{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-77.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-77.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-77.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-77.html"}],"law_id":72168,"edition_id":1,"section_id":72168,"structure_id":14141,"section_number":"16.1-77","catch_line":"Civil jurisdiction of general district courts; amending amount of claim","history":"1956, c. 555; 1968, c. 5; 1973, c. 440; 1978, c. 40; 1981, c. 404; 1983, c. 616; 1987, cc. 87, 93; 1988, c. 799; 1990, cc. 217, 471; 1991, c. 135; 1992, cc. 111, 777; 1995, c. 799; 1997, c. 753; 1998, cc. 482, 495; 1999, cc. 945, 987; 2001, cc. 473, 477; 2002, cc. 200, 506, 645; 2004, cc. 344, 460; 2008, cc. 840, 843; 2009, c. 663; 2010, c. 181; 2011, cc. 14, 76, 372, 378, 702; 2016, c. 181; 2017, c. 657; 2019, cc. 240, 787; 2020, cc. 898, 899; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 199, 463; 2025, c. 338.","full_text":"Except as provided in Article 5 (\u00a7 16.1-122.1 et seq.), each general district court shall have, within the limits of the territory it serves, civil jurisdiction as follows:\n\n1\n\nExclusive original jurisdiction of any claim to specific personal property or to any debt, fine, or other money, or to damages for breach of contract or for injury done to property, real or personal, or for any action for injury to person, regardless of theory, and any action for wrongful death as provided for in Article 5 (§ 8.01-50 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 when the amount of such claim does not exceed $4,500, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees, and concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit courts having jurisdiction in such territory of any such claim when the amount thereof exceeds $4,500 but does not exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees. However, the jurisdictional limit shall not apply with respect to distress warrants under the provisions of § 8.01-130.4, cases involving liquidated damages for violations of vehicle weight limits pursuant to § 46.2-1135, nor cases involving forfeiture of a bond pursuant to § 19.2-143. While a matter is pending in a general district court, upon motion of the plaintiff seeking to increase the amount of the claim, the court shall order transfer of the matter to the circuit court that has jurisdiction over the amended amount of the claim without requiring that the case first be dismissed or that the plaintiff suffer a nonsuit, and the tolling of the applicable statutes of limitations governing the pending matter shall be unaffected by the transfer. Except for good cause shown, no such order of transfer shall issue unless the motion to amend and transfer is made at least 10 days before trial. The plaintiff shall pay filing and other fees as otherwise provided by law to the clerk of the court to which the case is transferred, and such clerk shall process the claim as if it were a new civil action. The plaintiff shall prepare and present the order of transfer to the transferring court for entry, after which time the case shall be removed from the pending docket of the transferring court and the order of transfer placed among its records. The plaintiff shall provide a certified copy of the transfer order to the receiving court.2\n\nJurisdiction to try and decide attachment cases when the amount of the plaintiff’s claim does not exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees.3\n\nJurisdiction of actions of unlawful entry or detainer as provided in Article 13 (§ 8.01-124 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, and in Chapter 14 (§ 55.1-1400 et seq.) of Title 55.1, and the maximum jurisdictional limits prescribed in subdivision (1) shall not apply to any claim, counter-claim, or cross-claim in an unlawful detainer action that includes a claim for damages sustained or rent against any person obligated on the lease or guarantee of such lease.4\n\nExcept where otherwise specifically provided, all jurisdiction, power, and authority over any civil action or proceeding conferred upon any general district court judge or magistrate under or by virtue of any provisions of the Code.5\n\nJurisdiction to try and decide suits in interpleader involving personal or real property where the amount of money or value of the property is not more than the maximum jurisdictional limits of the general district court. However, the maximum jurisdictional limits prescribed in subdivision (1) shall not apply to any claim, counter-claim, or cross-claim in an interpleader action that is limited to the disposition of an earnest money deposit pursuant to a real estate purchase contract. The action shall be brought in accordance with the procedures for interpleader as set forth in § 8.01-364. However, the general district court shall not have any power to issue injunctions. Actions in interpleader may be brought by either the stakeholder or any of the claimants. The initial pleading shall be either by motion for judgment, by warrant in debt, or by other uniform court form established by the Supreme Court of Virginia. The initial pleading shall briefly set forth the circumstances of the claim and shall name as defendant all parties in interest who are not parties plaintiff.6\n\nJurisdiction to try and decide any cases pursuant to § 2.2-3713 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) or § 2.2-3809 of the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act (§ 2.2-3800 et seq.), for writs of mandamus or for injunctions.7\n\nJurisdiction to try and decide any cases pursuant to § 55.1-1819 of the Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.) or § 55.1-1959 of the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.).8\n\nConcurrent jurisdiction with the circuit courts to submit matters to arbitration pursuant to Chapter 21 (§ 8.01-577 et seq.) of Title 8.01 where the amount in controversy is within the jurisdictional limits of the general district court. Any party that disagrees with an order by a general district court granting an application to compel arbitration may appeal such decision to the circuit court pursuant to § 8.01-581.016.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this section, the territory served by a county general district court expressly authorized by statute to be established in a city includes the general district court courtroom.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":259985,"text":"Except as provided in Article 5 (\u00a7 16.1-122.1 et seq.), each general district court shall have, within the limits of the territory it serves, civil jurisdiction as follows:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":259986,"text":"Exclusive original jurisdiction of any claim to specific personal property or to any debt, fine, or other money, or to damages for breach of contract or for injury done to property, real or personal, or for any action for injury to person, regardless of theory, and any action for wrongful death as provided for in Article 5 (§ 8.01-50 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 when the amount of such claim does not exceed $4,500, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees, and concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit courts having jurisdiction in such territory of any such claim when the amount thereof exceeds $4,500 but does not exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees. However, the jurisdictional limit shall not apply with respect to distress warrants under the provisions of § 8.01-130.4, cases involving liquidated damages for violations of vehicle weight limits pursuant to § 46.2-1135, nor cases involving forfeiture of a bond pursuant to § 19.2-143. While a matter is pending in a general district court, upon motion of the plaintiff seeking to increase the amount of the claim, the court shall order transfer of the matter to the circuit court that has jurisdiction over the amended amount of the claim without requiring that the case first be dismissed or that the plaintiff suffer a nonsuit, and the tolling of the applicable statutes of limitations governing the pending matter shall be unaffected by the transfer. Except for good cause shown, no such order of transfer shall issue unless the motion to amend and transfer is made at least 10 days before trial. The plaintiff shall pay filing and other fees as otherwise provided by law to the clerk of the court to which the case is transferred, and such clerk shall process the claim as if it were a new civil action. The plaintiff shall prepare and present the order of transfer to the transferring court for entry, after which time the case shall be removed from the pending docket of the transferring court and the order of transfer placed among its records. The plaintiff shall provide a certified copy of the transfer order to the receiving court.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":259987,"text":"Jurisdiction to try and decide attachment cases when the amount of the plaintiff’s claim does not exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":259988,"text":"Jurisdiction of actions of unlawful entry or detainer as provided in Article 13 (§ 8.01-124 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, and in Chapter 14 (§ 55.1-1400 et seq.) of Title 55.1, and the maximum jurisdictional limits prescribed in subdivision (1) shall not apply to any claim, counter-claim, or cross-claim in an unlawful detainer action that includes a claim for damages sustained or rent against any person obligated on the lease or guarantee of such lease.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":259989,"text":"Except where otherwise specifically provided, all jurisdiction, power, and authority over any civil action or proceeding conferred upon any general district court judge or magistrate under or by virtue of any provisions of the Code.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":259990,"text":"Jurisdiction to try and decide suits in interpleader involving personal or real property where the amount of money or value of the property is not more than the maximum jurisdictional limits of the general district court. However, the maximum jurisdictional limits prescribed in subdivision (1) shall not apply to any claim, counter-claim, or cross-claim in an interpleader action that is limited to the disposition of an earnest money deposit pursuant to a real estate purchase contract. The action shall be brought in accordance with the procedures for interpleader as set forth in § 8.01-364. However, the general district court shall not have any power to issue injunctions. Actions in interpleader may be brought by either the stakeholder or any of the claimants. The initial pleading shall be either by motion for judgment, by warrant in debt, or by other uniform court form established by the Supreme Court of Virginia. The initial pleading shall briefly set forth the circumstances of the claim and shall name as defendant all parties in interest who are not parties plaintiff.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":259991,"text":"Jurisdiction to try and decide any cases pursuant to § 2.2-3713 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) or § 2.2-3809 of the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act (§ 2.2-3800 et seq.), for writs of mandamus or for injunctions.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":259992,"text":"Jurisdiction to try and decide any cases pursuant to § 55.1-1819 of the Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.) or § 55.1-1959 of the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.).","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":259993,"text":"Concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit courts to submit matters to arbitration pursuant to Chapter 21 (§ 8.01-577 et seq.) of Title 8.01 where the amount in controversy is within the jurisdictional limits of the general district court. Any party that disagrees with an order by a general district court granting an application to compel arbitration may appeal such decision to the circuit court pursuant to § 8.01-581.016.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this section, the territory served by a county general district court expressly authorized by statute to be established in a city includes the general district court courtroom.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14141,"edition_id":1,"name":"Jurisdiction in Civil Actions","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13175,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:01","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:01","permalink":{"id":162381,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14141,"identifier":"2","token":"16.1\/6\/2","url":"\/16.1\/6\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13175,"edition_id":1,"name":"Venue, Jurisdiction and Procedure in Civil Matters","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12700,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":162373,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13175,"identifier":"6","token":"16.1\/6","url":"\/16.1\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12700,"edition_id":1,"name":"Courts Not of Record","identifier":"16.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160919,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12700,"identifier":"16.1","token":"16.1","url":"\/16.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":72168,"structure_id":14141,"section_number":"16.1-77","catch_line":"Civil jurisdiction of general district courts; amending amount of claim","url":"\/16.1-77\/","token":"16.1\/6\/2\/16.1-77","metadata":false},{"id":79392,"structure_id":14141,"section_number":"16.1-77.1","catch_line":"When general district court may give judgment on forthcoming bond","url":"\/16.1-77.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/2\/16.1-77.1","metadata":false},{"id":75487,"structure_id":14141,"section_number":"16.1-77.2","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of partition of personal property and proceedings therefor","url":"\/16.1-77.2\/","token":"16.1\/6\/2\/16.1-77.2","metadata":false},{"id":55294,"structure_id":14141,"section_number":"16.1-78","catch_line":"Judgment by confession not affected","url":"\/16.1-78\/","token":"16.1\/6\/2\/16.1-78","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":79392,"structure_id":14141,"section_number":"16.1-77.1","catch_line":"When general district court may give judgment on forthcoming bond","url":"\/16.1-77.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/2\/16.1-77.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-77\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1956. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 555 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1956 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 26 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1968, chapter 5; in 1973, chapter 440; in 1978, chapter 40; in 1981, chapter 404; in 1983, chapter 616; in 1987, chapters 87 and 93; in 1988, chapter 799; in 1990, chapters 217 and 471; in 1991, chapter 135; in 1992, chapters 111 and 777; in 1995, chapter 799<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 753<\/a>; in 1998, chapters 482<\/a> and 495<\/a>; in 1999, chapters 945<\/a> and 987<\/a>; in 2001, chapters 473<\/a> and 477<\/a>; in 2002, chapters 200<\/a>, 506<\/a>, and 645<\/a>; in 2004, chapters 344<\/a> and 460<\/a>; in 2008, chapters 840<\/a> and 843<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 663<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 181<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 14<\/a>, 76<\/a>, 372<\/a>, 378<\/a>, and 702<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 181<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 657<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 240<\/a> and 787<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 898<\/a> and 899<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 338<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":56756,"section_number":"16.1-114.1","catch_line":"Principles applicable in trial of appeals; defective or irregular warrants or motions","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-114.1\/"},{"id":69182,"section_number":"16.1-119","catch_line":"Proceedings to try title to property levied on under distress or execution","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-119\/"},{"id":86020,"section_number":"16.1-120","catch_line":"Summons in such case","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-120\/"},{"id":61478,"section_number":"16.1-122.2","catch_line":"Jurisdiction","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-122.2\/"},{"id":59856,"section_number":"16.1-278.18","catch_line":"Money judgments","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-278.18\/"},{"id":75457,"section_number":"16.1-76","catch_line":"Venue","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-76\/"},{"id":75487,"section_number":"16.1-77.2","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of partition of personal property and proceedings therefor","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-77.2\/"},{"id":55294,"section_number":"16.1-78","catch_line":"Judgment by confession not affected","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-78\/"},{"id":81566,"section_number":"16.1-88.03","catch_line":"Pleadings and other papers by certain parties not represented by attorneys","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-88.03\/"},{"id":69430,"section_number":"17.1-513","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of circuit courts","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-513\/"},{"id":57978,"section_number":"54.1-2108.2","catch_line":"Protection of escrow funds, etc., held by a real estate broker in the event of termination of a real estate purchase contract","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2108.2\/"},{"id":77039,"section_number":"59.1-515","catch_line":"Individual action for damages","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-515\/"},{"id":83072,"section_number":"8.01-359","catch_line":"Trial; numbers of jurors in civil cases; how jurors selected from panel","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-359\/"},{"id":61296,"section_number":"8.01-535","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of attachments; trial or hearing of issues","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-535\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":78557,"section_number":"16.1-122.1","catch_line":"Small claims court; designated","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-122.1\/"},{"id":65004,"section_number":"19.2-143","catch_line":"Where default recorded; process on recognizance; forfeiture on recognizance; when copy may be used; cash bond","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-143\/"},{"id":55569,"section_number":"2.2-3700","catch_line":"Short title; policy","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3700\/"},{"id":69183,"section_number":"2.2-3713","catch_line":"Proceedings for enforcement of chapter","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3713\/"},{"id":69409,"section_number":"2.2-3800","catch_line":"Short title; findings; principles of information practice","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3800\/"},{"id":80323,"section_number":"2.2-3809","catch_line":"Injunctive relief; civil penalty; attorneys' fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3809\/"},{"id":79786,"section_number":"46.2-1135","catch_line":"(Contingent effective date -- see note*) Liquidated damages for violation of weight limits","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1135\/"},{"id":75454,"section_number":"55.1-1400","catch_line":"Applicability; right to terminate tenant","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1400\/"},{"id":65321,"section_number":"55.1-1800","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1800\/"},{"id":77313,"section_number":"55.1-1819","catch_line":"Adoption and enforcement of rules","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1819\/"},{"id":55215,"section_number":"55.1-1900","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1900\/"},{"id":65547,"section_number":"55.1-1959","catch_line":"Suspension of services for failure to pay assessments; corrective action; assessment of charges for violations; notice; hearing; adoption and enforcement of rules and regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1959\/"},{"id":80335,"section_number":"8.01-124","catch_line":"Motion for judgment in circuit court for unlawful entry or detainer","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-124\/"},{"id":73716,"section_number":"8.01-130.4","catch_line":"When and by whom distress made","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-130.4\/"},{"id":83669,"section_number":"8.01-364","catch_line":"Interpleader","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-364\/"},{"id":78150,"section_number":"8.01-50","catch_line":"Action for death by wrongful act; how and when to be brought","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-50\/"},{"id":80815,"section_number":"8.01-577","catch_line":"Submission of controversy; agreement to arbitrate; condition precedent to action","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-577\/"},{"id":75139,"section_number":"8.01-581.016","catch_line":"Appeals","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-581.016\/"}],"permalink":{"id":162383,"object_type":"law","relational_id":72168,"identifier":"16.1-77","token":"16.1\/6\/2\/16.1-77","url":"\/16.1-77\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-77\/","token":"16.1\/6\/2\/16.1-77","dublin_core":{"Title":"Civil jurisdiction of general district courts; amending amount of claim","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-77","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Except as provided in Article 5 (\u00a7 16.1-122.1<\/a> et seq.), each general district court<\/span> shall have, within the limits of the territory it serves, civil jurisdiction<\/span> as follows:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Exclusive original jurisdiction<\/span> of any claim to specific personal property or to any debt, fine, or other money, or to damages<\/span> for breach of contract<\/span> or for injury done to property, real or personal, or for any action for injury to person, regardless of theory, and any action for wrongful death as provided for in Article 5 (§ 8.01-50<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 when the amount of such claim does not exceed $4,500, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees, and concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit<\/span> courts<\/span> having jurisdiction in such territory of any such claim when the amount thereof exceeds $4,500 but does not exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees. However, the jurisdictional limit shall not apply with respect to distress warrants under the provisions of § 8.01-130.4<\/a>, cases involving liquidated damages<\/span> for violations of vehicle weight limits pursuant to § 46.2-1135<\/a>, nor cases involving forfeiture of a bond<\/span> pursuant to § 19.2-143<\/a>. While a matter is pending in a general district court<\/span>, upon motion<\/span> of the plaintiff<\/span> seeking to increase the amount of the claim, the court<\/span> shall order<\/span> transfer of the matter to the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> that has jurisdiction over the amended amount of the claim without requiring that the case first be dismissed or that the plaintiff<\/span> suffer a nonsuit<\/span>, and the tolling of the applicable statutes<\/span> of limitations governing the pending matter shall be unaffected by the transfer. Except for good cause shown, no such order<\/span> of transfer shall issue<\/span> unless the motion<\/span> to amend<\/span> and transfer is made at least 10 days before trial<\/span>. The plaintiff<\/span> shall pay filing and other fees as otherwise provided by law<\/span> to the clerk of the court<\/span> to which the case is transferred, and such clerk shall process the claim as if it were a new civil action<\/span>. The plaintiff<\/span> shall prepare and present the order<\/span> of transfer to the transferring court<\/span> for entry, after which time the case shall be removed from the pending docket<\/span> of the transferring court<\/span> and the order<\/span> of transfer placed among its records. The plaintiff<\/span> shall provide a certified copy of the transfer order<\/span> to the receiving court<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Jurisdiction to try and decide attachment<\/span> cases when the amount of the plaintiff<\/span>’s claim does not exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Jurisdiction of actions of unlawful entry or detainer as provided in Article 13 (§ 8.01-124<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, and in Chapter 14 (§ 55.1-1400<\/a> et seq.) of Title 55.1, and the maximum jurisdictional limits prescribed in subdivision (1) shall not apply to any claim, counter-claim, or cross-claim<\/span> in an unlawful detainer action<\/span> that includes a claim for damages<\/span> sustained or rent against any person obligated on the lease or guarantee of such lease. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Except where otherwise specifically provided, all jurisdiction, power, and authority over any civil action<\/span> or proceeding conferred upon any general district court<\/span> judge<\/span> or magistrate<\/span> under or by virtue of any provisions of the Code. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Jurisdiction to try and decide suits in interpleader<\/span> involving personal or real property where the amount of money or value of the property is not more than the maximum jurisdictional limits of the general district court<\/span>. However, the maximum jurisdictional limits prescribed in subdivision (1) shall not apply to any claim, counter-claim, or cross-claim<\/span> in an interpleader<\/span> action that is limited to the disposition<\/span> of an earnest money deposit pursuant to a real estate purchase contract<\/span>. The action shall be brought in accordance with the procedures for interpleader<\/span> as set forth in § 8.01-364<\/a>. However, the general district court<\/span> shall not have any power to issue<\/span> injunctions<\/span>. Actions in interpleader<\/span> may be brought by either the stakeholder or any of the claimants. The initial pleading shall be either by motion for judgment<\/span>, by warrant in debt, or by other uniform court<\/span> form established by the Supreme Court<\/span> of Virginia. The initial pleading shall briefly set forth the circumstances of the claim and shall name as defendant<\/span> all parties in interest who are not parties plaintiff<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Jurisdiction to try and decide any cases pursuant to § 2.2-3713<\/a> of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700<\/a> et seq.) or § 2.2-3809<\/a> of the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act (§ 2.2-3800<\/a> et seq.), for writs<\/span> of mandamus or for injunctions<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Jurisdiction to try and decide any cases pursuant to § 55.1-1819<\/a> of the Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800<\/a> et seq.) or § 55.1-1959<\/a> of the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900<\/a> et seq.). <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit<\/span> courts<\/span> to submit matters to arbitration pursuant to Chapter 21 (§ 8.01-577<\/a> et seq.) of Title 8.01 where the amount in controversy is within the jurisdictional limits of the general district court<\/span>. Any party<\/span> that disagrees with an order<\/span> by a general district court<\/span> granting an application to compel arbitration may appeal<\/span> such decision to the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> pursuant to § 8.01-581.016<\/a>.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this section, the territory served by a county general district court<\/span> expressly authorized by statute<\/span> to be established in a city includes the general district court<\/span> courtroom. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCIVIL JURISDICTION OF GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS; AMENDING AMOUNT OF CLAIM (\u00a7\n16.1-77)\n\nExcept as provided in Article 5 (\u00a7 16.1-122.1 et seq.), each general district\ncourt shall have, within the limits of the territory it serves, civil\njurisdiction as follows:\n\n1. Exclusive original jurisdiction of any claim to specific personal property or\nto any debt, fine, or other money, or to damages for breach of contract or for\ninjury done to property, real or personal, or for any action for injury to\nperson, regardless of theory, and any action for wrongful death as provided for\nin Article 5 (§ 8.01-50 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 when the amount\nof such claim does not exceed $4,500, exclusive of interest and any attorney\nfees, and concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit courts having jurisdiction in\nsuch territory of any such claim when the amount thereof exceeds $4,500 but does\nnot exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest and any attorney fees. However, the\njurisdictional limit shall not apply with respect to distress warrants under the\nprovisions of § 8.01-130.4, cases involving liquidated damages for\nviolations of vehicle weight limits pursuant to § 46.2-1135, nor cases\ninvolving forfeiture of a bond pursuant to § 19.2-143. While a matter is\npending in a general district court, upon motion of the plaintiff seeking to\nincrease the amount of the claim, the court shall order transfer of the matter\nto the circuit court that has jurisdiction over the amended amount of the claim\nwithout requiring that the case first be dismissed or that the plaintiff suffer\na nonsuit, and the tolling of the applicable statutes of limitations governing\nthe pending matter shall be unaffected by the transfer. Except for good cause\nshown, no such order of transfer shall issue unless the motion to amend and\ntransfer is made at least 10 days before trial. The plaintiff shall pay filing\nand other fees as otherwise provided by law to the clerk of the court to which\nthe case is transferred, and such clerk shall process the claim as if it were a\nnew civil action. The plaintiff shall prepare and present the order of transfer\nto the transferring court for entry, after which time the case shall be removed\nfrom the pending docket of the transferring court and the order of transfer\nplaced among its records. The plaintiff shall provide a certified copy of the\ntransfer order to the receiving court.\n\n2. Jurisdiction to try and decide attachment cases when the amount of the\nplaintiff’s claim does not exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest and any\nattorney fees.\n\n3. Jurisdiction of actions of unlawful entry or detainer as provided in Article\n13 (§ 8.01-124 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, and in Chapter 14\n(§ 55.1-1400 et seq.) of Title 55.1, and the maximum jurisdictional limits\nprescribed in subdivision (1) shall not apply to any claim, counter-claim, or\ncross-claim in an unlawful detainer action that includes a claim for damages\nsustained or rent against any person obligated on the lease or guarantee of such\nlease.\n\n4. Except where otherwise specifically provided, all jurisdiction, power, and\nauthority over any civil action or proceeding conferred upon any general\ndistrict court judge or magistrate under or by virtue of any provisions of the\nCode.\n\n5. Jurisdiction to try and decide suits in interpleader involving personal or\nreal property where the amount of money or value of the property is not more\nthan the maximum jurisdictional limits of the general district court. However,\nthe maximum jurisdictional limits prescribed in subdivision (1) shall not apply\nto any claim, counter-claim, or cross-claim in an interpleader action that is\nlimited to the disposition of an earnest money deposit pursuant to a real estate\npurchase contract. The action shall be brought in accordance with the procedures\nfor interpleader as set forth in § 8.01-364. However, the general district\ncourt shall not have any power to issue injunctions. Actions in interpleader may\nbe brought by either the stakeholder or any of the claimants. The initial\npleading shall be either by motion for judgment, by warrant in debt, or by other\nuniform court form established by the Supreme Court of Virginia. The initial\npleading shall briefly set forth the circumstances of the claim and shall name\nas defendant all parties in interest who are not parties plaintiff.\n\n6. Jurisdiction to try and decide any cases pursuant to § 2.2-3713 of the\nVirginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) or § 2.2-3809\nof the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act (§\n2.2-3800 et seq.), for writs of mandamus or for injunctions.\n\n7. Jurisdiction to try and decide any cases pursuant to § 55.1-1819 of the\nProperty Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.) or §\n55.1-1959 of the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.).\n\n8. Concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit courts to submit matters to\narbitration pursuant to Chapter 21 (§ 8.01-577 et seq.) of Title 8.01 where\nthe amount in controversy is within the jurisdictional limits of the general\ndistrict court. Any party that disagrees with an order by a general district\ncourt granting an application to compel arbitration may appeal such decision to\nthe circuit court pursuant to § 8.01-581.016.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this section, the territory served by a county general\ndistrict court expressly authorized by statute to be established in a city\nincludes the general district court courtroom.\n\nHISTORY: 1956, c. 555; 1968, c. 5; 1973, c. 440; 1978, c. 40; 1981, c. 404;\n1983, c. 616; 1987, cc. 87, 93; 1988, c. 799; 1990, cc. 217, 471; 1991, c. 135;\n1992, cc. 111, 777; 1995, c. 799; 1997, c. 753; 1998, cc. 482, 495; 1999, cc.\n945, 987; 2001, cc. 473, 477; 2002, cc. 200, 506, 645; 2004, cc. 344, 460; 2008,\ncc. 840, 843; 2009, c. 663; 2010, c. 181; 2011, cc. 14, 76, 372, 378, 702; 2016,\nc. 181; 2017, c. 657; 2019, cc. 240, 787; 2020, cc. 898, 899; 2021, Sp. Sess. I,\ncc. 199, 463; 2025, c. 338.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}