construed as a list of recommended Commissioners in Chancery).

            Leonard P. BUSCEMI        5531 Lee Highway #204   Arlington, VA 22207   703.528.8477

                 Joshua BUSHMAN             675 South Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314      703.845.9070

                  Foster FRIEDMAN              500 Montgomery Street #575  Alexandria, VA 22314          703.836.9030 

                  Colleen HADDOW              132  King Street #200      Alexandria, VA  22314          571.551.2678     

                James D TURNER              124 South Royal Street   Alexandria, VA 22314       703.836.3400 

4.   ATTORNEYS WHO WISH TO BE ADDED TO THE ABOVE LIST shall send a letter to the Circuit Court Chief Judge detailing their experience.  Address: Alexandria Circuit Court  520 King Street, 4th floor    Alexandria, VA 22305.

5.   TO REQUEST APPOINTMENT of an attorney who is not on the above list.  Counsel shall submit the attorney’s biographical information and experience to the Court, together with the proposed order of appointment.  

    a.   File the original with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

    b.   Deliver an OPTIONAL copy to the 4th floor drop box. 

Added on 7/22/2026.

Refer to  MOTION TO COMPEL section.

See top of this page.

Updated  5/13/2026

CONTINUANCE REQUESTS IN CIVIL CASES

Continuance requests are granted by permission of a Judge upon good cause only.  Continuance requests are not granted because discovery has not been completed. The party asking for the continuance shall include a statement on the motion to continue advising if the opposing party objects or agrees to the continuance request. 

1. WRITTEN MOTION TO CONTINUE with opposing counsel's agreement or objection

   1. Prepare a written motion for continuance that includes 
      1. Why the continuance is being requested and
      2. If the opposing counsel AGREES or OBJECTS to the continuance request. (Counsel must contact opposing counsel prior to the preparing the written motion).
   2. File the motion with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

   3. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box and provide a copy to opposing counsel.

      ---

2. AGREED motions 

   AGREED motions to continue (opposing counsel with agrees or does not object to the continuance request)

   1. File the motion with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box (see above).
   3. Provide a copy to the opposing counsel or pro se litigant.
   4. Call a court administrator (703.746.4123) to reschedule the trial date. Both counsel shall be together on the same telephone conference call when calling Judges' Chambers.

   5. After scheduling the new trial date, file an amended Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order  within five (5) business days. File the original with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

      ---

3. CONTESTED motions to continue.

   A hearing with a judge is required for all contested motions to continue. The hearing may be on a Motions Day docket or by a telephone conference call with a judge that is scheduled in advance by calling a court administrator at 703.746.4123.

   1. Opposing counsel prepares a written objection 
   2. File the original with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   3. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
   4. Provide a copy to the moving party.

   5. Follow instructions below to schedule on a motions day hearing or a scheduled conference call.

      ---

4. MOTIONS DAY HEARING

   Hearing with a judge for a contested motion to continue

   1. Follow the instructions in the "Motions Day" sections of this website.

   2. On the day of the Motions Day hearing.  Follow the judge's instructions if the continuance is granted. 

      ---

5. SCHEDULED CONFERENCE CALL to 703.746.4123

   Hearing with a judge for a contested motion to continue. The conference call must be scheduled in advance.

   1. The moving party (the person asking for the continuance) schedules the conference call. 
      1. Call 703.746.4123 (Judges' Chambers) to determine available dates/times for the conference call.
      2. Call the opposing counsel for an agreed date/time.
      3. Call 703.746.4123 again to schedule the conference call. 
   2. On the day of the telephone conference call, the moving party
      1. Calls opposing counsel/pro se litigant
      2. Then calls 703.746.4123 (Judges' Chambers) on the same telephone conference call.
         1. If continuance is granted, counsel will be transferred to a court administrator to reschedule the trial date.  (If the call is dropped, counsel shall call 703.746.4123 (Judges' Chambers) again to talk with a court administrator.)
         2. After scheduling the new trial date, file an amended Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order  within five (5) business days. File the original with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.  
         3. A copy to the 4th floor drop box is not required.

Updated 1/20/2026

1.   JUDGES' CHAMBERS' DROP BOX is on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street  Alexandria, VA  22314. After exiting the elevator, make a u-turn towards the left.

2.  MANDATORY COPY TO JUDGES' CHAMBERS for all Motions Day documents on the same day that the document is filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court.

3.  ORDERS are entered only after the original is filed with and processed by the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. The Clerk's Office will forward the proposed order to Judges' Chambers for entry. 

4.  Chambers' copies of proposed orders are typically not entered, but are used as an alert that an order was filed or that a case should be on the docket.

COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA provides for intermediate appellate review of all decisions of the Circuit Courts in traffic infractions, in criminal cases (except where a sentence of death has been imposed), and in decisions of the Circuit Court involving domestic relations matters and appeals from administrative agencies. The Court of Appeals also hears appeals from the Industrial Commission. For more information, visit the Court of Appeals of Virginia website. 

Updated 1/21/2026

Pro Se Uncontested Divorce Packet 

Free download   Uncontested Divorce Packet for Pro se Litigants   revised June 9, 2026

Hard copy (for a fee)    Alexandria Law Library  520 King Street,  Lower Level, Alexandria, VA 22314   (Open 9:00am to 2:00pm)

1. The packet is intended to help a pro se litigant file for an uncontested divorce and includes an overview of the uncontested divorce process in Alexandria Circuit Court.  If you choose to proceed without the help of a competent attorney, you might unknowingly give up certain important rights. Many of these rights cannot be claimed later if not addressed as part of your final decree of divorce. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney about your individual situation so that you fully understand both your rights and future obligations before any final decree is entered by the Court.
2. SAMPLE FORMS are included in this packet.  They are only SAMPLES and may or may not apply to your particular circumstances. You are responsible for ensuring that the documents you file meet all the statutory requirements applicable to your individual circumstances. There is no substitute for the personalized legal advice that you may receive from a competent attorney.
3. The packet includes information for the Final Decree to be entered after
   1. Uncontested in-person ore tenus divorce hearing (sworn, oral testimony); or
   2. Affidavit Divorce (sworn, written testimony)

NO LEGAL ADVICE - All court personnel are prohibited by law from providing legal advice or guidance in completing documents. If you need additional assistance, you must seek legal counsel. Contact Alexandria Lawyer Referral at 703.548.4077 if you need help finding an attorney.

Updated 1/21/2026

ANNULMENTS are scheduled on the 10:00 a.m. contested docket.

1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS include the Complaint, service documents, Final Decree, Name change order (if applicable), privacy addendum, VS-4 form, etc
2. File all original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
3. SERVE THE COMPLAINT  on the Defendant.  Proper service must be effected on the Defendant and the required length of time for a responsive pleading must have passed before calling to schedule a trial date.
4. SCHEDULE A TRIAL DATE.  Call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) for available trial dates on the 10:00 a.m. contested docket.
5. ATTEND IN-PERSON TRIAL in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314. Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment.
6. Copies of the final decree may be obtained after the trial date from the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

Updated 1/21/2026

CONTESTED DIVORCE CASES (those cases with unresolved issues such as property [equitable distribution] or child custody, visitation, and child support issues) are scheduled on the 10:00 a.m. contested docket.

1. File all original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
2. Serve the complaint on the Defendant.  Proper service must be effected on the Defendant and the required length of time for a responsive pleading must have passed before calling to schedule a trial date.
3. Schedule a trial date.  Call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) for available trial dates on the 10:00 a.m. contested docket.
4. STATEMENTS AND COMPUTATIONS. Original documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   1. Each party shall file his or her own statement if the parties cannot agree on one statement.
   2. Filing deadline: 5 business days prior to the contested trial date.
   3. AGREED FACTOR STATEMENT   Va. Code Sections 20-107.1, 107.3(E), and 108.1(B).
   4. COMPUTATIONS OF GUIDELINE SUPPORT STATEMENT.  Va. Code Sections  20‑107.2 and 108.2.
5. Attend in-person trial in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314. Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment.
6. Copies of the final decree may be obtained after the trial date from the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

1/21/2026

Refer to pro se divorce packet.

All original documents must be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

Updated 6/10/2026

Emergency hearings are scheduled only for true emergencies with the express permission of a judge. 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. WRITTEN MOTION FOR EMERGENCY HEARING. The motion shall clearly state the facts of the case and why an emergency hearing is necessary. Include your contact information (telephone number and email address) on the emergency motion.
2. FILE MOTION.  File the original motion with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
3. DELIVER mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box for Judges' Chambers.
4. PROVIDE A COPY to opposing counsel. 
5. CALL A COURT ADMINISTRATOR at 703.746.4123 to confirm receipt of the 4th floor drop box copy. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
6. COURT REVIEW OF EMERGENCY MOTION. A law clerk (staff attorney) will review the motion with a judge. 
7. COUNSEL IS CONTACTED.  The law clerk will contact counsel (or pro se litigant) with the judge’s decision.
8. Request for Emergency Hearing APPROVED. 
   1. (preferred method)   Counsel on both sides calls Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123 together on the same telephone call to schedule the emergency hearing. The moving party shall make reasonable efforts to get opposing counsel on the same conference call. 
   2. (alternative method) If the moving party cannot get opposing counsel on the same conference call, the moving party shall call Judges’ Chambers and explain the efforts taken to get opposing counsel on the same line. Depending on the circumstances, the moving party may be able to schedule the hearing without opposing counsel being on the same telephone conference call.
   3. (Notice filed after scheduling hearing) 
      1. The moving party prepares a NOTICE OF HEARING. The notice of hearing shall state the hearing will be held on [date] and [time] in-person, in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria Virginia 22314. Refer to the 4th floor monitor for the courtroom assignment. 
      2. The original Notice of Hearing is filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
      3. A MANDATORY copy is provided to opposing counsel.
      4. A MANDATORY copy is delivered to the 4th floor drop box. 

9. Request for Emergency Hearing DENIED.  The motion shall be scheduled for a Motions Day if a judge determines that an emergency hearing is not necessary.

    

Updated 6/1/2026

CLERKSHIPS:

  A.   August 2026 to August 2028 Term - CLOSED; position has been filled.

  B.   August 2027 to August 2029 Term - CLOSED; positions have been filled.

 C.   August 2028 to August 2030 Term - Application period will open in March/April 2027.

1.  CLERKSHIPS (2 year term) :  Alexandria Circuit Court has three (3) judicial law clerk/staff attorney positions who work with all three Circuit Court judges (law clerks are not assigned to a specific judge).   One or two law clerks will be hired each spring for the position to start the following year.

   TERM OF CLERKSHIP:  2 years, starting in August after you have sat for the Virginia Bar examination.

   TO APPLY: In the spring of your 2L year, email a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, a list of references with telephone numbers, and an optional writing sample (less than 10 pages) to the Court Administrator. The application package may be updated when spring transcripts and class rankings become available. No telephone calls please.   

   CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS. Candidates to be interviewed will be contacted by email and the interviews will be conducted in the spring/summer before your 3rd year of law school.  

2. SUMMER INTERNSHIPS - None.

3. EXTERNSHIPS - None.

    

Updated 4/3/2026

IN-PERSON TRIALS AND HEARINGS (in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse)

1. BRING TO TRIAL all evidence on the day of the trial (either hard copies or on a flash drive). All evidence that is admitted during the trial will be kept by the Court. Any electronic evidence shall be printed as a hard copy or transferred to a flash drive (otherwise the Court will keep your computer or cell phone). 

2.  ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE to be displayed in a technology courtroom. Refer to “Technology in the Courtroom” section.

   ---

MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS 

1. For all remote Motions Day hearings through and including September 23, 2026
   1. Deliver the exhibits to the 4th floor drop box at 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.  Filing deadline is 4:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the Motions Day hearing.

2. For all in-person Motions Day hearings (which resume on October 14, 2026), bring the exhibits to the in-person hearing.

   ---

TRIALS AND HEARINGS heard remotely (or if one party appearing remotely)

1. The party appearing remotely shall deliver the exhibits to the 4th floor drop box at 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.  The filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the trial or hearing date at 4:00 p.m.

2. The party appearing in the courtroom shall bring the exhibits to the courtroom on the day of trial.

   ---

EXHIBIT LABELING

Plaintiff’s exhibits shall be labeled P-1, P-2, etc.     

 Defendant's exhibits shall be labeled D-1, D-2, etc. 

updated 7/8/2026

EXPUNGEMENT PACKET

1. The expungement packet includes general instructions and sample documents. It is intended to be used by pro se litigants (those persons without legal counsel) to obtain an expungement in Alexandria Circuit Court. 
2.  Free download from the Alexandria Law Library's website Alexandria Law Library  > scroll to "Information Packets" in the lower left side of the webpage
3. Available for a copying fee from the Alexandria Law Library  520 King Street,  Lower Level, Alexandria, VA 22314   (Hours:  9:00am to 2:00pm)

Instructions

1. Prepare the required documents (refer to Expungement Packet).
2. Obtain proper signatures.  The final order of expungement must be signed by both the petitioner and the Commonwealth's Attorney. 
   1. Call the Commonwealth's Attorney's office for instructions (520 King Street  Room 301; 703.746.4100).

3. File original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

    

NO LEGAL ADVICE FROM COURT PERSONNEL. Court personnel are prohibited by law from providing any legal advice or instructions on how to complete a form.  Find an attorney if you need legal assistance.  Call Alexandria Lawyer Referral at 703.548.4077 if you need help finding an attorney.

Updated 7/8/2026

1. FILE ALL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
2.  MANDATORY COPY to 4th floor drop box for all Motions Day documents. Emailed documents are not accepted.
3. OPTIONAL copies of orders may be delivered to the 4th floor drop box, but will not be entered (the Judges wait for the original to be forwarded from the Clerk's office).
4. Refer to individual sections of this website for
   1. Exhibits
   2. Orders
   3. Signatures

Updated  7/22/2026

DIVORCE CASES 

ACCEPTANCE/WAIVER. Acceptance/Waiver (Form CC-1406) 

Defendant's acceptance of service and waiver of notice of future hearings. The Defendant must sign the document in front of a notary public. If the Defendant signs the acceptance of service and waiver of notice of future hearings, the Defendant must also sign the Final Decree (signatures on a Final Decree should not be notarized). 

MOTIONS DAY  (updated 7/22/2026)

The appropriate praecipe shall be used for either remote Motions Day hearings (up to and including September 23, 2026) or in-person Motions Day hearings (starting October 14, 2026 and thereafter).

The Court strongly encourages use of the Court-provided praecipe as the praecipe includes mandatory Rule 4:15(b) certification, which is required to be included on all Motions Day praecipes (remote and in-person). 

The Court-provided remote Motions Day praecipe includes mandatory remote hearing language; and required email addresses for the moving party (or counsel), non-moving party (or counsel), and other interested parties. 

1. REMOTE MOTIONS DAY PRAECIPE for all motions days up to and including September 23, 2026. The last virtual motions day hearing will be held on September 23, 2026.

    Motions Day Praecipe for Remote Hearings (updated 3-13-2026)

    

2. IN-PERSON MOTIONS DAY PRAECIPE for all in-person motions day hearings beginning on October 14, 2026, and thereafter.

    Motions Day Praecipe for In-Person Hearings (revised 7-16-2026)

    

TERM DAY   

 Term Day Praecipe  

Refer to "Term Day" section of this website for instructions.

UNIFORM PRETRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER  

 Uniform Pretrial Scheduling ORDER   to be filed within 14 days after scheduling the trial date with Judges' Chambers. If counsel does not file a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within a reasonable amount of time, one will be prepared and mailed to counsel.

1. File with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
2. A Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order is required for all civil cases and shall be in the form prescribed by Rule 1:18 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.   The PTSO must include the trial date(s), indicate jury or non-jury, the pretrial conference date (if any) and signatures of all counsel or pro se litigants.       

updated 7/23/2026

Garnishment hearings may be scheduled on a (option #1-A) Remote Motions Day Hearing (available until 9/23/2026); (option 1-B) In-Person Motions Day hearing (available starting 10/14/2026); or (Option #2) Uncontested 9:00 a.m. hearing.

(Option #1-A)   REMOTE MOTIONS DAY HEARING - available until 9/23/2026. The last virtual motions day hearing will be held on September 23, 2026.

Available only if the  judgment debtor's EMAIL ADDRESS and/or TELEPHONE NUMBER are AVAILABLE, VERIFIABLE and included on the Motions Day Praecipe for Remote Hearings (updated 3-13-2026).

Instructions for a remote Motions Day garnishment hearing

1.  File the required Clerk of Circuit Court's forms with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   1. Include a stamped envelope (proper postage) addressed to the Judgment Debtor(s).
2.  File the required documents and  Motions Day praecipe with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   1. Deadlines - refer to the Motions Day sections of this website.
   2. Motions Day Praecipe for Remote Hearings (updated 3-13-2026). The Court strongly encourages use of the Remote Motions Day Praecipe which includes the  MANDATORY Rule 4:15(b) certification as well as MANDATORY remote hearing language and space for the moving party to include the required email addresses of the moving party, the non‑moving party and all interested parties.
      1. All motions day hearings are held remotely until September 23, 2026.
      2. The Remote Motions Day Praecipe must include the debtor’s email address and/or telephone number.
   3. Proposed garnishment order must be filed.
3. Attend Motions Day hearing using the Microsoft Teams meeting link or telephone call-in number - Refer to "Remote Motions Day" section of this website. 
4. The court may enter the garnishment order at the remote hearing if appropriate (and if the proposed order was filed and a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box on or before the filing deadline).  
5. After the motions day hearing - a copy of entered order is available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

(Option #1-B)   IN-PERSON MOTIONS DAY HEARING - available beginning 10/14/2026 and thereafter.

Instructions for an in-person Motions Day garnishment hearing

1.  File the required Clerk of Circuit Court's forms with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   1. Include a stamped envelope (proper postage) addressed to the Judgment Debtor(s).
2.  File the required documents and Motions Day praecipe with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   1. Deadlines - refer to the Motions Day sections of this website.
   2. Motions Day Praecipe for In-Person Hearings (revised 7-16-2026). The Court strongly encourages use of the court-provided In-Person Motions Day Praecipe which includes the MANDATORY Rule 4:15(b) certification.
      1. All motions day hearings are held in-person beginning October 14, 2026 and thereafter.
      2. Proposed garnishment order must be filed.
3. Attend Motions Day hearing in-person on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
4. The court may enter the garnishment order at the Motions Day hearing if appropriate (and if the proposed order was filed and a mandatory copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box on or before the filing deadline).  
5. After the motions day hearing - a copy of entered order is available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

(Option #2) UNCONTESTED 9:00 a.m. In-Person Hearing  (on a non-Motions Day) 

9:00am uncontested docket hearings are held on a Friday once or twice a month. Refer to "Uncontested 9:00am docket" section below for specific dates.   

Instructions for an IN-PERSON garnishment hearing on the uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket

1. File the required Clerk of Circuit Court's forms with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   1. Include a stamped envelope (proper postage) addressed to the Judgment Debtor(s).
2. Determine date for the Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket. Refer to the "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket" section of this website for available dates and filing/scheduling deadlines.
3. Schedule an in-person hearing. Notices of hearing filed without calling a court administrator will not be docketed.
   1. Call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 to schedule the hearing (telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.); and 
   2. File all required documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt; and
   3. Deliver a MANDATORY copy of the required documents to the 4th floor drop box.  
4. Required documents include
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING. 
   2. PROPOSED GARNISHMENT ORDER
5. Attend the in-person hearing. The hearing will be held in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment.
6. At the hearing, the judge will hear oral argument and enter the garnishment order, if appropriate.
7. After the hearing, copies of the entered order are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

updated  7/23/2026

1. Inquires.  All General Receiver inquiries should be directed to the dedicated email address: General.Receiver@alexandriava.gov. 
2. General Receiver.  J. Greg Parks, the Clerk of Alexandria Circuit Court, is the General Receiver of the Alexandria Circuit Court as of 7/1/2025.
3. Instructions. Counsel are encouraged to review the Clerk of Circuit Court's website in addition to these instructions.

(mandatory)  GENERAL RECEIVER'S AFFIDAVIT.  

1. Counsel shall prepare a draft Affidavit to include the beneficiary's name, date of birth and social security number, as well as the proposed dates of final and periodic disbursements.
2. Counsel shall provide a copy of the affidavit to the General Receiver prior to the entry of the order so that the General Receiver has the necessary information to comply with the affidavit requirement of Va. Code § 8.01-582. 
3. Such affidavits shall be maintained under seal by the Clerk of Circuit Court unless otherwise ordered by the Court, and the information therein shall be used solely for the purposes of financial management and reporting.

(mandatory language)  GENERAL RECEIVER DEPOSITS.  

1. Any orders providing for funds to be deposited with the General Receiver shall comply with Va. Code § 8.01-582 and “shall include information necessary to make prudent investment and disbursement decisions”.
2. Any orders regarding General Receiver deposits should NOT specify that funds will be deposited with the Clerk of Court or reference Va. Code § 8.01-600. Orders must state that the funds are to be deposited with the General Receiver and reference Va. Code § 8.01-582.
3. Orders should not include language that conflicts with the duties and role of the General Receiver.  The General Receiver does not hold funds in “trust." Also, the General Receiver does not hold the funds for the “use benefit, education, maintenance and support of the minor.”   The funds will be on deposit with the General Receiver until the minor turns 18 or the court orders otherwise. 

(mandatory language)  DATES OF PERIODIC AND FINAL DISBURSEMENTS. The orders shall include the proposed dates of periodic and final disbursements, except when it is unreasonable.

(mandatory language) UNCLAIMED FUNDS. 

1. The proposed order shall include language providing that if the funds held by the General Receiver are not claimed within one year of the dispersal date that the General Receiver will disburse those funds to the Virginia State Treasurer as provided by the Virginia Unclaimed Property Act. 
2.  Appropriate language would be "ORDERED that if no claim is asserted to the funds held by the General Receiver pursuant to this Order within one (1) year after the dispersal date, the General Receiver is authorized to disburse the funds to the State Treasurer, as Administrator of the Virginia Unclaimed Property Act, pursuant to Virginia Code §55.1-2519, without further petition or order of this Court."

(mandatory signature) In addition to counsel's signature the GENERAL RECEIVER'S SIGNATURE must be included on all Orders.  Counsel shall include the following on the proposed order. Counsel shall then present the order to the Clerk of Circuit Court's office and request Mr. Parks' signature on the order.  Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

          Seen and Agreed:

        ___________________________

            J. Greg Parks         
             General Receiver, Alexandria Circuit Court
             General.Receiver@alexandriava.gov
             520 King Street, Suite 307
              Alexandria, VA 22314
             (703) 746-4044, VSB #91786

updated 7/23/2026

Contested appointments of guardian or conservator shall be scheduled for an in-person hearing at 10:00 a.m.

 CONTESTED APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN - IN-PERSON HEARING on the 10:00 a.m. docket (on a non-Motions day) 

1. Prepare INITIATING DOCUMENTS to include
   1.  Petition to Appoint a Guardian and Conservator
   2. Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem;
   3. Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.  
      1. (mandatory language) COURT'S EMAIL ADDRESS probate.intake@alexandriava.gov. All orders appointing a guardian, conservator, or both shall include the current mailing address, email address, and physical address of the court issuing the order and to which such informal written communication shall be directed. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt
      2. (mandatory language) GUARDIAN AD LITEM NAME AND SIGNATURE MUST BE INCLUDED. 
      3. (mandatory name of GAL) The name of the proposed Guardian ad Litem shall be included on the order of appointment. Counsel shall contact the proposed Guardian ad Litem to confirm the person is willing to accept the appointment. The Guardian ad Litem shall be from the Supreme Court of Virginia's Approved Guardians ad Litem list or the Alexandria Circuit Court's List of attorneys who have previously served as s Guardian ad Litem (refer to “Guardians ad Litem Appointment Order” section of this website).
      4. (mandatory Signatures)  The order of appointment must include signatures of counsel and the GAL.
2. FILE DOCUMENTS 
   1. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
3. SCHEDULE THE CONTESTED HEARING
   1. Call the Clerk of Circuit Court (703.746.4044) to confirm the Order of Appointment of Guardian ad Litem has been entered.
   2. Call a court administrator to schedule a contested hearing on the 10:00 a.m. docket.  Court administrators: 703.746.4123. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
4. FILE REMAINING MANDATORY DOCUMENTS to include
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING. Filing deadline is 7 business days prior to the hearing date.
   2. FINAL ORDER. Filing deadline is 7 business days prior to the hearing date.
   3. GAL REPORT. Filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the hearing date.
   4. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court and deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box. 
5. ATTEND THE IN-PERSON HEARING.  
   1. The Petitioner, Respondent and GAL appear in‑person for the contested hearing.  Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment.
   2. The Order of Appointment of Guardian ad Litem may be entered at the hearing, based on clear and convincing evidence, in consideration of the factors listed in Virginia Code 64.2‑2007(c).
6. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

Revised 7/23/2026

Uncontested appointments of guardian or conservator may be scheduled on (option #1-A) Remote Motions Day hearing; or (option 1-B) In-Person Motions Day hearing (available starting October 14, 2026 and thereafter) or option #2) Uncontested 9:00 a.m. hearing.

(Option #1-A)  Uncontested hearing on a REMOTE Motions Day

Available through and including September 23, 2026

The Petitioner, Respondent and Guardian ad Litem attend the hearing remotely.

1. Prepare INITIATING DOCUMENTS to include
   1. Petition to Appoint a Guardian and Conservator
   2. Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem;
   3. Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.  
      1. (mandatory language) COURT'S EMAIL ADDRESS probate.intake@alexandriava.gov. All orders appointing a guardian, conservator, or both shall include the current mailing address, email address, and physical address of the court issuing the order and to which such informal written communication shall be directed. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt
      2. (mandatory language) GUARDIAN AD LITEM NAME AND SIGNATURE MUST BE INCLUDED. 
      3. (mandatory name of GAL) The name of the proposed Guardian ad Litem shall be included on the order of appointment. Counsel shall contact the proposed Guardian ad Litem to confirm the person is willing to accept the appointment. The Guardian ad Litem shall be from the Supreme Court of Virginia's Approved Guardians ad Litem list or the Alexandria Circuit Court's List of attorneys who have previously served as s Guardian ad Litem (refer to “Guardians ad Litem Appointment Order” section of this website).
      4. (mandatory Signatures)  The order of appointment must include signatures of counsel and the GAL.
2. FILE DOCUMENTS 
   1. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
3. SCHEDULE THE  MOTIONS DAY HEARING by filing an appropriate Motions Day Praecipe for Remote Hearings (updated 3-13-2026) with the Clerk of Circuit Court, providing a copy to all necessary parties, and delivering a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
4. ATTEND THE MOTIONS DAY hearing on a Motions Day. Refer to "Remote Motions Day" section of this website for the Microsoft Teams meeting links and telephone call-in numbers.
5. The Court calls the case in the virtual courtroom.
6. Order of Appointment of Guardian ad Litem may be entered at the hearing, based on clear and convincing evidence, in consideration of the factors listed in Virginia Code 64.2‑2007(c).
7. Objections to entry of order. The order will not be entered if the Respondent or any other entity whose name is included in the petition appears at the uncontested in-person hearing and objects to the entry of the order. If this occurs, a contested hearing on a 10:00 a.m. docket will have to be scheduled.
8. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

(Option 1-B)   Uncontested hearing on an IN-PERSON Motions Day

Available starting October 14, 2026 and thereafter

The Petitioner, Respondent and Guardian ad Litem attend the hearing in-person in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse.

Motions Days are the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. 

Refer to "MOTIONS DAY for specific upcoming Motions Day dates, including specific filing deadlines".

1. Prepare INITIATING DOCUMENTS to include
   1.  Petition to Appoint a Guardian and Conservator
   2. Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem;
   3. Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.  
      1. (mandatory language) COURT'S EMAIL ADDRESS probate.intake@alexandriava.gov. All orders appointing a guardian, conservator, or both shall include the current mailing address, email address, and physical address of the court issuing the order and to which such informal written communication shall be directed. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt
      2. (mandatory language) GUARDIAN AD LITEM NAME AND SIGNATURE MUST BE INCLUDED. 
      3. (mandatory name of GAL) The name of the proposed Guardian ad Litem shall be included on the order of appointment. Counsel shall contact the proposed Guardian ad Litem to confirm the person is willing to accept the appointment. The Guardian ad Litem shall be from the Supreme Court of Virginia's Approved Guardians ad Litem list or the Alexandria Circuit Court's List of attorneys who have previously served as s Guardian ad Litem (refer to “Guardians ad Litem Appointment Order” section of this website).
      4. (mandatory Signatures)  The order of appointment must include signatures of counsel and the GAL.
2. FILE DOCUMENTS 
   1. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
3. SCHEDULE THE IN-PERSON Motions Day hearing by filing an appropriate Motions Day Praecipe for In-Person Hearings (revised 7-16-2026) with the Clerk of Circuit Court, providing a copy to all necessary parties, and delivering a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
4. ATTEND the IN-PERSON Motions Day hearing on the 4th floor of the Courthouse.
   1. The Court calls the case in the physical courtroom.
   2. Order of Appointment of Guardian ad Litem may be entered at the hearing, based on clear and convincing evidence, in consideration of the factors listed in Virginia Code 64.2‑2007(c).
   3. Objections to entry of order. The order will not be entered if the Respondent or any other entity whose name is included in the petition appears at the uncontested in-person hearing and objects to the entry of the order. If this occurs, a contested hearing on a 10:00 a.m. docket will have to be scheduled.

5. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

    

(Option #2)   UNCONTESTED APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN HEARING -  IN-PERSON  on a 9:00 a.m. uncontested docket 

                (APPEARANCE MAY BE WAIVED)

  9:00am uncontested docket hearings are held on a Friday once or twice a month. Refer to "Uncontested 9:00am docket" section below for specific dates.   

1. Prepare INITIATING DOCUMENTS to include
   1.  Petition to Appoint a Guardian and Conservator
   2. Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem;
   3. Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.  
      1. (mandatory language) COURT'S EMAIL ADDRESS probate.intake@alexandriava.gov. All orders appointing a guardian, conservator, or both shall include the current mailing address, email address, and physical address of the court issuing the order and to which such informal written communication shall be directed. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt
      2. (mandatory language) GUARDIAN AD LITEM NAME AND SIGNATURE MUST BE INCLUDED. 
      3. (mandatory name of GAL) The name of the proposed Guardian ad Litem shall be included on the order of appointment. Counsel shall contact the proposed Guardian ad Litem to confirm the person is willing to accept the appointment. The Guardian ad Litem shall be from the Supreme Court of Virginia's Approved Guardians ad Litem list or the Alexandria Circuit Court's List of attorneys who have previously served as s Guardian ad Litem (refer to “Guardians ad Litem Appointment Order” section of this website).
      4. (mandatory Signatures)  The order of appointment must include signatures of counsel and the GAL.
2. FILE DOCUMENTS 
   1. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
3. SCHEDULE THE UNCONTESTED 9:00 a.m. HEARING
   1. Call the Clerk of Circuit Court (703.746.4044) to confirm the Order of Appointment of Guardian ad Litem has been entered.
   2. Confirm which date you wish the Uncontested 9:00 a.m. hearing to be held.  The specific Uncontested 9:00 a.m. hearing dates and filing deadlines are posted to the Court's website under "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket". 
   3. Call a court administrator to schedule an uncontested hearing.  Court administrators: 703.746.4123. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
      1. Advise the court administrator if the Petitioner, Respondent and GAL will be attending the in-person hearing or if they will waive their appearance. 
4. FILE REMAINING MANDATORY DOCUMENTS to include
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING. Filing deadline is 7 business days prior to the hearing date.
   2. FINAL ORDER. Filing deadline is 7 business days prior to the hearing date.
   3. GAL REPORT. Filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the hearing date.
   4. WAIVER OF APPEARANCE (if applicable). Filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the hearing d
   5. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court and deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box. 
5. ATTEND THE IN-PERSON HEARING.  
   1. The Petitioner, Respondent and GAL appear in‑person for the uncontested hearing unless their appearance is waived prior to the hearing date.   Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment.
   2. The Court calls the case in the courtroom.
   3. Order of Appointment of Guardian ad Litem may be entered at the hearing, based on clear and convincing evidence, in consideration of the factors listed in Virginia Code 64.2‑2007(c).
   4. Objections to entry of order. The order will not be entered if the Respondent or any other entity whose name is included in the petition appears at the uncontested in-person hearing and objects to the entry of the order. 
      1. If Petitioner, Respondent and GAL are in the courtroom - Counsel will be sent to Judges' Chambers to schedule a contested hearing on a 10:00 a.m. docket
      2. If Petitioner, Respondent and GAL's attendance was waived (and they are not in the courtroom), a court administrator will contact counsel to advise that a contested hearing be scheduled on a 10:00 a.m. docket.
6. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

updated  7/8/2026

(Guardian ad Litem's signature is required on the order of appointment).

APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM for INFANT SETTLEMENTS and WRONGFUL DEATH HEARINGS

Instructions

1.   APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM ORDER.

        (mandatory) GUARDIAN AD LITEM NAME MUST BE INCLUDED. 

             (1)  The name of the proposed Guardian ad Litem shall be included on the order of appointment. Counsel shall contact the proposed Guardian ad Litem to confirm the person is willing to accept the appointment.

           (2) The Guardian ad Litem shall be from the  Supreme Court of Virginia's website  Scroll to > Programs > Guardians ad Litem > Programs > Guardians ad Litem for Incapacitated Persons; or the List of Attorneys who have previously served in Alexandria Circuit Court as Guardian ad Litem for infant settlements and wrongful death hearings (see below).

    2.  (mandatory signatures) The order of appointment shall include signatures counsel and the Guardian ad Litem.

    3.   File original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

    4.   Deliver an OPTIONAL copy to the 4th floor drop box.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY is as follows.

ALEXANDRIA COURTS will be closed when the Alexandria City Government (not the Alexandria City Public Schools) is closed or when the City Government opens at 10:00 a.m. or later due to inclement weather or other emergency. Exceptions to this procedure may be made by the judge on a case by case basis. 

ALEXANDRIA COURTS includes Circuit Court, Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court, General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and Court Service Unit.

Inclement Weather Schedule Order entered 1/23/2026

revised 7/23/2026

All CONTESTED infant settlement hearings shall be scheduled for an in-person 10:00 a.m. hearing in a courtroom, and not on a Motions Day docket. 

1.  PREPARE INITIATING DOCUMENTS to include
   1.  PETITION SEEKING APPROVAL OF INFANT SETTLEMENT
   2.  ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM. Refer to the “Guardian ad Litem” section of this website for guidance, including Lists of Approved Guardians ad Litem for Infant Settlements from the Alexandria Circuit Court and the Supreme Court of Virginia, as well as instructions to appoint a GAL whose name is not on either list.
2. File documents
   1. Original documents shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. 
   2.  Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.

3. Schedule the contested hearing for 10:00 a.m.

   1. Call the Clerk of Circuit Court (703.746.4044) to confirm the Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem has been entered. 
   2. Counsel shall call a court administrator together on the same telephone conference call to schedule the contested hearing.  Call 703.746.4123; 

    telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

4. File all remaining MANDATORY documents to include
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING. The filing deadline is 7 days prior to the hearing date.
   2. FINAL ORDER. Refer to "General Receiver Deposits" section of this website for additional instructions. The filing deadline is 7 days prior to the hearing date.
   3. GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORT. The filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the hearing date.
   4. Original documents shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court and a MANDATORY copy shall be delivered to the 4th floor drop box.
5. ATTEND THE IN-PERSON CONTESTED HEARING. The parties-in-interest attend the hearing in-person in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street  Alexandria, VA  22314 (refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment).
6. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

updated 7/22/2026

The final order for an uncontested infant settlement may be entered (option #1) Without a Hearing; (option #2-A) on a remote motions day (available until September 23, 2026; (option #2-B) at an in-person motions day hearing (available starting October 14, 2026 and thereafter); or  (option #3) at an in-person 9:00 a.m. hearing.

(Option #1)    ENTRY OF ORDER WITHOUT A HEARING

1. PREPARE INITIATING DOCUMENTS to include
   1. PETITION SEEKING APPROVAL OF INFANT SETTLEMENT
   2.  ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM. Refer to the “Guardian ad Litem” section of this website for guidance, including Lists of Approved Guardians ad Litem for Infant Settlements from the Alexandria Circuit Court and the Supreme Court of Virginia, as well as instructions to appoint a GAL whose name is not on either list.
2. FILE DOCUMENTS
   1. Original documents shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2.  Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
3. FILE REMAINING MANDATORY DOCUMENTS to include
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING. The filing deadline is 7 days prior to the hearing date.
   2. FINAL ORDER. Refer to "General Receiver Deposits" section of this website for additional instructions. The filing deadline is 7 days prior to the hearing date.
   3. GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORT. The filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the hearing date.
4. DOCUMENT REVIEW by the Court typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Clerk's office sends the documents to Judges' Chambers. Counsel will be contacted by a judicial law clerk if the order cannot be entered due to errors or omissions
5. STATUS CHECK.  Counsel may call to check the status of the order after 2 to 3 weeks. First call the Clerk's office at 703.746.4044. Only call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if necessary.

6. COPIES OF FINAL ORDER are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

    

   ---

(Option #2-A)   ENTRY OF ORDER ON REMOTE MOTIONS DAY

Available through and including September 23, 2026

Motions Day hearings are at 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. The schedule may change due to holidays or judicial conference (refer to the "Calendar" section of this website for the posted calendar).

1. Follow the instructions on the "Motions Day" sections of this website.
2. Specific Motions Day dates and filing deadlines are posted on this website ("Motions Day" sections).
3.  

(Option #2-B)   ENTRY OF ORDER AT AN IN-PERSON MOTIONS DAY

Available beginning on October 14, 2026 and thereafter.

Motions Day hearings are at 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. The schedule may change due to holidays or judicial conference (refer to the "Calendar" section of this website for the posted calendar).

1. Follow the instructions on the "Motions Day" sections of this website.
2. Specific Motions Day dates and filing deadlines are posted on this website ("Motions Day" sections).
3.  

(Option #3)  UNCONTESTED 9:00 A.M. DOCKET for entry of final order

1. PREPARE INITIATING DOCUMENTS to include
   1. PETITION SEEKING APPROVAL OF INFANT SETTLEMENT
   2.  ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM. Refer to the “Guardian ad Litem” section of this website for guidance, including Lists of Approved Guardians ad Litem for Infant Settlements from the Alexandria Circuit Court and the Supreme Court of Virginia, as well as instructions to appoint a GAL whose name is not on either list.
2. File original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
3.  Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
4. SCHEDULE in-person hearing. All of the following must be done prior to the filing deadline. Notices of hearing filed without calling a court administrator will not be docketed. (NOTE: The Clerk of Circuit Court does not schedule the case or forward the notice to Judges' Chambers.) 
   1. Consult the "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket" section of this website for available dates and filing deadlines. 
   2. Call a court administrator. Counsel shall call the court together on the same telephone conference call (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
5. FILE REMAINING MANDATORY DOCUMENTS to include
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING. The filing deadline is 3 weeks prior to the hearing date.
   2. FINAL ORDER. Refer to "General Receiver Deposits" section of this website for additional instructions. The filing deadline is 3 weeks prior to the hearing date.
   3. GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORT. The filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the hearing date.
6. Original documents shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
7. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
8. ATTEND THE IN-PERSON HEARING. The parties-in-interest attend the hearing in-person in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street  Alexandria, VA  22314 (refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment).
9. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

Updated 7/23/2026

INTERPRETER SERVICES shall be requested by the person who needs interpreter services (or their counsel). 

If an interpreter is not timely requested, there is a possibility of the hearing or trial not going forward.

A party may bring their own QUALIFIED interpreter in CIVIL CASES (not criminal cases) if that interpreter meets the Court's requirements (a court-provided interpreter may not always be available due to the statewide shortage of interpreters). 

(STEP 1):    Complete the Foreign Language Interpreter Request Form 

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f0a715a70ca74961b5a1562445568373

FOR CIVIL CASES. All of the following information must be provided

Section A - Must also be provided for Criminal cases and Court of Appeals cases.

1. Case name
2. Case number
3. Language needed
4. Country (optional)
5. Hearing date
6. Hearing time
7. Estimated length of hearing
8.  Who is requesting the interpreter (plaintiff, defendant or witness)
9.  Attorney's name (if any)
10. Contact information  (name, telephone number and email address) for the person submitting the form

FOR CRIMINAL CASES. All of the following information must be provided

1. Section A information must be completed (see above).
2. The code section and charge are also needed.

FOR COURT OF APPEALS CASES

1. Section A information must be completed (see above).
2. Include "Court of Appeals" on the request

(STEP 2):  Confirm the request was received by calling a court administrator at 703.746.4123. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

(STEP 3):  CANCELLATIONS.  Call a court administrator to cancel the request if the case is settled or is removed from the docket. 

                 703.746.4123. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

updated 2/11/2026

JURY DUTY SCAM ALERT.  

Do not become a scam victim. NEVER give out your personal information by telephone or email.

Alexandria Circuit Court uses the U.S. Mail to notify jurors of their upcoming or missed jury service. The Court does not call Jurors regarding a failure to appear for jury duty.  The Court will never ask for payment for missed jury duty.

If you receive a telephone call from the Court or a Sheriff's Office deputy, the call is probably a scam.  HANG UP IMMEDIATELY. Call the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.4444 to make a report. 

Updated 7/8/2026

(1)    JURY SUMMONS INFORMATION

         ALEXANDRIA RESIDENTS who received a juror summons

          for Alexandria Circuit Court    520  king street    Alexandria, VA  22314

1.   I'VE RECEIVED A JUROR SUMMONS from Alexandria Circuit Court.  What do I do now?

         A.     Follow the instructions in the pink box on the left side of the summons (below the fold).

         B.  Call 703.838.4237 to acknowledge receipt of the summons.  Leave your name and group number on the recording.  Do not leave any other message on the recording.

        C.   Write the term of service on all of your calendars so you do not inadvertently schedule a dentist appointment for a day during your term of service.

        D.   Starting after 4:00 p.m. on the Friday before your term of service, call 703.838.4110 to determine if you need to report on the following business day.  COME TO COURT ONLY IF YOUR GROUP NUMBER IS CALLED.

2.   703.838.4110  Jury Recording (which groups need to report)  

         A.    Call Friday after 4:00 p.m. for groups who need to report on Monday.

         B.    Call Monday after 4:00 p.m. for groups who need to report on Tuesday.

         C.    Call Tuesday after 4:00 p.m. for groups who need to report on Wednesday.

         D.    Call Wednesday after 4:00 p.m. for groups who need to report on Thursday.

         E.    Call Thursday after 4:00 p.m. for groups who need to report on Friday.

3.   WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO REPORT for Jury duty.

Petit Jurors:  The 703.838.4110 recording instructs my group to report for jury duty on the next business day. 

Grand Jurors:  The Juror Summons states the two dates you must report for jury duty.

      A.   You must report no later than 8:30 a.m. to the Jury Assembly Room on the 4th floor of 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

            The Jury Assembly Room door is closed at 8:30 a.m.

      B.   Parking locations are indicated with a red "P" on the juror summons.  Do not park on the street as you will not be allowed to "feed the meter".

      C.   Bring your juror summons and your identification with you.

      D.  Jurors are asked to dress in an appropriate manner. Business or business casual is appropriate.

      E.   Failure to obey the juror summonses may be punishable by a fine and/or the Court using the services of the Sheriff to command your appearance. 

===== FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ==========

  1.   WHAT IS TERM OF SERVICE.  Term of Service is the time period for which you are on call for jury duty. The term of service is printed on the jury summonses that you received in the mail.

          A.   Petit jurors are assigned a 1 week term of service.

          B.   Grand jurors are assigned 2 days on which to report.

  2.   REPORTING TIME and LOCATION.   Report no later than 8:30 a.m. to the Jury Assembly Room on the 4th floor of 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 no later than 8:30 a.m.  The Jury Assembly Room door is closed at 8:30 a.m.

  3.   ARE CELL PHONES ALLOWED? Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off in the jury assembly room and courtroom.

           Order regarding portable electronic devices, courthouse screenings, and prohibited items  dated 6/22/2026 - effective July 1, 2026.

   4.   QUESTIONS?  Call the jury coordinator (703.746.4119) or a court administrator (703.746.4123).

   5.   JURY SCAMS.  Never pay money or send a gift card to anyone who advises that you missed jury duty.  Neither Alexandria Circuit Court nor the Alexandria Sheriff's Office calls jurors (see above section).

    6.   ADA ACCOMMODATIONS REQUEST. Contact the Jury Coordinator at 703.746.4119.

    7.  JUROR FEES. Pursuant to Virginia Code, "Every person summoned as a juror in a civil or criminal case shall be entitled to fifty dollars for each of attendance upon the court for expenses and travel incident to jury service and other necessary and reasonable costs as the court may direct."

(2)   JURY QUESTIONNAIRES (mailed in August/SEpt.) 

JUROR QUESTIONNAIRES are the first step in qualifying for jury duty in Alexandria Circuit Court.

1. The Supreme Court of Virginia mails the jury questionnaires to prospective jurors for jury duty service during the following calendar year.
2. Jury Commissioners are appointed by the Circuit Court and review the questionnaires to determine a juror's eligibility.
3. If you receive a questionnaire, please respond within 10 days upon receipt. Answer all of the questions as best you can, and return the questionnaire either by US Mail (to 520 King Street, Room 307 Alexandria VA 22314) or hand-delivery to the same address.  You may also complete the questionnaire on-line at  https://ALXJury.vacourts.gov.  Note: This website is turned off after 3 months.

(1)  FOR COUNSEL - CALL A COURT ADMINISTRATOR IF TRIAL NOT GOING FORWARD

Counsel are strongly encouraged to notify the Court immediately in the following situations.

1. Civil cases that are nonsuited or settled prior to trial or if counsel agree to proceed without a jury
2. Criminal cases not going forward (Judge's permission required to remove the jury)

Instructions to notify the Court; allow the Court to cancel jurors and avoid sanctions

1. Call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 during business hours.
2. Email the court administrator and call the jury coordinator at 703.746.4347 after business hours

(2)  JURY INSTRUCTIONS - PREPARED BY COUNSEL

Jury instructions are prepared by counsel (or pro se litigant).

1. File original with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
2. Exchange with opposing counsel in accordance with the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order that was entered in the case.
3. Filing deadline: Refer to Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order.

(3)   JUROR WEEKLY LIST OF ALL JURORS SUMMONSED FOR THE WEEK 

        AVAILABLE 5 BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO SCHEDULED TRIAL DATE

        from the Clerk of Circuit Court  https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

1. Includes juror information for the total jury pool for the specific week. The names are not separated into trials.

2. Do not contact the jury coordinator or Judges’ Chambers for the juror list.

    

(4) JUROR REPORTING LIST (ON THE DAY OF TRIAL).

     DELIVERED to Counsel in the courtroom by the Jury Coordinator on the day of trial (after the computer has randomly sorted the jurors that have appeared for jury duty on that specific day).

1. Available approximately 15 minutes prior to start of trial. 

    

Court personnel are prohibited by law from providing legal advice or offering guidance as to completion of forms, etc. If you need such advice or guidance, you are instructed to contact legal counsel. If you need help finding an attorney, call Alexandria Lawyer Referral at 703.548.4077.

 Updated 7/16/2026

Refer to the Clerk of Circuit Court's website Clerk's Office website

Mediation is recommended by the Court in all disputed custody cases. The Court cannot recommend a specific mediator service.

Added 7/22/2026

MOTION TO COMPEL

All routine discovery disputes including, but not limited to, motions to compel. Counsel shall confer and attempt to settle such disputes. If the dispute cannot be settled without court intervention, all motions to compel must be accompanied by (1) a good faith certification, and (2) a chart of specific deficiencies (note, a chart of deficiencies is not required if the non-moving party has failed to respond to discovery at all). Motions to compel will be removed if the required chart of specific deficiencies is not included. 

Updated 7/22/2026

1.  File the motion.  
2.  Schedule the motion on a non-Motions Day. Counsel shall a court administrator at 703.746.4123 together on the same telephone call after the motion has been filed. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

3. Filing deadlines are the same as Motions Day deadlines. If a deadline falls on a holiday, the deadline is pushed back one day for each day the Court is closed

   A.  The motion shall be filed prior to scheduling the hearing date.

   B.  Memo in support of motion.  (Filing deadline is 14 days prior to the hearing date).

   C.  Opposition or response to the motion. (Filing deadline is 7 days prior to the hearing date).

   D.   Holidays. If the filing deadline falls on a holiday, the filing deadline is advanced by each day the court is closed. For example, if the deadline is June 19 (Juneteenth) when the Court is closed, the new deadline would be the day before, June 18.

4. Filing guidance.  Original documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court.  A copy shall be provided to opposing counsel.  A mandatory copy shall be delivered to the 4th floor drop box.

updated 7/22/2026

If you have any questions, please contact the Alexandria Circuit Court Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123.  Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 WILL BE THE last virtual Motions Day hearing.

IN-PERSON MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS RESUME effective October 14, 2026, and thereafter.

GENERAL MOTIONS DAY INFORMATION

1.  MOTIONS DAYS are GENERALLY on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.  Exceptions are in May (if the Judicial Conference occurs on the 2nd Wednesday of the month) and holidays.  Refer to Section 35-A for specific Motions Day dates and filing deadlines for each Motions Day.
2. PAGE LIMITS FOR 10:00 a.m. MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS (effective 4/22/2026). All motions, memorandums, responses briefs, and oppositions may not exceed 5-pages in total. All documents shall be in 12-point font and double-spaced.  (For example, if the moving party files a motion and separate memorandum, the page limit is 5 pages together for both documents.)  Any motions, memorandums, responses or oppositions above the page limit total must be heard on a date certain or a 2:00 p.m. remote motions day docket. 
3. PRAECIPES. Motions Day in-person hearings will resume on October 14, 2026. Please be sure to file the appropriate in-person motions day praecipe for all hearings on October 14, 2026, and thereafter.
4. MOTIONS DAY WILL BE CANCELED for inclement weather.  The Court’s inclement weather policy is posted to our website. The Court will be closed when the Alexandria City Government (not the Alexandria City Public Schools) is closed or when the City Government opens at 10:00 a.m. or later due to inclement weather. 

REMOTE MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS. 

The final virtual Motions Day hearing will be held on September 23, 2026.

1. Motions Day hearings will be held remotely until September 23, 2026 via a Microsoft Teams meeting link and telephone call-in number provided by the Court 2 business days prior to the Motions Day. The meeting links and telephone call-in numbers are also posted to this website. Refer to "Motions Day-Remote" section of this website for additional information. 
2. Follow the guidance in Paragraph 36 below for Remote Motions Day hearings.
3.  To determine judge assignment by case for each remote Motions Day hearing  
   1. Go to the Court's website .www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt 
   2. Scroll to , “Motions Day – Docket for the next remote Motions Day”.
   3. Click on the document.

4. Instructions for Remote Motions Day hearings held virtually via Microsoft Teams meeting link or a telephone call-in number.

   IMPORTANT:  DO NOT COME TO THE COURTHOUSE.  All remote motions day hearings are held remotely (not in a courtroom).

5. To attend virtually via Microsoft Teams meeting link
   1. Download Microsoft Teams to your device if you have not already done so (free download from  www.microsoft.com)
   2. Two (2) days prior to the Motions Day, the Court will email a link and telephone call-in number information to all parties whose email addresses were included on the remote Motions Day praecipe. The court will also post the meeting links to this website.
   3. Click on the  meeting link to attend the remote Motions Day hearing with audio and video (if your device allows audio and video).
6.   To attend virtually via a TELEPHONE CALL-IN NUMBER
   1. Two (2) days prior to the Motions Day, the Court will email a link and telephone call-in number information to all parties whose email addresses were included on the remote Motions Day praecipe. The court will also post the meeting links to this website.
   2. Use your device to call the telephone call-in number and enter the passcode.

IN-PERSON MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS.  

Effective October 14, 2026, Motions Day: Motions Day hearings will be held in-person beginning October 14, 2026, and thereafter. 

1. In-person Motions Day hearings will resume effective October 14, 2026. Refer to "Motions Day-Remote" section of this website for additional information.
2. Follow the guidance in Paragraph 37 below for In-Person Motions Day hearings.

updated  7/23/2026

REMOTE Motions Day hearings. 

The last virtual Motions Day hearing will be held on September 23, 2026.

FILING DEADLINES  for the 8/12/2026 through 9/23/2026 remote Motions Day hearings (posted 7/23/2026) 

• August 12, 2026
• August 26, 2026
• September 9, 2026
• September 23, 2026

IN-PERSON Motions Day hearings. 

Motions Day hearings will be held in person beginning October 14, 2026, and thereafter.

FILING DEADLINES  for the 10/14/2026 through 12/23/2026 in-person Motions Day hearings (posted 7/23/2026)

• October 14, 2026
• October 28, 2026
• November 4, 2026 (1st Wednesday of the month due to the 11/11/26 holiday)
• November 25, 2026     No 2:00pm docket on 11/25/2026
• December 9, 2026
• December 23, 2026     No 2:00pm docket on 12/23/2026 

updated  7/23/2026

If you have any questions, please contact the Alexandria Circuit Court Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123.  Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

REMOTE MOTIONS DAY GUIDANCE, including detailed instructions for all required procedures and documents.

The last REMOTE Motions Day hearing will be held on September 23, 2026.

Motions Day hearings will be held in person beginning October 14, 2026, and thereafter (Refer to section 37).

Motions Day Guidance (updated 4/14/2026)  Click on this link for remote motions day guidance, including detailed instructions for all required procedures and documents.

1. All remote motions day instructions must be followed. 
2. A motion and Motions Day Praecipe for Remote Hearings (updated 3-13-2026) must be filed to docket the motion for a specific remote motions day hearing. 
   1. The Court strongly encourages use of the praecipe provided above as it includes the mandatory remote hearing language, space for the moving party to provide the required email addresses of all parties or counsel, and the Rule 4:15(b) certifification.
3. Page limits and format guidance (effective with the 4/22/2026 Motions Day and thereafter). All motions, memoranda, briefs, oppositions, etc. are required to be in 12-point font; double-spaced; on 8.5x11 inch paper and together cannot exceed 5-pages total. (For example, if the moving party files a motion and separate memorandum, the page limit is 5 pages together for both documents.) 
4. Filing instructions
   1. All originals (except evidence/exhibits for remote hearings) shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court.
   2. Provide a copy to opposing counsel; and
   3. Deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box when the document is filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court.
5.  Rule 4:15(b) certification.  "I certify that I have in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with other affected parties in an effort to resolve the subject of the motion without Court action, pursuant to Rule 4:15(b) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia."

DOCKET for the next REMOTE Motions Day  

     Motions Day Docket   for JULY 22, 2026 Motions Day   (posted 7/17/2026 at 11:45 a.m.) 

     On the above docket:

                 10:00 a.m. cases for Judge Rebecca J. Wade and Judge Heidi E. Meinzer

                  2:00 p.m. case for Judge Rebecca J. Wade

1. Each judge's docket is on a separate page(s) and includes cases assigned to that judge for the 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. docket (if there is a 2:00 p.m. docket).    
2. The docket for the next Motions Day is posted 2 business days prior to the Motions Day.  Refer to the docket to determine what judge has been assigned to the case. 
3.  NOTE: If this link does not display the correct docket, you should click on the link to display the docket, and then hold the SHIFT key and click on the Refresh arrow.    

MEETING LINKS for the next REMOTE Motions Day

JOIN ON YOUR COMPUTER, MOBILE APP, OR ROOM DEVICE

Instructions are below. 

JULY 22, 2026  REMOTE MOTIONS DAY  (posted on 7/20/2026 at  9:40 a.m.)

1. JUDGE REBECCA J. WADE  - 10:00 A.M. DOCKET.  Microsoft Teams software must be downloaded to your device prior to the meeting. MS Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com).                     

                                              Join: the meeting here   

                                              Meeting ID: 299 742 198 766 975 

                                              Passcode: mC3ZZ3NC 

  2.  JUDGE HEIDI E. MEINZER  - 10:00 A.M. DOCKET. Microsoft Teams software must be downloaded to your device prior to the meeting. MS Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com).     

                                             Join: Join the meeting here

                                             Meeting ID: 254 331 364 761 987 

                                             Passcode: VE3nz7wP 

  3.   JUDGE REBECCA J. WADE  - 2:00 P.M. DOCKET. Microsoft Teams software must be downloaded to your device prior to the meeting. MS Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com).     

                                              Join: the meeting here 

                                              Meeting ID: 237 070 244 015 565 

                                              Passcode: xr9Pr67b 

INSTRUCTIONS. To participate with audio and video via the Microsoft Teams meeting link (if your device allows both audio and video).

1. Use the docket posted above to determine which judge will hear your case.
2. Download Microsoft Teams software to your device prior to the remote hearing if you have not already done so. MS Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com. 
3. Click on the appropriate meeting link below to participate in the remote Motions Day hearing with both audio and video (if your device allows audio and video). Remember each judge has a different meeting link for their assigned motions day cases for the 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. remote Motions Day docket.

TELEPHONE CALL-IN NUMBERS  for the next REMOTE Motions Day

JULY 22, 2026  remote Motions Day hearings  (posted on 7/20/2026 at  9:40 a.m.)

1. JUDGE REBECCA J. WADE  - 10:00 A.M. DOCKET.

                       DIAL IN BY PHONE

                        +1 703-719-4698,,588848341# United States, Alexandria 

                        Find a local number 

                        Phone conference ID: 588 848 341# 

 2.  JUDGE HEIDI E. MEINZER  - 10:00 A.M. DOCKET.

                          DIAL IN BY PHONE

                          +1 703-719-4698,,164608974# United States, Alexandria 

                           Find a local number 

                          Phone conference ID: 164 608 974# 

3.   JUDGE REBECCA J. WADE  - 2:00 P.M. DOCKET.

                             DIAL IN BY PHONE

                              +1 703-719-4698,,831755891# United States, Alexandria 

                                Find a local number 

                              Phone conference ID: 831 755 891#  

added 7/23/2026

If you have any questions, please contact the Alexandria Circuit Court Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123.  Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Motions Day hearings will be held in person beginning October 14, 2026 and thereafter 

IN-PERSON MOTIONS DAY 

Civil Motions Days are generally held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 10:00 a.m.  Exceptions are in May (if the Judicial Conference occurs on the 2nd Wednesday of the month) and holidays. 

Refer to Paragraph 35-B for specific Motions Day dates and filing deadlines for each.  

DOCKETING GUIDANCE - GENERAL

Motions are scheduled based on the anticipated length of time needed to hear argument on all of the motions that were properly and completely filed and noticed prior to the filing deadline, and the page limit for the motions, memoranda, briefs, oppositions, etc. that are filed for the motion.

WHERE TO FILE DOCUMENTS

1. ORIGINALS are filed with the CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
2. OPPOSING COUNSEL or pro se litigant. The moving party shall provide a copy of all Motions Day documents to the opposing counsel or pro se litigant.
3. JUDGES' CHAMBERS (MANDATORY until further notice).  A hard copy of all Motions Day documents shall be physically delivered to the 4th floor drop box when the document is filed. Judges’ Chambers cannot accept electronic copies of documents.

DOCKETING GUIDANCE for motions lasting 25 minutes or less and counsel has complied with the 5-page limitation

1. Scheduled on the 10:00 a.m. Motions Day docket if the motion is anticipated to last 25 minutes or less and counsel has complied with the 5-page limitation. An unlimited number of Motions Day cases will be heard at 10:00 a.m. At the Court’s discretion, the matter may be removed from the 10:00 a.m. docket if it appears the matter cannot be heard in 25 minutes or less. 
2. Motion. The motion shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court prior to the deadline.
3. Praecipe. The In-Person Motions Day praecipe (revised 7-16-2026) shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court prior to the deadline. Counsel does not need to call Judges’ Chambers prior to filing the praecipe with the Clerk of Circuit Court.  
4. Adding motions. Additional motions may be added to the previously-scheduled motions day hearing only if the additional motion(s) are timely filed and praeciped on or before the filing deadline and the additional motion(s) can be heard in the same time that was reserved for the initially-docketed motion(s).

DOCKETING GUIDANCE for motions lasting more than 25 minutes or the 5-page limit has been exceeded.

1. Scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. motions day (for up to 3 hours) or on a date-certain. 
2. File the motion with the Clerk of Circuit Court; provide a copy to opposing counsel; and deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box. 
3. Reserve a date-certain. Counsel shall call a court administrator together on the same telephone conference call to schedule a hearing on a 2:00 p.m. Motions Day docket or obtain a date-certain should there be no availability on the 2:00 p.m. Motions Day docket. All counsel and pro se litigants shall agree to have their case heard at a 2:00 p.m. Motions Day docket or a date-certain. Court administrator's telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
4.  Praecipe. After obtaining the date-certain either on a 2:00 p.m. Motions Day docket or otherwise, the moving party shall file an appropriate  In-Person Motions Day praecipe (revised 7-16-2026).  to docket the motion.
5. Filing deadlines for 2:00 p.m. Motions Day and date-certain hearings  are the same as Motions Day deadlines. For example, motions have to be filed and praeciped at least 2.5 weeks prior to the hearing date. Oppositions/responses are due at least 1 week prior to the hearing date. 
6. Adding motions to the previously scheduled date-certain hearing. Additional motions may be added only if the additional motion(s) are timely filed and praeciped on or before the filing deadline and the additional motion(s) can be heard in the same time that was reserved for the initially docketed motion(s). After filing the additional motion(s), counsel shall call a court administrator (703.746.4123) regarding the additional motion(s), and then file an appropriate praecipe.

MOTION - INITIATING MOTION 

The first motion filed and praeciped to be heard on a specific Motions Day date.  

1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS to be filed by the moving party. File the originals with the Clerk of Circuit Court, provide a copy to opposing counsel, and deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.
   1. MOTION. The motion to be heard must be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court prior to or in conjunction with the praecipe.  
   2. PRAECIPE. In-Person Motions Day praecipe (revised 7-16-2026). The Court strongly encourages use of the Court-provided praecipe as it includes mandatory Rule 4:15(b) language. This praecipe has been modified to indicate in-person Motions Day hearings.
2. PAGE LIMIT. 
   1. All motions, memorandum in support, oppositions, or responses are limited to 5 pages in total. For example, the moving party can file both a motion and memorandum in support, but both documents are not to exceed 5 pages total together.
   2. All documents shall be in 12-point font and double-spaced.
3. FILING DEADLINES FOR INITIATING MOTIONS. Refer to Paragraph 35-B for specific filing deadlines for each in-person Motions Day. If the filing deadline falls on a holiday (or a date on which the Court is scheduled to be closed), the deadline is pushed back a day. (For example: if the deadline is June 19 (Juneteenth) when the Court is closed, the new deadline would be the day before, June 18).
   1. PRAECIPE.  On the Friday 2.5 weeks prior to the Motions Day date.
   2. INITIATING MOTION. On the Friday 2.5 weeks prior to the Motions Day date.
   3. MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT. On the Wednesday 2 weeks prior to Motions Day.
   4. OPPOSITIONS/RESPONSES. On the Wednesday 1 week prior to Motions Day.
   5. Responses to oppositions/responses will not be considered. 
   6. ORDERS.
      1. PROPOSED ORDERS (filed prior to the hearing). On the Wednesday 1 week prior to Motions Day.
      2. POST-HEARING ORDERS shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court promptly and shall reflect the name of the presiding judge.
      3. DISPUTES OVER THE LANGUAGE OF A PROPOSED DECREE OR ORDER (competing orders). Counsel shall confer and attempt to reach an agreement on the wording of the decree or order. Failing such agreement, on or before a date to be agreed upon between counsel but no later than fifteen (15) days after the date of the hearing at which the ruling was made, each counsel shall file with the Clerk his respective proposed decree or order and a concise written argument in support of his position. The order or decree should reflect the name of the appropriate judge. Both proposed orders or decrees shall be signed by both counsel of record, preserving objections as necessary and appropriate. The Court will enter the order it deems appropriate.
   7. GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORTS. On the Friday 0.5 weeks prior to Motions Day.
   8. EVIDENCE AND EXHIBITS. Shall be brought to the courtroom on Motions Day.
4. REMOVAL OR CONTINUANCE OF MOTIONS. 
   1. If a motion is continued from one Motions Day to another by agreement of counsel, by the judge in open court or by conference call, a new praecipe must be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court.
   2. To remove a motion verbally, the moving party shall call a Circuit Court Law Clerk (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
   3. Removal praecipe. Counsel shall also file a praecipe removing the motion from the Motions Day with the Clerk of Circuit Court.
5. SET DATE MATTERS. If parties cannot agree to the scheduling of a matter (motions day date, trial date, etc.) the matter may be set for a Motions Day. In such circumstance, no motion is required and the praecipe shall state that the matter is on for “set date”.

ADDITIONAL MOTION(S). 

All subsequent motions in the same case after the initiating motion has been praeciped for a specific motions day. The moving party shall file the appropriate documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court on or before the filing deadline, provide a copy to opposing counsel, and deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.

1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS to be filed by the moving party. File the originals with the Clerk of Circuit Court, provide a copy to opposing counsel, and deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.
   1. MOTION. Refer to “Initiating Motions” section above.
   2. PRAECIPE Refer to “Initiating Motions” section above.
2. PAGE LIMIT.  Refer to “Initiating Motions” section above.
3. FILING DEADLINES FOR ADDITIONAL MOTIONS. Refer to Paragraph 35-B for specific filing deadlines for each in-person Motions Day. If the filing deadline falls on a holiday (or a date on which the Court is scheduled to be closed), the deadline is pushed back a day. (For example: if the deadline is June 19 (Juneteenth) when the Court is closed, the new deadline would be the day before, June 18).
   1. PRAECIPE. On the Friday 1.5 weeks prior to the Motions Day date.
   2. MOTION. On the Friday 1.5 weeks prior to the Motions Day date.
   3. MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT.  On the Wednesday 1 week prior to Motions Day.
   4. OPPOSITIONS/RESPONSES. On the Friday 0.5 weeks prior to Motions Day.
   5. Responses to oppositions/responses will not be considered.
   6. ORDERS. Same as for initiating motions (see above).
   7. GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORTS.  Same as for initiating motions (see above).
   8. EVIDENCE AND EXHIBITS. Same as for initiating motions (see above).

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR ALL MOTIONS

1. CIRCUIT COURT OPINIONS (if applicable) shall be attached to the motion when filed.
2. COMPEL - MOTIONS TO COMPEL. Refer to the Court’s website at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt > scroll to “Compel - Motions to Compel”.
3. CONTINUANCE OF A MOTION. A new praecipe shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court, a copy shall be provided to opposing counsel, and a mandatory copy hard copy shall be physically delivered to the 4th floor drop box in the following situations:
   1. By a Judge. If a motion is continued by a Judge during a Motions Day hearing; or 
   2. By agreement of counsel in open court.
4. INTERPRETER SERVICES FOR MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS. The person (or their counsel) who requires interpreter services shall complete the Foreign Language Interpreter Request Form as early as possible. If an interpreter is not timely requested, there is a possibility of the hearing not going forward.  The Foreign Language Interpreter Request form and instructions are on the Court’s website at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt > scroll to Interpreter Services.  
   1. Cancellation Reminder. Counsel shall call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 if the interpreter is no longer needed. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

5. SHOW CAUSE ORDERS.  Refer to the Court’s website at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt > scroll to “Show Cause Orders”.

                           

Updated  1/23/2026

A.  Adult Name Change Packet  

1. Residency requirement. The person whose name is being changed must live in the City of Alexandria (not Fairfax County). 

   Fairfax County residents must apply for a name change at Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 (703.691.7320).

2. ADULT Name change packet has been prepared for pro se litigants (those persons without legal representation).
   1. The packet includes general instructions for Alexandria Circuit Court and sample documents (name change petition and name change order; both documents are fill-in-the-blank forms).
   2. Last update:  July 2014
   3. Free download   https://alexlibraryva.org/law-library  Scroll down to “Information Packets” on the lower left side of the webpage.
   4. Hard copy (for a fee)    Alexandria Law Library  520 King Street,  Lower Level, Alexandria, VA 22314   (Open 9:00am to 2:00pm)
3. All documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

B.   MINOR NAME CHANGE PACKET

1. Residency requirement. The person whose name is being changed must live in the City of Alexandria (not Fairfax County).  

   Fairfax County residents must apply for a name change at Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 (703.691.7320).

2. Signatures of both parents are required on the
   1. Petition;  and
   2. Order.
3. MINOR CHILD Name change packet has been prepared for pro se litigants (those persons without legal representation).
   1. The packet includes general instructions for Alexandria Circuit Court and sample documents (name change petition and name change order; both documents are fill-in-the-blank forms).
   2. Last update:  November 2018
   3. Free download   https://alexlibraryva.org/law-library  Scroll down to “Information Packets” on the lower left side of the webpage.
   4. Hard copy (for a fee)    Alexandria Law Library  520 King Street,  Lower Level, Alexandria, VA 22314   (Open 9:00am to 2:00pm)

4. All documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

    

C.  COURT PERSONNEL CANNOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE  

No one in the courthouse can provide legal advice or assistance in completing a document or form.

If you need additional assistance, you must seek legal counsel. 

Contact Alexandria Lawyer Referral at 703.548.4077 if you need help finding an attorney.

updated 7/22/2026

A.   ORIGINAL documents are always filed  with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

B.    COPIES to Judges' Chambers are delivered to the 4th floor drop box. These copies are typically not entered (wait for the original to be received from the Clerk's office). Judges' Chambers does not accept emailed documents.

           1.  MOTIONS DAY - MANDATORY copies of all documents must be delivered to the 4th floor drop box

           2.  Courtesy copies of documents are optional.

Instructions

1. AGREED ORDERS OR FINAL DECREES. All agreed orders or Final Decrees require the signature of opposing counsel (or pro se litigant). Refer to "Signatures on Pleadings, Orders, Etc." section for additional guidance.
2. DISPUTES OVER THE LANGUAGE OF A PROPOSED DECREE OR ORDER ("competing orders").  Counsel shall confer and attempt to reach an agreement on the wording of the decree or order. Failing such agreement, on or before a date to be agreed upon between counsel but no later than fifteen (15) days after the date of the hearing at which the ruling was made, each counsel shall file with the Clerk his respective proposed decree or order and a concise written argument in support of his position. The order or decree should reflect the name of the appropriate judge. Both proposed orders or decrees shall be signed by both counsel of record, preserving objections as necessary and appropriate. The Court will enter the order it deems appropriate..
3. GENERAL RECEIVER DEPOSITS. Refer to “General Receiver Deposits” section of this website.
4. JUDGMENT ORDERS. All Judgment Orders shall specifically name the defendant(s) upon which the judgment is granted in the last paragraph of the order.
5. MOTIONS DAY - PROPOSED ORDERS. 
   1. Filing deadline: 1 week prior to the hearing date. If the filing deadline falls on a holiday (or a date on which the Court is scheduled to be closed), the deadline is pushed back a day. (For example: if the deadline is June 19 (Juneteenth) when the Court is closed, the new deadline would be the day before, June 18).
   2. All original documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   3.  MANDATORY copy shall be delivered to 4th floor drop box (emails are not accepted).
6. NONSUIT ORDER
   1. If a responsive pleading has been filed.  The nonsuit order shall state this is the first nonsuit and that no counterclaims, crossclaims, or third-party claims by an adverse party have been filed. Opposing counsel's signature shall be included on the proposed order.
   2. If the complaint has not been served or a responsive pleading has not been filed.  The nonsuit order shall state that this is the first nonsuit and that no counterclaims, crossclaims, or third-party claims by an adverse party have been filed, and that a responsive pleading has not been filed.  Plaintiff’s signature is the only signature required on the nonsuit order.

updated 4/4/2025

1. NON-INTEREST BEARING ACCOUNT. All funds paid into the Circuit Court will be deposited in the Clerk of Circuit Court's non-interest bearing account.
2. INTEREST BEARING ACCOUNT. If counsel or parties desire funds to be deposited into an interest‑bearing account, they may do so by court order that directs the funds be paid directly to the General Receiver of the Court (not the Clerk of Circuit Court). The General Receiver shall deposit the funds in an interest bearing account until further order of the court. The General Receiver will not accept any funds until he has received a copy of the court’s order.

updated  7/22/2026

1. MANDATORY. Pretrial conferences are MANDATORY for all divorce Equitable Distribution trials and any civil trial lasting more than two (2) days.
2. WHO ATTENDS A PRETRIAL CONFERENCE. Only counsel and pro se litigants attend pretrial conferences.  Persons with legal representation do not attend pretrial conferences.
3. DISCUSSION AT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE. At the pretrial conference, counsel shall be prepared to discuss the following with the judge and opposing counsel:  
   1. What are the outstanding issues? 
   2. What is the estimated length of trial time needed? 
   3.  Is there a possibility of settlement? 
   4. Is a technology courtroom needed to present electronic (digital) evidence?  (Counsel may also call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 to request a technology courtroom for the trial.)
   5. Is anyone requesting remote witness testimony?   (Note: Such request must be done in writing at least 15 days in advance of the trial date. Instructions are posted on this website (refer to "Remote Testimony").
4. MOTIONS ARE NOT DISCUSSED AT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE. Motions, including motions to continue, cannot be heard at a pretrial conference and shall be scheduled separately from the pretrial conference.

5. PRETRIAL CONFERENCE TIME.  

   1. All pretrial conferences are initially scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on a date certain approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to the trial date.  
   2. The pretrial conference may be held by telephone conference call at the Judge's discretion in which case counsel shall be contacted by a court administrator approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to the pretrial conference date with an assigned time and conference call instructions for the pretrial conference. 
      1. The assigned time for the pretrial conference will be between 9:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. 
      2. Telephone conference call instructions for the pretrial conference will be included in the email.
      3. On the day of the pretrial conference, all counsel are to call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) together on the same telephone conference call. 
   3. The pretrial conference may remain in-person at the Judge's discretion in which case counsel shall be contacted by a court administrator approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to the pretrial conference date with a reminder that the pretrial conference will be held in-person in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse (refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment).

    

**NOTICE TO PRO SE LITIGANTS**       7/6/2016

For pro se litigants who schedule trials (either jury or non-jury) or contested or equitable distribution divorces (including matters relating to child/spousal support and visitation/custody), please be advised that 

1. You must know what the law is relating to your issues and you will be expected to adhere to the Rules of Evidence and Rules of Court.
2. If you have a witness or witnesses that you want to have testify on your behalf, unless they are willing to come to court voluntarily, you must serve them with a lawful subpoena. 
3. You must have all the proper pleadings prepared and filed no later than one week prior to the trial date.
4. You must know how to proceed with presenting your case, including testifying, examination of witnesses and introduction of exhibits (documents, photographs or other tangible objects) as the Court will not be able help you with the case at trial.
5. The Court, in its discretion, may dismiss your case if you do not follow the above procedures.

To assist pro se/self-represented litigants, please refer to The Virginia Judicial System Court Self‑Help Website, http://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/.  This website provides neutral legal information as a public service in topical areas commonly sought by self-represented litigants, such as traffic tickets, divorce, and landlord and tenant issues.

You are strongly advised to obtain an attorney to represent you. The Court and its employees cannot give you legal advice on how to proceed; if you need such advice, then you must hire an attorney.

updated 3/2/2026

(Civil cases only) REMOTE TESTIMONY BY PARTY OR WITNESS USING THE COURT’S TECHNOLOGY CART WITH YOUR LAPTOP AND A MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING LINK ISSUED BY YOU (not the Court)

Permission must be granted by a judge in advance of the trial or hearing.

Instructions:

1. (mandatory) MOTION REQUESTING REMOTE TESTIMONY. 
   1. The motion requesting remote testimony shall include
      1. the name of the person requesting remote testimony;
      2. the reason why the remote testimony is necessary;
      3. Opposing counsel’s position on the request (agreement or opposition) if possible; and
      4.  Certificate of Service including the date and method by which the Motion was provided to opposing counsel
   2. Filing deadline:  At least 15 days prior to the trial or hearing date.
   3. File the original document with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   4. Provide a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box; and

   5. Provide a MANDATORY copy to opposing counsel. 

       

2. (mandatory) ORDER REGARDING REMOTE TESTIMONY (Sample Order of Remote Testimony)

   1. The Order Regarding Remote Testimony shall include
      1. The name of the person who made the motion and who will be testifying remotely; and
      2.  A statement that “[a]ny oath administered to a party or witness testifying by means of audiovisual technology shall be deemed to have been administered within the Commonwealth”; and
      3. A statement that “the oath having been administered to [name of person]”; and
      4.  A statement that “[name of person], by taking the oath and testifying remotely before this Court, expressly agrees to be subject to the penalties of perjury under Virginia law and subject to court orders by the Virginia judge regarding the testimony, such as contempt of court powers, adjournment or rescheduling of testimony, and other orders relating to the testimony entered as though the witness was physically present in the Virginia courtroom”; and
      5. A statement  that “[name of person], by taking the oath and testifying remotely before this Court, consents to personal jurisdiction of the Virginia courts for enforcement of the perjury laws and orders relating to the testimony of the witness entered by the judge presiding over the trial.” 
   2. File the original document with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   3. Provide a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box; and
   4. Provide a MANDATORY copy to opposing counsel. 

    

3.   (if any)  WRITTEN OPPOSITIONS. 
   1. Opposing counsel shall file written opposition (if any) within 5 days after service of such motion. 
   2. File original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   3. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.

   4. Provide a copy to opposing counsel when the opposition is filed.

       

4.  (if permission is granted).  
   1. Counsel shall call the Clerk's office (703.746.4044) or Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) to ask if the order was entered.
   2. Counsel shall refer to the "Technology in the Courtroom" section of this website to include the following:
   3. (mandatory training) Counsel shall take mandatory training in advance of the trial date to learn how to operate the Court's tech cart equipment.
   4. (tech cart reservation) Counsel shall call Courts IT at 703.746.4310 to reserve the Court's tech cart for the trial.
   5. (issue MS Teams meeting link) Counsel (or pro se litigant) shall issue the MS Teams meeting link. 
      1. The Court does not issue meeting links for remote witness testimony.
      2. The meeting invitation must include (a) name of case, docket number, and date/time of trial or hearing; (b) advise recipients to download the MS Teams application to their device prior to the meeting if needed; and (c) advise recipients that MS Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com.
      3. The meeting link must be received at least 2 business days prior to the trial date.
      4. The meeting invitation shall be sent to the person testifying remotely, opposing counsel, and the court administrators at CircuitCourtJudges@alexandriava.gov.
      5. Call 703.746.4123 with questions. 
   6. (bring laptop to trial).  Counsel shall bring their laptop to court on the trial date. The attorney will connect their laptop to the Court's tech cart, and then use the MS Teams meeting link to start the remote testimony at the appropriate time.

updated 7/23/2026

Settlement conferences are upon request only. All counsel or pro se litigants must agree to schedule a settlement conference. To the extent possible, the Judge presiding over the settlement conference will not hear the case.  

Settlement conferences are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. up to 1 hour.

Instructions

1. Schedule settlement conference by calling a court administrator at 703.746.4123. Counsel or pro se litigants shall be on the same telephone conference call to schedule the settlement conference. The settlement conference shall be scheduled far enough out to allow counsel to comply with the deadline for submitting brief factual statements (see below).
   1. File a praecipe with the Clerk of Circuit Court after selecting a settlement conference date.
2. Prepare brief factual statement
   1. Each party prepares a brief factual statement to include the case from their viewpoint and a statement of the amount or conditions of the demands or offers.
   2. Deliver the brief factual statement to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. The delivery deadline is 5 business days prior to the settlement conference. The deadline is moved back one day for each day the court is closed for a holiday between the delivery deadline and the settlement conference date.
3. Attend settlement conference.
   1. The settlement conference is held in-person at 9:00 a.m. Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for the location.
   2. Attendance by attorneys and pro se litigants only (clients do not attend the settlement conference).

   3. All attorneys should come to the settlement conference with decision-making and settlement authority. The client or authorized representative must be available by phone during the conference.

       

Added on 7/22/2026

SHOW CAUSE ORDERS. 

Refer to Virginia Code § 8.01-274.1. A show cause order must be filed with a returnable date to a specific Motions Day at 10:00 a.m. Once entered, this Order (plus the Motion or verified petition) must be served on the opposing party and proof of service must be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court PRIOR to the Motions Day hearing. 

       NOTE:   A mandatory copy of all Motions Day documents shall be delivered to the 4th floor drop box when the document is filed.

 updated 2/19/2025

SIGNATURES.  All documents filed (including pleadings and orders) must be signed by counsel for the filing party, or personally signed if the party is proceeding pro se.  In accordance with Va. Code 8.01-271.1, “electronic signatures” are permissible.

SIGNATURE BLOCK REQUIREMENTS.  The signature block shall include counsel or pro se party’s contact information, to include name, counsel’s bar number (if applicable), mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if any).

updated 1/23/2026

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) appeals are heard on the UNCONTESTED 9:00 A.M. DOCKET (refer to that section of this website for specific dates and deadlines),

1.  Counsel or pro se litigant appeals the case in the JDR Clerk's office. The JDR Clerk assigns the date of the Selection of Trial Date hearing by using specific cut-off dates. The date and time of the Selection of Trial Date hearing will appear on the Notice of the Appeal.
2. After 10 days (during which time the appellant may withdraw the appeal), the case is sent from JDR to the Clerk of Circuit Court. The Clerk of Circuit Court shall issue a Notice of Appeal to be served on the appellee to make that person aware of the Selection of Trial Date hearing date and time.
3. The Selection of Trial Date hearing is held at 9:00 a.m. in the 4th floor lobby area, typically on the 2nd Monday of the month. If the 2nd Monday of the month is a holiday, the hearing will be held on the next business day.
4. All SIJS appeal trials will be held on the UNCONTESTED 9:00 A.M. Docket.  Those hearing dates and filing deadline dates are posted to this website at "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket". 
   1. Before scheduling the trial date, counsel is advised that proof of service is required by § 16.1-296 and that the trial date should be scheduled far enough in advance to allow return of such service.  
5. There are 2 ways to set the Circuit Court trial date
   1. All counsel and pro se litigants (if any) call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) together on the same telephone call to schedule a Circuit Court trial date; or
   2. All counsel and pro se litigants appear at the Selection of Trial Date hearing to schedule a Circuit Court trial date.
   3. After selecting a Circuit Court trial date, counsel shall sign a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order.  If the trial date is scheduled by telephone, counsel shall file a fully endorsed Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within 14 days with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website.  A copy of the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order does not have to be delivered to the 4th floor drop box. 
6. SERVICE.
   1. PROOF OF SERVICE is required by § 16.1-296. The proof of service will be reviewed by the Court in advance of the trial date. The trial date will be removed if the proof of service has not been filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court or is not sufficient.
   2. PROOF OF PUBLICATION (if needed).  The original shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court, and a MANDATORY copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box. The filing deadline is 7 days prior to the trial date. 
   3. If service cannot be completed  or waived by the trial date, the case will be removed from the docket, and counsel will be contacted regarding effectuating service.
7.   APPELLANT'S FAILURE TO APPEAR for the selection of trial date hearing. If the appellant fails to appear at the selection of trial date hearing.
   1.  (option 1)  If the appellee appears, the appellee may set the trial date; or
   2.  (option 2)  The Court may continue the selection of trial date hearing to a future date.  A notice of docket call/status conference will be mailed to all counsel and pro se litigants approximately 3 weeks prior to the next hearing.  Refer to “Status Conference” section of this website for additional information; or 
   3. (option 3)  The Court may dismiss the appeal and remand the case to JDR for enforcement of all orders after the appellant fails to appear for a total of 3 hearings to select a trial date (either by selection of trial trial or status conference/docket call hearings). The dismissal order will be mailed to all parties.
8. SCHEDULE INTERPRETER if necessary for the SIJS hearing. Refer to the "Interpreter Services" section of this website.
9. FILE ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS in the Clerk's office and deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box. The filing deadline is 7 days prior to the trial date. Additional documents include
   1. Proof of Service (see above)
   2. Proof of Publication or signed waiver of service (see above)
   3. Notice of Hearing
   4. Final order
10. ATTEND TRIAL.  The trial will be held in-person in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria VA  22314.  Consult the 4th floor bulletin board for courtroom assignment.
11. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT HEARING (if any)  are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

Refer to “Appeals” section.

updated 07/22/2026

1. STATUS CONFERENCE NOTICE  August 10, 2026  status conference (docket call) notice
2. .ALL CIVIL CASES are scheduled for a status conference (docket call) to set a trial date if appropriate. Alexandria Circuit Court’s goal is to have all civil cases resolved within one year of the filing date (the case is ended when the final order is entered by a judge).
3. IF YOU RECEIVE A STATUS CONFERENCE/DOCKET CALL NOTICE 
   1. If you have an attorney, give the notice to your attorney.
   2. DO NOT COME TO COURT. All status conference/docket call hearings are by telephone to a court administrator at 703.746.4123. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
   3.  CHECK THE STATUS OF THE CASE.  
      1. Has the complaint been served on the Defendant? 
      2. Has the Defendant filed a responsive pleading?
   4. SERVICE OF THE COMPLAINT.  Service of the Complaint on the Defendant(s) shall be effected as soon as possible. The trial date cannot be scheduled until after the Defendant is served with the Complaint and has an opportunity to respond. Contact the Clerk's office to assistance in issuing service.  https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
4. CALL A COURT ADMINISTRATOR  to discuss the status of the case.  
   1. 703.746.4123. Telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
   2. You may call at any time after receiving the status conference/docket call notice. CALL EARLY IF POSSIBLE. You do not need to wait until the day of the status conference/docket call.  Keep trying to call if the telephones are busy.
5. SET A TRIAL DATE if appropriate. Alexandria Circuit Court’s goal is to have all civil cases resolved within one year of the filing date. A case is ended when a judge signs the final order. 
   1. All counsel or pro se litigants shall call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 together on the same telephone call to schedule a trial date.
   2. (file Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order).  Counsel and pro se litigants shall file a fully-endorsed Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within two (2) weeks after scheduling a trial date. The order shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
      1. If the pretrial scheduling order is not filed in the Clerk's office within 2 weeks after setting a trial date, the Court will prepare and mail the order to all counsel and pro se litigants. 
6. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO STATUS CONFERENCE / DOCKET CALL NOTICE. Failure to respond to the Court's status conference notice by 1:00 p.m. on the date of the status conference (docket call) may result in the case being discontinued.  If a discontinuance order is signed by a judge, the case is removed from the active case docket and the case is ended.

updated  7/22/2026

Structured settlements - Entry of Order may be heard  (Option #1-A) on a REMOTE Motions Day hearing at 10:00 a.m.; (Option #1-B) at an IN-PERSON Motions Day hearing at 10:00 a.m.; or (Option #2) at an in-person hearing on the Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket.

(Option #1-A)   REMOTE Motions Day Hearing at 10:00 a.m.

Remote Motions Day hearings are available until September 23, 2026.

Motions Day hearings are at 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. (The schedule may change in May due to the Judicial Conference or if a holiday falls on the 2nd or 4th Wednesday of the month. Consult the posted calendar for specific Motions Day dates.)

1.   PREPARE THE  INITIATING DOCUMENTS including
   1. Application for approval of structured settlement
   2. Notice of proposed transfer
   3. Final order containing the statutory requirements for structured settlements. Refer to "General Receiver Deposits" section of this website for additional information. 
2. FILE INITIATING DOCUMENTS prior to the deadline
   1. All original documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.  
   3. Filing deadline: Refer to "Motions Day" sections of this website.
3. SCHEDULE the REMOTE Motions Day prior to the deadline
   1. File a Motions Day Praecipe for Remote Hearings (updated 3-13-2026) (with mandatory remote hearing language; space for email addresses of the moving party, the non-moving party and all interested parties; and the Rule 4:15(b) mandatory certification) prior to the deadline. Refer to the “Motions Day” sections of this website for instructions and filing deadlines.
   2. All original documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   3. Provide a copy to opposing counsel.
   4. Deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.  
4. ATTEND THE REMOTE Motions Day hearing. Counsel and the payee must attend the final hearing, unless good cause exists and a fully-endorsed waiver is filed with the Court. The court may enter the final order if appropriate (and if the proposed order was filed and a mandatory copy was delivered to the 4th floor drop box prior to the hearing).  
   1. For remote Motions Day hearings - Use the MS Teams meeting link or telephone call-in number to attend the remote hearing. 
5. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

(Option #1-B)   IN-PERSON Motions Day Hearing at 10:00 a.m.

In-Person Motions Day hearings are available beginning October 14, 2026 and thereafter.

Motions Day hearings are at 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. (The schedule may change in May due to the Judicial Conference or if a holiday falls on the 2nd or 4th Wednesday of the month. Consult the posted calendar for specific Motions Day dates.)

1.   PREPARE THE  INITIATING DOCUMENTS including
   1. Application for approval of structured settlement
   2. Notice of proposed transfer
   3. Final order containing the statutory requirements for structured settlements. Refer to "General Receiver Deposits" section of this website for additional information. 
2. FILE INITIATING DOCUMENTS prior to the deadline
   1. All original documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.  
   3. Filing deadline: Refer to "Motions Day" sections of this website.
3. SCHEDULE the IN-PERSON Motions Day prior to the deadline
   1. File a Motions Day Praecipe for In-Person Hearings (revised 7-16-2026) (with theRule 4:15(b) mandatory certification) prior to the deadline. Refer to the “Motions Day” sections of this website for instructions and filing deadlines.
   2. All original documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   3. Provide a copy to opposing counsel.
   4. Deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.  
4. ATTEND the IN-PERSON Motions Day hearing. Counsel and the payee must attend the final hearing, unless good cause exists and a fully-endorsed waiver is filed with the Court. The court may enter the final order if appropriate (and if the proposed order was filed and a mandatory copy was delivered to the 4th floor drop box prior to the hearing).  
5. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

(Option #2)  UNCONTESTED 9:00 A.M. DOCKET FOR IN-PERSON HEARING

The Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket schedule and filing deadline dates are posted to this website at "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. Docket".  Be advised that cases will not be docketed unless counsel calls Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123; telephones are answered 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to schedule a hearing and the appropriate documents are filed prior to the filing deadline.

1.   PREPARE THE  INITIATING DOCUMENTS including
   1. Application for approval of structured settlement
   2. Notice of proposed transfer
   3. Final order containing the statutory requirements for structured settlements. Refer to "General Receiver Deposits" section of this website for additional information. 
2. FILE INITIATING DOCUMENTS prior to the deadline
   1. All original documents are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.  
   3. Filing deadline: Refer to "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket" section of this website.
3. SCHEDULE UNCONTESTED 9:00 A.M. HEARING
   1. Call a court administrator at 703.746.4123.  Telephones are answered 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4. File REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING.  Filing deadline: Refer to "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket" section of this website.
   2.   NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFER. Filing deadline: Refer to "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket" section of this website.
   3.  FINAL ORDER. Refer to "General Receiver Deposits" section of this website for additional instructions. Filing deadline: Refer to "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket" section of this website.
5. FILE GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORT Filing deadline: 3 business days prior to the hearing date.
6. ATTEND THE IN-PERSON HEARING. Counsel, interested parties, and the payee shall must attend the final hearing, unless good cause exists and a fully-endorsed waiver is filed with the Court. The in-person hearing will be held in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314. Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for courtroom assignment.
7. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

The Supreme Court of Virginia's primary purpose is to review the decisions of lower courts in which appeals have been allowed. The Court, which is located in Richmond, also has the power to issue writs of mandamus, habeas corpus, and prohibition; it has original jurisdiction in cases of judicial censure and removal.  The Court has seven justices who are elected by joint vote of both houses of the General Assembly and are commissioned by the Governor to serve 12-year terms. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is the administrative head of the state judicial system.  For more information, visit the Supreme Court of Virginia web site.

updated 7/22/2026

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS       Call Courts IT at 703.746.4310.

TECH CART (for remote witness testimony)

1. Remote witness testimony must be approved by a judge at least 15 days in advance of the trial or hearing. Instructions are on this website at "Remote Testimony".

2. To reserve a tech cart (after permission is granted). Call Courts IT at 703.746.4310.

    

TECHNOLOGY COURTROOM - Electronic (digital) Evidence Presentation system

1. To reserve a technology courtroom, call a court administrator at 703.746.4123 (telephones are answered 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). There are 3 technology-equipped courtrooms that are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Training on the Court's technology courtroom equipment is mandatory (see below).
3. TRAINING must be taken in advance of the trial or hearing date (see below).
4. ON DAY OF TRIAL
   1. The previously-trained person should bring the same equipment (laptop, cables, etc.) that were used at the training session.
   2. The previously-training person will be expected to operate the Court's equipment without assistance. 

   3. All electronic (digital) evidence shall be on a digital media device such as thumb drive or external hard drive, which the Court will retain if the evidence is admitted at trial. The electronic evidence may also be printed out as a hard copy for the Court to retain if admitted.

      Cell phones are not recommended for digital media as the Court will retain the cell phone if the evidence is admitted at trial.

TRAINING on the TECH CART or the TECHNOLOGY COURTROOM

1. MANDATORY TRAINING on the Court’s electronic evidence presentation system and/or tech cart must be taken by the person who will be operating the equipment PRIOR TO THE TRIAL/HEARING DATE. 
2. EVERY THURSDAY from 8:00am to 9:00am in Circuit Courtroom #1 on the 4th floor of the courthouse. No reservations are necessary (report to Courtroom #1 on the 4th floor).
   1. Call Courts IT at 703.746.4310 to request training on a date other than a Thursday. (This may not always be possible depending on trials scheduled to be held in the courtrooms.)
3. BRING TO TRAINING. Your laptop, cables, digital media device, and electronic evidence (the same equipment you will use at trial).  The laptop should have Windows OS or Mac OS and a native HDMI port (or bring a HDMI dongle/converter).  Your laptop, cables and flash drive will be tested to ensure compatibility with the Court's equipment.

updated  7/23/2026

 TERM DAYS are held 6 times year (in January, March, May, July, September and November) for the purpose of setting a trial date after proper service has been effected. Other set-date options include (a) counsel call a court administrator  at 703.746.4123 together on the same telephone call; or (b) schedule a set-date motion for a Motions Day (refer to “Motions Day” sections for instructions).

Term Days are held at 9:00 a.m. in the 4th floor lobby typically on the 2nd Monday of the month. If a holiday falls on the 2nd Monday of the month, the Term Day will be held on the following day.

Refer to the "Calendar" section of this website for specific Term Day dates.

To docket a case for a TERM DAY hearing

1. Prepare a  Term Day Praecipe 
2. File the Praecipe 
   1. File the original with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Filing deadline is the preceding Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. If Wednesday is a holiday, the filing deadline is Tuesday (1 day prior).
   2. Provide a copy to opposing counsel; and
   3. Deliver a mandatory copy to the 4th floor drop box.

ATTEND THE TERM DAY HEARING. 

There are 2 options to select the trial date after the Term Day notice has been provided to opposing counsel.

1. (Option #1)  Prior to the Term Day.  Counsel and pro se litigant call a court administrator  (703.746.4123; telephones are answered 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) together on the same telephone conference call to schedule the trial date; or
2. (Option #2)  Counsel and pro se litigants appear together in the 4th floor lobby to select a trial date. If opposing counsel does not appear at the Term Day hearing, the trial date may still be scheduled.

3. FILE UNIFORM PRETRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER.

   Counsel and pro se litigants shall file a fully-endorsed Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within two (2) weeks after scheduling a trial date. The order shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 

   1. If the pretrial scheduling order is not filed in the Clerk's office within 2 weeks after setting a trial date, the Court will prepare and mail the order to all counsel and pro se litigants.  

    

updated 7/22/2026

Counsel may schedule a trial date by 

      (option #1) calling a court administrator (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) together on the same telephone conference call; or 

        (option #2) scheduling a set-date hearing on a Motions Day (typically the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month except in May [for the judicial conference] or if a holiday falls on the 2nd or 4th Wednesday of the month); or

         (option #3) scheduling a Term Day hearing. 

(option 1)   COUNSEL CALLS A COURT ADMINISTRATOR ON THE SAME TELEPHONE CALL

                      703.746.4123  TELEPHONES ARE ANSWERED 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This option is available only if all defendants have been served, the proof of service has been filed with the Clerk’s office, and the defendant has filed a responsive pleading.

1. Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 together on the same telephone conference call. All counsel and pro se litigants must participate in the telephone conference call.

2. Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order.  After selecting a trial date (by any method), a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order shall be filed with the Clerk of Court within two weeks. Counsel prepares the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order, signs the order and forwards the order to opposing counsel or pro se litigant.The order includes the dates of the trial and the pretrial conference (if any).The order states if the trial is jury or non-jury.

   If counsel does not file a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within a reasonable amount of time, such an order will be prepared by the Court and mailed to counsel.

3. File the original Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 

4. Copies of the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order that have been entered by a judge are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 

    

(option 2)  COUNSEL SCHEDULES A SET-DATE HEARING ON A MOTIONS DAY 

 This option is available only if all defendants have been served, the proof of service has been filed with the Clerk’s office, and the defendant has filed a responsive pleading.

1. Refer to the "Motions Day" sections of this website for Motions Day dates and deadlines, guidance, and praecipe.  
2. MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS
   1. REMOTE MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS. Motions Day hearings will be held remotely until September 23, 2026 via a Microsoft Teams meeting link and telephone call-in number provided by the Court 2 business days prior to the Motions Day.  Refer to "Motions Day-Remote" section of this website for additional information.
   2. IN-PERSON MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS.  In-person Motions Day hearings will resume effective October 14, 2026. Refer to "Motions Day-Remote" section of this website for additional information.

3.  Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order.  After selecting a trial date (by any method), a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order shall be filed with the Clerk of Court within two weeks. Counsel prepares the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order, signs the order and forwards the order to opposing counsel or pro se litigant.The order includes the dates of the trial and the pretrial conference (if any).The order states if the trial is jury or non-jury.

   If counsel does not file a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within a reasonable amount of time, such an order will be prepared by the Court and mailed to counsel.

4. File the original Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
5. Copies of the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order that have been entered by a judge are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 

(option 3)  COUNSEL SCHEDULES A TERM DAY HEARING 

All defendant(s) have been served, the proof of service has been filed with the Clerk’s office, and the defendant has filed a responsive pleading.

1. Refer to the "Term Day" section of this website for Term Day dates and deadlines, guidance, and the Term Day Praecipe.

2.  Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order.  After selecting a trial date (by any method), a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order shall be filed with the Clerk of Court within two weeks. Counsel prepares the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order, signs the order and forwards the order to opposing counsel or pro se litigant.The order includes the dates of the trial and the pretrial conference (if any).The order states if the trial is jury or non-jury.

   If counsel does not file a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within a reasonable amount of time, such an order will be prepared by the Court and mailed to counsel.

3. File the original Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
4. Copies of the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order that have been entered by a judge are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 

updated 7/22/2026

Refer to individual sections of this website for additional guidance. 

Call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) if you need additional instruction.

HEARINGS.  Refer to "Trials and Hearings" below.

MOTIONS DAY. Refer to “Motions Day” sections of this website.

1. REMOTE MOTIONS DAY  (updated 7/22/2026)

   Effective until the October 14, 2026, Motions Day. The last virtual Motions Day hearing will be held on September 23, 2026. 

2. IN-PERSON MOTIONS DAY  (updated 7/22/2026)

   Effective October 14, 2026, Motions Day: Motions Day hearings will be held in-person beginning October 14, 2026, and thereafter.

PRETRIAL MOTIONS

1. Exceeding 5 minutes. All pretrial motions exceeding 5 minutes, including motions in limine, shall be duly noticed for and argued on a Civil Motions Day prior to the trial date.   Refer to the "Motions Day” sections on this website for guidance. 
2. Less than 5 minutes to be heard on day of trial. The motion shall be heard for good cause only; and only if the motion was filed no later than two (2) business days prior to the trial date, with a MANDATORY Chambers’ copy delivered to the 4th floor drop box, AND counsel called Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) to advise that the motion in limine was been filed and delivered to Judges' Chambers. 

STATUS CONFERENCE/DOCKET CALL.  Will be held by telephone only. Call a court administrator (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to discuss the status of the case or to set a trial date. If setting a trial date, all counsel or pro se litigants shall be on the same telephone conference call. Deadline to call a court administrator is 1:00 p.m. on the date of the status conference/docket call.

TRIALS AND HEARINGS

1. Location
   1. In-person trials and hearings are held in a courtroom at 520 King Street, 4th floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. Refer to the docket that is posted on the 4th floor bulletin board for courtroom assignment.
   2. Totally remote trials and hearings are not allowed.
2. Start Times.  
   1. 10:00 a.m. for all contested matters unless otherwise approved by the Court.
   2. Multiple day trials At Judge's discretion, all subsequent days of trial (after Day 1) may start at 9:00 a.m. Counsel and experts shall arrange their schedules accordingly.

WITNESS AND EXPERT AVAILABILITY. 

1. To avoid Court having to recess early or start late, counsel shall make every effort to have their witnesses and experts available and ready to testify. 
2. Requests to stagger witnesses and/or experts shall be made at least two (2) business days prior to the start of the trial and will be granted for good cause. To request staggered witnesses and/or experts, counsel shall deliver a written letter to Judges' Chambers’ 4th floor drop box and include the proposed schedule of witnesses/experts. The Judges will either approve, disapprove or schedule a conference call with counsel to discuss the request.

Updated  5/15/2026

The UNCONTESTED 9:00 a.m. docket is held  on a Friday once or twice a month.

SCHEDULING AND DOCKETING DEADLINE is on the Thursday three (3) weeks prior to the hearing date (unless that date is a holiday, in which case the deadline is moved to the PREVIOUS business day).  See below for specific hearing dates and filing/scheduling deadlines.

               JULY 24, 2026 hearing date.   Filing/scheduling deadline is 7/2/2026.

                 AUGUST 14, 2026 hearing date.    Filing/scheduling deadline is 7/23/2026.

                  AUGUST 28, 2026 hearing date.     Filing/scheduling deadline is 8/6/2026.

                   SEPTEMBER 11, 2026  hearing date.     Filing/scheduling deadline is 8/20/2026.

                   SEPTEMBER 25, 2026  hearing date.    Filing/scheduling deadline is 9/3/2026.

                  OCTOBER 16, 2026   hearing date.     Filing/scheduling deadline is 9/24/2026.

                 OCTOBER 30, 2026  hearing date.     Filing/scheduling deadline is 10/8/2026.

                 NOVEMBER 13, 2026  hearing date.    Filing/scheduling deadline is 10/8/2026.

                 (Court is closed on November 27, 2026.  No hearings.)

                 DECEMBER 11, 2026  hearing date.    Filing/scheduling deadline is 11/19/2026.

                  (Court is closed on December 25, 2026. No hearings.)

TYPES OF CASES that may be scheduled on the Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket

1. APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN (if uncontested).  Refer to “Appointment of Guardians” section of this website for additional guidance.
2. DIVORCES (if uncontested with plaintiff's oral sworn testimony). Refer to “Divorces” section of this website for additional guidance.
3. GARNISHMENTS (if uncontested). Refer to "Garnishment" section of this website.
4.  INFANT SETTLEMENTS (if uncontested).   Refer to “Infant Settlement” section of this website.
5. SIJS - Special Immigrant Juvenile Status appeals. Refer to “Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Appeals” and "Interpreter Services" section of this website. Counsel or the pro se litigant must arrange for an interpreter if necessary (Circuit Court does not arrange for an interpreter).
6. WRONGFUL DEATH HEARINGS. Refer to “Wrongful Death Hearings” section of this website.

SCHEDULING AND DOCKETING INSTRUCTIONS 

All cases except for Garnishments

1. PREPARE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. Required documents include but are not limited to the following.
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING DATE (complete this document after scheduling the case with a court administrator; see below).
   2. FINAL ORDER
2. SCHEDULE CASE prior to filing/scheduling deadline.Call a court administrator (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) prior to the deadline.
3. FILE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS with the Clerk of Circuit Court prior to the filing/scheduling deadline. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
4. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
5. CONFIRM RECEIPT.   Call the Clerk's office 703.746.4044 to confirm the initiating paperwork has been received or the SIJS appeal paperwork has been received.
6.  File the GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORT (if necessary).  The filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the hearing date.
   1. File the original with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a copy to the 4th floor drop box.
7. ATTEND THE HEARING.  The in-person hearing will be held in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314. Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for courtroom assignment.
8. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

SCHEDULING AND DOCKETING INSTRUCTIONS 

Garnishment cases (in-person return hearings)

1. PREPARE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. Required documents include but are not limited to the following.
   1. GARNISHMENT REQUEST (complete this document after scheduling the case with a court administrator; see below).
   2. NOTICE OF HEARING DATE (complete this document after scheduling the case with a court administrator; see below).
   3. FINAL ORDER
2. SCHEDULE CASE prior to filing/scheduling deadline.Call a court administrator (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) prior to the deadline.
3. FILE THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS with the Clerk of Circuit Court prior to the filing/scheduling deadline. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
4. Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
5. CONFIRM RECEIPT.   Call the Clerk's office 703.746.4044 to confirm the initiating paperwork has been received or the SIJS appeal paperwork has been received.
6.  File the GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORT (if necessary).  The filing deadline is 3 business days prior to the hearing date.
   1. File the original with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   2. Deliver a copy to the 4th floor drop box.
7. ATTEND THE HEARING.  The in-person hearing will be held in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314. Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board for courtroom assignment.
8. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

Updated 7/22/2026

Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order   (updated Nov 2019) 

1. After selecting a trial date (by any method), a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order shall be filed with the Clerk of Court within two weeks. File the original Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 

   A.  Counsel prepares the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order, signs the order and forwards the order to opposing counsel or pro se litigant. The order includes the dates of the trial and the pretrial conference (if any). The order states if the trial is jury or non-jury.

   B.   If counsel does not file a Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order within a reasonable amount of time, such an order will be prepared by the Court and mailed to counsel.

2. Copies of the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order that have been entered by a judge are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.  

    

Updated 7/22/2026

The final order in wrongful death hearings may be entered 

(option #1)  Without a hearing; or

(option #2)  At a Motions Day hearing; or

(option #3)  At an in-person hearing on the Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket.

(OPTION #1)   WRONGFUL DEATH - FINAL ORDER ENTERED WITHOUT A HEARING

1.   Prepare all required documents to include

           A.   PETITION SEEKING APPROVAL OF WRONGFUL DEATH SETTLMENT

           B.  ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM (refer to “Guardian ad Litem Appointment Order” section of this website for additional guidance)

           C.   FINAL ORDER (refer to “General Receiver Deposits” section for additional instructions).

           D.   GAL REPORT

           E.   WAIVER OF ATTENDANCE AT HEARING. A signed statement from all parties consenting to waive their appearance at the court hearing.

2.    File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to Clerk's Office website. 

3.    Deliver a MANDATORY copy of all documents to the 4th floor drop box.

4.    DOCUMENT REVIEW by the Court

              A.   Typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Clerk's office sends the documents to Judges' Chambers. 

               B.  Counsel will be contacted by a judicial law clerk if the order cannot be entered due to errors or omissions.

5.    STATUS CHECK.  Counsel may call to check the status of the order after 2 to 3 weeks. First call the Clerk's office at 703.746.4044. Only call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if necessary.

6.   COPIES OF FINAL ORDER are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

(OPTION #2)  WRONGFUL DEATH - FINAL ORDER ENTERED AT  MOTIONS DAY HEARING 10:00 a.m. 

Motions Day hearings are held  at 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. (The schedule may change in May due to the Judicial Conference or if a holiday falls on the 2nd or 4th Wednesday of the month; consult the posted calendar for specific Motions Day dates.)

Refer to the “Motions Day” sections of this website for instructions and filing deadlines. 

1.   PREPARE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
   1. PETITION SEEKING APPROVAL OF WRONGFUL DEATH SETTLEMENT
   2. ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM  (refer to “Guardian ad Litem Appointment Order” section of this website for additional guidance)
   3.  FINAL ORDER  (refer to “General Receiver Deposits” section for additional instructions).
2. DOCKET FOR MOTIONS DAY by preparing a MOTIONS DAY PRAECIPE FOR REMOTE HEARINGS (updated 3-13-2026).  The Court strongly encourages use of the Remote Motions Day praecipe which includes the mandatory remote hearing language and space for the moving party to include the required email addresses of the moving party, the non-moving party and all interested parties. 
3. FILE DOCUMENTS with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
4. DELIVER a MANDATORY copy of all documents to the 4th floor drop box.
5. File GUARDIAN AD LITEM REPORT.  Filing deadline is 3 days prior to the Motions Day. 
   1. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
   2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy of all documents to the 4th floor drop box.
6.  ATTEND THE MOTIONS DAY HEARING. The final order may be entered by a judge during the hearing. 
7. COPIES OF ORDERS ENTERED AT THE HEARING (if any) are available after the hearing from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.

(OPTION #3)   WRONGFUL DEATH HEARING -   UNCONTESTED 9:00 a.m. DOCKET 

Wrongful death settlement orders may also be entered on an uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket, held on a Friday, typically once or twice a month.  Refer to “Uncontested 9:00 a.m. Docket” section of this website for specific hearing dates and deadlines. Call a Judicial Law Clerk (staff attorney) at 703.746.4123 if you do not understand a procedure.

1.   PREPARE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
   1. PETITION SEEKING APPROVAL OF WRONGFUL DEATH SETTLEMENT
   2. ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM  (refer to “Guardian ad Litem Appointment Order” section of this website for additional guidance)
   3.  FINAL ORDER  (refer to “General Receiver Deposits” section for additional instructions).
2. SCHEDULE HEARING prior to the filing/scheduling deadline.  Call a court administrator schedule the hearing. (703.746.4123; telephones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) 
3. FILE DOCUMENTS with the Clerk of Circuit Court prior to the filing/scheduling deadline. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
4. Deliver a MANDATORY copy of all documents to the 4th floor drop box.
5. File all remaining documents prior to the deadline (refer to "Uncontested 9:00 a.m. docket")
   1. NOTICE OF HEARING . The notice of hearing shall state the hearing will be held on [date] and [time] in-person, in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street, Alexandria Virginia 22314. Refer to the 4th floor bulletin board/monitor for the courtroom assignment. 
   2.  File the original  with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.
   3.   Deliver a MANDATORY copy to the 4th floor drop box.
6. File GAL REPORT. The filing deadline is 3 days prior to the hearing date.
   1. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt. 
   2. Deliver a MANDATORY copy  to the 4th floor drop box.
7. ATTEND  IN-PERSON HEARING. All interested parties attend the in-person hearing. The hearing will be held in a courtroom on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 520 King Street  Alexandria VA  22314.  Please check the 4th floor bulletin board for the courtroom assignment.
8. Copies of orders entered at the hearing are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. Refer to https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt.