FAQs

1. What are the Circuit Court's hours?

The Circuit Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office will be closed on scheduled State holidays. Call 540-775-3322 for court scheduling.

2. Where is the Circuit Court located?

The Circuit Court is located in the King George County Courts building:

10446 Government Blvd Ste 271
King George, Virginia 22485|
Phone: 540-775-3322
Email

3. How can I make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?

Click for FOIA information.

4. What types of cases are heard in the Circuit Court?

The Circuit Court hears a variety of cases, including: 

• Adoptions
• Appeals from the General District Court
• Appeals of civil matters from the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
• Appeals of felonies and misdemeanors committed by juveniles
• Cases involving juveniles 14 or older that have been certified to the Circuit Court by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations General District Court
• Civil cases (Law): Exclusive jurisdiction for almost all claims exceeding $15,000
• Concurrent jurisdiction with the General District Court for claims from $3,000 to $15,000
• Equity suits
• Felonies and misdemeanors originating from grand jury indictments
• Name changes
• Writs of mandamus, prohibition and certiorari involving proceedings arising from actions of the local governing body

5. How are the cases scheduled on the Circuit Court's docket?

Misdemeanor and traffic infractions appealed to the Circuit Court from the General District Court are set on the next term day after the appeal is perfected. Criminal and civil cases are set by the court on term days in accordance with local rules. Grand Juries convene on term day, which is the second Thursday of January, April, July and October.

Motions are scheduled by appointment only. Please call the Judge's Chambers at 540-775-2141 for available dates. Trial dates for civil cases are set on term days by the filing of a praecipe. 

6. How long is a "term" of the Circuit Court?

The length of a "term" of court in the King George Circuit Court is four months. Terms of court begin on the second Thursday of January, April, July and October.

7. Do I need an attorney to represent me?

You are not required to have an attorney; however, it is highly recommended to consult one regarding your case. PLEASE NOTE that the Circuit Court's staff cannot give you legal advice, recommend legal action, or interpret legal documents, procedures,  or requirements. Further, they are not responsible for the content of documents submitted to the Court or for ensuring that the parties comply with the filing requirements. You are encouraged to seek the advice of a licensed Virginia attorney for such matters. 

The following are several options if you need assistance in finding an attorney: 

• Contact the Virginia Attorney Referral Service at 800-552-7977.
• Ask family and friends for suggestions.
• Check your local telephone book's yellow pages.
• Check the various websites.
• Check with your employer to determine if your company participates in a prepaid legal services plan.
  • Prepaid legal services plans are similar to health insurance plans that are based on coverage under a policy for which the employer and/or employee pays a monthly premium.
• Consider local legal aid through Rappahannock Legal Services at 540-371-1105.

If you were appointed a public defender, they can be contacted at 540-899-4814.

8. How much are the Circuit Court's filing fees?

Lists of the Law, Civil and Miscellaneous Filing Fees are available online at the Virginia Judicial System's website. They are only a guide and may change from time to time. Call the Clerk's Office at 540-775-3322 to determine the exact costs.