As of March 21, 2025, the Virginia General Assembly and Governor have approved a significant change to Virginia’s civil and commercial court system. Every business owner, real estate professional, attorney, and claims adjuster should take note of the change.
Under Senate Bill 1291, the jurisdictional limit for civil and commercial cases in Virginia’s General District Courts will increase from $25,000 to $50,000. The change will become effective July 1, 2025. This marks the first major adjustment to the jurisdictional limits in years and will have wide-ranging impacts on how civil and commercial disputes are litigated across Virginia.
What This Means:
More Cases in the General District Courts: Plaintiffs with monetary claims (such as debts or damages claims) up to $50,000 can now file in the General District Courts, which allows parties to benefit from faster dockets, less formal procedures, and lower litigation costs.
Transfer Procedures Simplified: If a plaintiff later amends their claim to exceed $50,000, the law allows for a direct transfer to Circuit Court without the need for nonsuit or dismissal, preserving the statute of limitations.
Attachment Cases Also Impacted: The $50,000 jurisdictional limit also applies to attachment cases (proceedings to seize property).
Unlawful Detainers (Evictions), Interpleaders, FOIA Cases, and Property Owners Association Disputes Unaffected by change: The General District Court retains specific jurisdiction over these matters without being restricted by the $50,000 monetary cap.
Why It Matters:
This change is a major boost for access to justice. Litigants with mid-sized claims can pursue recovery in a court designed for efficiency without the high costs and extended timelines often seen in Circuit Court. This shift makes pursuing and defending civil and commercial claims more predictable and affordable for businesses, insurers, and individuals alike.
To prepare for the July 1 change, stakeholders should update litigation strategies, educate relevant staff on the new $50,000 limit and General District Court procedures, and reassess claims that may now qualify. Staying current on procedural updates will help businesses, insurers, and legal teams take full advantage of the court’s increased efficiency and lower costs.
