Civil Case Information

The Judicial Support Civil Division is reached at tel. numbers 804-365-6148, 804-365-6147 or 804-365-6143.  For adoptions call (804) 365-6478.  Virginia’s Judicial System Case Information web page shows case status, including hearing dates, pleadings, orders filed and service of process.

Notify the Clerk’s Office at HanoverCC@courts.state.va.us, if you have a question or if any of the links on this page do not work.

Civil Actions include

Adoption
Breach of contract
Divorce
Garnishment
Injunction
Highway condemnation
Land disputes
Partition of property
Personal injury

Restoration of driving privileges for Habitual Offenders and 3rd or subsequent DUI offenders Procedure is governed by Part Three of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia and other rules and statutes found in the Code of Virginia.
Hanover’s Circuit Court Civil Filing Fee Calculator is accessible on Virginia’s Judicial System website.  The Clerk's Office staff also provides information regarding filing fees, case status or other routine procedural matters. It cannot provide legal advice.

Frequently asked questions.

Do I need to employ a lawyer or may I represent myself in a Circuit Court civil action?

Lawyers commonly represent parties to civil cases, although it is not required.  If you have been unable to hire one, the Virginia State Bar’s Resources for the Public web page has information about finding a lawyer. The Clerk’s Office staff cannot provide legal advice.  Virginia’s Judicial System website provides forms for use by lawyers and persons representing themselves.  Virginia’s Judicial System – Civil Forms. Print the Supreme Court’s revisable PDF forms using the "Print for Submission to Court" button at the top of the form, rather than by using the print feature of your internet browser.  The Clerk’s Office cannot accept forms that have gray bars in any fields.

Where is a Hanover Circuit Court civil action filed?

Civil actions may be mailed to the Hanover Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, Attention:  Civil Division, Post Office Box 39, Hanover, VA 23069, or hand delivered to 7507 Library Drive, Hanover, Virginia, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  The Clerk’s Office is on the second floor of the Circuit Court Building. For directions see Hanover County Government Complex Map and Directions.

How are civil action filing fees determined?

Filing fees are set by the Code of Virginia and by local ordinance.  The Hanover County Circuit Court Civil Filing Fee Calculator is on Virginia’s Judicial System website. In addition, Civil Division staff can help determine filing fees (Tel. numbers 804-365-6148, 804-365-6147 or 804-365-6143).  Make checks or money orders for filing fees payable to Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk.

Can a civil action be filed without paying filing fees?

Filing fees are paid when a suit is filed, unless a Circuit Court Judge grants a party’s request to proceed without the payment of filing fees (this is known as proceeding en forma pauperis).  Virginia’s Judicial System website contains a form Petition for Proceeding in Civil Cases Without Payment of Fees or Costs (Form 1414).  Print the Supreme Court’s revisable PDF forms using the "Print for Submission to Court" button at the top of the form, rather than by using the print feature of your internet browser.  The Clerk’s Office cannot accept forms that have gray bars in any fields.

Where are civil actions for small money claims filed?

The General District Courts (tel. 804-365-6191) decide many civil cases involving amounts up to $15,000.  VA Code § 16.1-77.  The mailing address of the Hanover General District Court is Post Office Box 176, Hanover, VA 23069.  Its street address is 7515 Library Drive, Hanover, Virginia 23069.  The Circuit Courts have concurrent jurisdiction with the District Courts of many civil cases involving amounts between $4,500 and $15,000. 

How are hearings or trials scheduled in Circuit Court civil cases?

Attorneys or persons representing themselves may contact the Circuit Court Judge's office at 804-365-6161 to schedule hearings or trials, if they have the opposing party's available dates.
Trials or hearings are also scheduled at docket call beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Term Days held on the third Tuesdays of January, March, May, July, September and November, if the person requesting a hearing date has the opposing party’s available dates. 

How may I obtain copies of orders and pleadings?

Copies of final orders are sent to the attorneys for the parties. 
Copies of non-confidential pleadings or extra copies of orders may be requested in person or in writing. The fee for copies is 50¢ per page. A $2.00 fee is charged for certifying a copy. Mail in requests must be accompanied by check or money order payable to Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk covering the copy cost. The mailing address is Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Attention:  Civil Division, Post Office Box 39, Hanover, VA 23069.

Are there any forms available for use in filing civil actions?

Virginia’s Judicial System website provides forms, including those listed below, for use by lawyers or persons representing themselves in civil cases.  Virginia’s Judicial System – Civil Forms.

Form CC-1406 ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS AND WAIVER OF FUTURE SERVICE OF PROCESS
Form CC-1407 SERVICE OTHER THAN BY VIRGINIA SHERIFF
Form CC-1416 COVER SHEET FOR FILING CIVIL ACTIONS
Form CC-1418 AFFIDAVIT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS ON THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Form CC-1420 CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT/CERTIFICATE OF CLERK
Form CC-1433 NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION AND REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF SERVICE OF PROCESS
Form CC-1485 SUGGESTION FOR SUMMONS IN GARNISHMENT
Form CC-1486 GARNISHMENT SUMMONS 

Print the Supreme Court’s revisable PDF forms by using the "Print for Submission to Court" button at the top of the form, rather than by using the print feature of your internet browser.  The Clerk’s Office cannot accept forms that have gray bars in any fields.

Where can I find additional information regarding circuit court?

The Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia’s Courts System section of Virginia’s Judicial System website.