The Courthouse is located at  520 King Street   Alexandria, VA  22314.  The courthouse is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited inside the Alexandria Courthouse (see "Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Policy" below). A limited number of cell phone lockers are available inside the vestibule of the courthouse and cost a quarter ($.25).

• CIRCUIT COURT - CLERK'S OFFICE   Room 307     703.746.4044     Website: https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkOfCircuitCourt

• CIRCUIT COURT IT -  703.746.4310   Training is mandatory for using the Court's Electronic Evidence Presentation podium/software. Training is also mandatory for using the Court's Technology cart for remote testimony. The training cannot be taken the same day as the trial/hearing. See "Technology in the Courtroom" section below for available equipment, how to make a reservation, training, etc.

• CIRCUIT COURT - JUDGES' CHAMBERS  4th Floor     703.746.4123  Telephone hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  (telephones are not answered during the lunch hour).

  • COURTESY COPIES

    • MANDATORY for all Motions Day documents (notices, praecipes, motions, exhibits, pleadings, proposed orders, etc.). The courtesy copy shall be hand-delivered to Judges' Chambers' drop box when the documents are filed. (See "Motions Day Instructions" section below.) 

    • ORDERS - The Court will not enter the courtesy copy of the order. The original shall be filed with the Clerk of Court, who will process and forward the original order to Judges’ Chambers for entry. 

  • DROP BOX (for courtesy copies) is located on the 4th floor, next to the Judges' Chambers' door. 

  • EMAILED DOCUMENTS are not accepted without a judge's permission.

  • ​​​​​​​SIGNATURES must be original 

  • TELEPHONES are not answered from 1:00pm to 2:00pm when Judges' Chambers is closed for lunch.

• COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY   Room 301      703.746.4100

(revised 10/12/22)  Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions.  Telephone hours for Judges' Chambers are 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then again from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

1.   CALENDAR  (updated 10/7/22) - The Court's calendar is issued by Judges' Chambers annually, and is updated as needed.  See "Calendar" section below. 

2.   HEARINGS and TRIALS ARE HELD IN-PERSON, in the courtroom (COVID-19 judicial emergency ended on 6/22/2022).  The Court has returned to pre-COVID procedures. 

       A.   Exceptions:  Some court events will continue to be held remotely or by telephone call. 

                    (1) Motions Day hearings will continue to be held remotely (see "Motions Day" section for instructions; also see "Forms and Praecipes" section for praecipe containing mandatory remote hearing language).

                    (2)  Status Conferences will continue to be heard by telephone only (see Status Conferences section).  After receiving the Status Conference notice, counsel and pro se litigants may call Judges’ Chambers (703-746-4123) at any time  (there is no need to wait until the date of the status conference).  Counsel should call Judges' Chambers (703-746-4123) together on the same telephone call to set the trial date.

                    (3) Pretrial conferences with counsel - may be held by conference call. Counsel will receive an email from the Court with instructions. If a case involves a pro se litigant, the pretrial conference will typically be held in the courtroom.

       B.  In special circumstances, remote witness testimony may be allowed with Judge's approval during a Hybrid Hearing (see "Technology in the Courtroom" for instructions). Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions.

3.  HYBRID HEARINGS requesting remote testimony - In special circumstances, remote witness testimony may be allowed with Judge's approval during a Hybrid Hearing (see "Technology in the Courtroom" for instructions). Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions.

4.   MOTIONS DAY will remain remote until further notice. (See "Motions Day" section for instructions; also see "Forms and Praecipes" section for praecipe containing mandatory remote hearing language).

5.  SIGNATURES MUST BE ORIGINAL (not electronic) - Orders with electronic signatures will not be entered. Documents must be signed with at least one original signature. 

6.  TECHNOLOGY IN THE COURTROOM -

        A.   Motions Days hearings will remove until further notice.

        B.    See "Technology in the Courtroom" section for information including hybrid hearings (those hearings held in the courtroom for which remote testimony permission has been received from a judge). For all cases  except Motions Day cases, the person requesting the hybrid hearing is responsible for reserving the technology cart, issuing the MS Teams meeting invitation, receiving mandatory training, bringing their laptop to the training and to court on the day of hearing/trial, and starting the MS Teams meeting during the hearing/trial.

CIVIL LOCAL PROCEDURES are listed by topic below.  Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions.

Criminal Local Procedures for Alexandria Circuit Court , including list of available criminal trial dates (click on link for information on all criminal matters in Alexandria Circuit Court). 

(updated 8/5/2022).

Judicial law clerk positions are for law school graduates.  Law clerks work in Circuit Court Judges' Chambers with all three Circuit Court Judges. The benefit package includes eligibility for most of the standard benefits offered to City of Alexandria employees, including health care. Circuit Court law clerks do not receive retirement benefits. Additional benefits to Circuit Court law clerks include paid parking and CLE reimbursement. For two year clerkships, law students apply and are interviewed before their third year of law school. Employment begins in August following your law school graduation and sitting for the Virginia State Bar examination.  

Application packages are accepted on a rolling basis and should include a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a list of references with telephone numbers. Writing samples (less than 10 pages please) are not required but may be included in the application package.  Applicants are encouraged to submit their application packages directly to the Court. Application package should be emailed to the Court Administrator at Lori.knoernschild@alexandriava.gov.   

       (1)    Open. Deadline to apply: June 30, 2023    2024-2026 CLERKSHIP POSITION (two year term) for law school students graduating in May 2023.  Application packages are accepted from rising 3rd year law students on a rolling basis beginning in March 2023. Interviews will be conducted in the summer before your 3rd year of law school. Application packages accepted on a rolling basis, but no later than June 30, 2023.  

        (2)  Filled   2023-2025  CLERKSHIP POSITION  (two year term) - position has been filled. 

The Court recognizes there are persons with special needs who use Circuit Court. 

To request ADA Accommodations 

The ADA Accommodation Request form is available on the Supreme Court's website at https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/ada/home.html.

The Circuit Court Judges' Chambers' ADA Coordinator is Jennifer Lazo Torres, who may be reached at 703-746-4123. 

To request ADA Accommodations:

(1) File the ADA Accommodation Request form with the Clerk of Circuit Court (520 King Street, Room 307, Alexandria, VA 22314) and provide a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers (4th floor drop box).

           **The request may be filed as soon as possible, but must be filed no later than five (5) business days before the scheduled court event for which assistance is required. 

(2)  The ADA Accommodation Request form shall include (a) the name of the case and docket number, (b) the date of the court event, (c) the specific accommodation that is being sought, and (d) your contact information (name, telephone, email address).

(3)  After receiving the request, supporting documentation or records may be requested to be provided to the Circuit Court.

A.       APPEALS FROM CIRCUIT COURT  To appeal a case from the Circuit Court to either the Court of Appeals of Virginia or the Supreme Court of Virginia, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court (703.746.4044).

B.      APPEALS TO CIRCUIT COURT from either the General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. 

           1.  Appeal process -  A party (or party’s counsel) notes the appeal with the GDC or JDR Clerk, and pays the appeal bond (if any) at that time. The GDC or JDR clerk schedules the first return date (also known as Selection of Trial Date), which is noted on the Notice of Appeal which the party signs.  After the appeal bond (if any) has been paid and the mandatory period of time in which the appeal may be withdrawn has passed, the appeal paperwork is sent to the Clerk of Circuit Court (Room 307; 703.746.4044). The Clerk of Circuit Court issues a Notice of Appeal to the appellee, including the date and time for the appellee to appear in Circuit Court to set the trial date.

         2.  Selection of Trial Date Hearing in Circuit Court -  The purpose of the first return date (selection of trial date) is to set a Circuit Court trial date. A judge will not be present at the selection of trial date hearing, and the trial will not occur at that time.

               ** The selection of trial date hearing is held in the 4th floor lobby at 9:00 a.m. on the date assigned.  Counsel (or pro se litigants) meet with a court administrator to select a trial date. If the appellant fails to appear, the appellee may set the trial date, or the case may be continued to a future status conference date (follow status conference instructions). If the appellant fails to appear for a third time, the Court may dismiss the appeal and remand the case to the lower court for enforcement of all orders.

               Counsel may call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) prior to the selection of trial date hearing to set the trial date.  All parties or counsel should call together on the same telephone call to set a trial date.

(updated 11/15/2022)    

1.   CONTESTED hearing in a courtroom at 10:00 a.m. - Petitioner, Respondent and GAL shall appear in the courtroom for the hearing.

        A.  File (1) Petition to Appoint a Guardian and Conservator; (2) Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem; and (3) Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem with the Clerk of Court (Room 307).  

       B.   After the Order of Appointment has been entered, SCHEDULE a contested Appointment of Guardian hearing for a 10:00 a.m. docket by calling Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123). 

       C.   After scheduling the hearing, file all remaining documents at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing date with the Clerk of Court (Room 307) and deliver courtesy copies to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. Remaining documents include the notice of hearing , proposed final order, etc.  The notice of the hearing must comply with Virginia Code Section 62.2-2004.

        D.   File the GAL report with the Clerk of Court (Room 307) no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day before the hearing, and deliver a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. 

        E.  The proposed 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 Section 64.2-2007(c). If Respondent or any other entity whose name is included in the petition appears at the hearing and objects to the entry of the order, a contested hearing will need to be scheduled.

2.    UNCONTESTED hearing on a CIVIL MOTIONS DAY

       A.   File (1) Petition to Appoint a Guardian and Conservator; (2) Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem; and (3) Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem with the Clerk of Court (Room 307).  

       B.  After the Order of Appointment has been entered, SCHEDULE a MOTIONS DAY HEARING (follow Motions Day instructions). The notice and proposed final order shall be filed with the praecipe or notice scheduling the case for a Motions Day hearing. The notice of the hearing must comply with Virginia Code Section 62.2-2004.

       C.  File the GAL report  with the Clerk of Court no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day before the hearing, and deliver a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. 

      D.  The proposed 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 Section 64.2-2007(c). If Respondent or any other entity whose name is included in the petition appears at the hearing and objects to the entry of the order, a contested hearing will need to be scheduled.

3.   UNCONTESTED hearing IN PERSON on a 9:00 a.m. DOCKET  - Petitioner and GAL attend the hearing in the courtroom

       A.  File (1) Petition to Appoint a Guardian and Conservator; (2) Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem; and (3) Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem with the Clerk of Court (Room 307).  

        B.  After the Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem is entered - SCHEDULE AN IN-PERSON UNCONTESTED HEARING  (appointment of guardian hearing) for a 9:00 a.m. docket by calling Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123. Advise Judges' Chambers that you want to schedule an IN-PERSON HEARING.

        C.   File all remaining documents at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing with the Clerk of Court (Room 307) and deliver a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.  Documents include notice of hearing, proposed final order, etc. The notice of the hearing must comply with Virginia Code Section 62.2-2004.

        D.  File GAL report with Clerk of Court (Room 307) and deliver a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box  no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day before the hearing.

       E.  The proposed 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 Section 64.2-2007(c). If Respondent or any other entity whose name is included in the petition appears at the hearing and objects to the entry of the order, a contested hearing will need to be scheduled.

4.   UNCONTESTED hearing  "ON THE PAPERS" on a 9:00 a.m. DOCKET  - Petitioner and GAL DO NOT attend the hearing in the courtroom

         A.  File (1) Petition to Appoint a Guardian and Conservator; (2) Motion to Appoint a Guardian ad Litem; and (3) Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem with the Clerk of Court (Room 307).  

        B.   After the Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem is entered - SCHEDULE A "ON THE PAPERS" HEARING  (appointment of guardian hearing) for a 9:00 a.m. docket by calling Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123. Advise Judges' Chambers that you want to schedule a "ON THE PAPERS" HEARING.

        C.  File all remaining documents at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing with the Clerk of Court (Room 307) and deliver a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.  Documents include notice of hearing, proposed final order, etc. The notice of the hearing must comply with Virginia Code Section 62.2-2004.

        D.  File the GAL report with Clerk of Court (Room 307) and deliver a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box  no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day before the hearing.

        E.  At the hearing:  The case is called in the courtroom.  The proposed 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 Section 64.2-2007(c). If Respondent or any other entity whose name is included in the petition appears at the hearing and objects to the entry of the order, a contested hearing will need to be scheduled. If neither Respondent nor any other entity whose name is included in the petition appears at the hearing, the Judge may enter the order "on the papers".

The Court calendar (prepared by Judges' Chambers) is posted at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt  (see "Calendars" section).  The one-page calendar includes the dates and times for all civil and criminal dockets. The calendar for the following year is posted in October, and is updated as necessary.

• General - Holidays, early Court closures, Cell Phone and Electronic Equipment policy, Inclement Weather and Emergency Closure policy
• Civil dockets - Civil Motions Day, Status Conferences, Set Dates for GDC and JDR appeals, Term Day
• Criminal dockets - Commonwealth Day (both First Thursday and Regular CW Days), Grand Jury, and Traffic and Misdemeanor Appeals Docket ("TMAD"). 

• 2023 calendar , posted on 10/7/2022.
•  Available criminal trial slots - see Criminal Local Procedures for Alexandria Circuit Court 

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE PROHIBITED INSIDE ALEXANDRIA COURTHOUSE (updated 9/18/2017)

Alexandria Courthouse Cell Phone Policy.    By order dated 9/18/2017, all cell phones, cameras, video recording devices or similar equipment will be prohibited inside the Alexandria Courthouse without court authorization. Persons exempted from this policy are law enforcement personnel, attorneys with a Bar card, media and courthouse staff. A limited number of lockers are available in the courthouse vestibule for a quarter (twenty-five cents). The lockers are small, and do not hold a laptop or tablet. Individuals who need their phones/devices for evidence or any other purpose in court must request permission from the judge prior to entering the courthouse. Permission may be granted by the judge on a case by case basis.

Whenever a church or other religious affiliation seeks confirmation of certain individuals to serve as trustees, the Petitioner shall file the following with the Clerk of Circuit Court in Room 307: (1)  Petition setting forth a description of the facts and circumstances surrounding the relief sought, signed by counsel of record (where applicable), or by an individual with authority; (2) notarized affidavit stating (a) that the affiant is an officer of the church; (b)  that an election was held pursuant to the applicable by-laws; (c) that a quorum was present; (d) that 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 names of individuals]. (3)  Provide a copy of the relevant provisions of the by-laws or governing document pertaining to elections shall be attached to the Petition. (4) A proposed Order containing the names of the appointed trustees. The order shall be signed by counsel of record (where applicable), or by an individual with authority. 

Section to be added

In civil cases, continuance requests are granted by permission of a Judge upon good cause. Continuance requests are not granted because discovery has not been completed.

A.      AGREED CONTINUANCE REQUESTS - Counsel shall file a written motion to continue with the Clerk of Court (courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box), clearly stating the reason for the continuance request and that opposing counsel agrees to the continuance request. When the courtesy copy is received, court administrators will speak with a judge regarding the continuance request. Counsel shall then call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) together on the same conference call to speak with a court administrator. If a judge has granted the continuance request, counsel will select a new trial date at that time. In some instances, a conference call with a judge may be required. After rescheduling the trial date, counsel shall file a fully endorsed order of continuance with the Clerk’s Office.

B.      CONTESTED OR OPPOSED CONTINUANCE REQUESTS - Counsel shall file a written motion to continue with the Clerk of Court (courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box), clearly stating the reason for the continuance request and that opposing counsel objects to the continuance request. Then choose one of the following options:

    Option #1 - Schedule for a Motions Day (see Motions Day section).  If the continuance is granted during a Motions Day hearing, counsel shall call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) to reschedule the trial date.

    Option #2 - Schedule for a 8:45 a.m. conference call with a Judge.  (a) Call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) for available dates for the conference call; (b) call opposing counsel for an agreed date for the conference call; (c) call Judges’ Chambers again to reserve the date/time for the conference call.   On the day of the conference call  - Counsel call Judges’ Chambers together on the same conference call to speak with a Judge.  If the continuance is granted, counsel will reschedule trial date at that time

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 7/20/2022)  The Pro Se Divorce Packet (revised 4/13/2022) is available from the Alexandria Law Library 703.746.4077  https://alexlibraryva.org/law-library  The packet includes a brief overview of the uncontested divorce process in the Alexandria Circuit Court, and samples of required documents (Complaint, Final Decree, etc.).

LEGAL ADVICE PROHIBITED - The Court cannot provide legal advice. If you choose to represent yourself in your divorce proceeding, the Court expects you to familiarize yourself with the Virginia laws and rules pertaining to divorces. If you need additional guidance, you should seek legal counsel.  If you need help finding an attorney, contact Alexandria Lawyer Referral Service at 703.548.4077. 

(updated 7/20/2022)  In Alexandria Circuit Court, uncontested divorces are granted after either (a) a court hearing in which the plaintiff provides oral testimony (follow “Ore Tenus” instructions below); or (b) the plaintiff signs a sworn affidavit in front of a notary public providing written testimony (follow “Affidavit/Deposition” instructions below).

A.      Ore tenus (uncontested) hearing attended by Plaintiff and counsel (if any). 

                          Step 1 -       File all required documents, including the proposed Final Decree, at least one week before calling Judges’ Chambers.

                          Step 2 -       Call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) to schedule the ore tenus hearing. The hearing will be scheduled for at least two weeks from when you call Judges’ Chambers.

                          Step 3 -       (If necessary) – Serve Notice of Final Hearing on the Defendant, and file the proof of service in Clerk’s office. Instructions are in the Pro Se Divorce Packet.

                          Step 4 -       At the hearing, Plaintiff and plaintiff’s counsel (if any) are required to attend the hearing. Plaintiff will provide oral testimony. Defendant may attend the hearing to observe the proceedings, but is not required to do so.

                          Step 5 -       The Final Decree will be entered at the hearing unless service was by publication.  According to a local rule, if service was by publication, the Final Decree will be entered when the hearing transcript is filed with the Court. 

B.        Affidavit/Deposition – No hearing is necessary  Instructions are in the Pro Se Divorce Packet (see above section). The affidavit or deposition must be signed and sworn to in front of a notary public. After all documents are filed, allow 4 to 6 weeks for the documents to be reviewed and the Final Decree to be entered. If documents are incorrect, plaintiff or plaintiff’s counsel will be contacted by a law clerk.   NOTE: The affidavit must include a statement that neither party is  pregnant from the marriage.

 (updated 7/20/2022)     Contact Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) to schedule the following cases on the 10:00 a.m. contested docket.

A.      Annulments

B.      Contested divorce cases- statements required to be filed five (5) days before trial (if the parties cannot agree on one statement, each party shall file his/her own proposed statement).

          (1)      Agreed factor statement - Va. Code  §§ 20-107.1, 107.3(E), 108.1(B).

           (2)      Computations of Guideline Support– Va. Code §§ 20-107.2 and 108.2.  

C.      Equitable Distribution cases

D.      Child support cases

 (updated 7/20/2022)  Sample documents are available in the Pro Se Divorce Packet (see above).

A.    COMPLAINT

B.     COPE PARENTING CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE (Local Rule) –  In all contested divorce cases in which the parties have minor children and seek a ruling as to custody, the Plaintiff is required to attend a COPE parenting seminar and file a certificate of attendance prior to scheduling the divorce hearing. The Defendant is not required to take the parenting seminar.   COPE is not required if (a)the parties have reached an agreement as to custody and ask the Court to incorporate their written agreement into the Final Decree of Divorce; (b) custody has already been determined by a separate court order; or (c) the parties have minor children but the Final Decree does not make a ruling as to custody.  The COPE parenting seminar may be taken in-person, on‑line or by webinar.  A list of COPE parenting seminar providers for Circuit Court is available on the Supreme Court of Virginia's website at https://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/parented/circuit_providers.html     

C.    FINAL DECREE -  (1) If service was by acceptance/waiver, the Final Decree must be signed by the Defendant. The Final Decree does not need to be notarized. (2) The final decree must include the military status of both parties.

D.    NAME CHANGE ORDER (if a name change is requested in the Complaint)

E.    NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING (if necessary).  A Notice of Final Hearing must be served on the Defendant if the Defendant was not personally served with the Complaint and Summons by a sheriff or private process server.   Contact the Clerk of Court (703.746.4044) to arrange for the Notice of Final Hearing to be served.  The Notice of Hearing must be served by posting or better by a sheriff or a private process server. Refer to the “Pro Se Divorce Packet” for instructions.  Note:  If the Defendant has filed an Answer and is not contesting the divorce, the Notice of Final Hearing may be served by mailing or hand delivery to the Defendant. See Virginia Code Sections 8.01-296 and 20-99. 

F.    PRIVACY ADDENDUM

G.   PROOF OF SERVICE – The Defendant must be properly served with the Complaint and the proof of service filed in the Clerk’s office.  Service must be by one of the following options:  (a) Acceptance/Waiver signed in front of a notary public. A sample document is in the “Pro Se Divorce Packet”; (b) Publication – Sample document and instructions are in the “Pro Se Divorce Packet”. Be advised  that in all cases served by publication, the plaintiff must arrange and pay for a court reporter to attend the hearing, prepare and file a hearing transcript before the judge will sign the Final Decree; or (c) Service by Sheriff of Private Process Server (instructions are in the “Pro Se Divorce Packet).

H.   PROPERTY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (if any). A PSA is required for all divorces based on 6 month separation. The PSA must be signed by both parties, but does not need to be notarized.

I.    VS-4 FORM obtained only from the Clerk of Court (Room 307). The form cannot be downloaded from any website.

Emergency Hearings may be scheduled by speaking with a judicial law clerk in Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123.

Exhibits - Plaintiff’s exhibits shall be labeled P-1, P-2, etc. Defendant's exhibits shall be labeled D-1, D-2, etc. 

--   Motions Day  (remote until further notice):  Exhibits shall be pre-labeled and delivered to Judges' Chambers no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. The exhibits may be addressed to the Court Administrator at 520 King Street, 4th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314.

--    Trials/motions in the courtroom: Counsel (or pro se litigants) shall bring exhibits to the courtroom on the day of trial.

---   Trials/motions remote: Exhibits shall be pre-labeled and delivered to Judges' Chambers no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. The exhibits may be addressed to the Court Administrator at 520 King Street, 4th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314.

(updated 7/20/2022)   The Expungement Packet  (revised 4/13/2022) is available from the Alexandria Law Library. It may be downloaded for free from https://alexlibraryva.org/law-library or is available for a fee by calling 703.746.4077. The expungement packet includes information on general expungement procedures in Alexandria, as well as sample documents (Petition for Expungement and Order of Expungement).  Note: The final order of expungement must be signed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney (703.746.4100).

LEGAL ADVICE PROHIBITED - The Court cannot provide legal advice. If you choose to represent yourself in your divorce proceeding, the Court expects you to familiarize yourself with the Virginia laws and rules pertaining to divorces. If you need additional guidance, you should seek legal counsel.  If you need help finding an attorney, contact Alexandria Lawyer Referral Service at 703.548.4077.

All documents shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court in Room 307.  703.746.4044.  See www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCircuitCourt .  

• Motions Day proposed orders.  Courtesy copies of all Motions Day filings, including proposed orders, are required to be delivered to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. This allows the Court maximum time to prepare for the motion and to alert the law clerks that the motion has been filed. 
• Other proposed orders.  A courtesy copy may be delivered to the Judges' Chambers'  4th floor drop box, but is not required. The courtesy copy of the order will not be entered, as Judges' Chambers must wait for the original order to be processed and forwarded by the Clerk of Circuit Court.

A.    DIVORCE CASES 

        (1)   Acceptance of Service and Waiver of Notice of Future Hearings –https://www.vacourts.gov/forms/circuit/cc1406.pdf  Defendant must sign the document in front of a notary public.  

B.     MOTIONS DAY - Motions Day Praecipe for Remote Hearings (posted 7-14-2022). Until further notice, motions day hearings will continue to be heard remotely. The praecipe for remote hearings includes the mandatory remote hearing notice. Counsel shall provide email addresses for the moving party/counsel and non-moving party/counsel on the praecipe.

C.    TERM DAY  - 

Term Day Praecipe   updated March 2022

D.    TRIALS  

        (1)  Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order   (updated Nov 2019) -   Required for all cases and shall be in the form prescribed by Rule 1:18 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.  The Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order shall be entered at the time the case is set for trial.  If the trial date is selected by telephone, the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court within two weeks.

• The 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. Alexandria Circuit Court is a court of record, and all documents shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court.

• Circuit Court Judges for the City of Alexandria are Chief Judge Lisa B. Kemler, Judge James C. Clark, and Judge Kathleen M. Uston.  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. 

(updated 8/9/22)   General Receiver Deposits  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”. The orders shall include, except when it is unreasonable, the proposed dates of periodic and final disbursements. Prior to the entry of the order, the General Receiver “shall file an affidavit with the court providing the beneficiary's name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as the proposed dates of final and periodic disbursements. Such affidavit shall be maintained under seal by the clerk unless otherwise ordered by the court, and the information therein shall be used solely for the purposes of financial management and reporting.” 

INCLEMENT WEATHER / EMERGENCY CLOSURE POLICY FOR ALEXANDRIA CIRCUIT COURT   The Circuit Court will be closed when the Alexandria City Government (not the Alexandria City Public Schools) is closed or when the City Government is two (2) or more hours late in opening due to inclement weather or an emergency. The Alexandria City Employee Hotline is updated with the information as well (703.746.4636).

INFANT SETTLEMENTS AND WRONGFUL DEATH SETTLEMENTS

 (updated 8/9/2022)

1.   PROCEDURES FOR INFANT SETTLEMENTS AND WRONGFUL DEATH SETTLEMENT HEARINGS

       A.        UNCONTESTED - without a hearing.  

                   (1)    File a Petition seeking approval of an Infant or Wrongful Death Settlement.

                    (2)   For an Infant Settlement, file a proposed Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.  The proposed GAL’s name must be on the List of Court Approved GALs for infant settlements (see below).

                    (3)   File all remaining documents, including a statement signed by all parties consenting to waive court appearance, Guardian ad Litem report (for an Infant Settlement), and proposed final order.  General Receiver Deposits - 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”. The orders shall include, except when it is unreasonable, the proposed dates of periodic and final disbursements. Prior to the entry of the order, the General Receiver “shall file an affidavit with the court providing the beneficiary's name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as the proposed dates of final and periodic disbursements. Such affidavit shall be maintained under seal by the clerk unless otherwise ordered by the court, and the information therein shall be used solely for the purposes of financial management and reporting.” 

                    (4)   The Court will review the documents and either contact the parties if there is any reason the Court is unable to enter the proposed Order or enter the proposed Order.

         B.        CONTESTED OR UNCONTESTED - remote hearing on Motions Day at 10:00 a.m.   

                     (1)   File a Petition seeking approval of an Infant or Wrongful Death Settlement.

                      (2)   For an Infant Settlement, file a proposed Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.    The proposed GAL’s name must be on the List of Court Approved GALs for infant settlements (see below).

                      (3)   Schedule the hearing. For Motions Day hearings - during COVID-19, all motions day hearings are held remotely.   Follow “Motions Day Instructions” on Circuit Court’s website at www.alexandriava.gov/CircuitCourt > scroll to Motions Day sections. Two (2) days prior to the Motions Day, the docket is posted on the Court’s website. Two (2) days prior to the Motions Day, the Court issues a MS Teams meeting invitation that is emailed to the moving party and the non‑moving party if the non-moving party’s email address has been provided to the Court. If the moving party’s praecipe or notice does not include the non-moving party’s email address, it shall be the responsibility of the moving party to forward the Court’s email with the MS Teams meeting invitation to the non-moving party.

                      (4)   File all remaining documents, including the notice and proposed final order, with the praecipe or notice scheduling the case for a Motions Day hearing. The GAL report for an Infant Settlement may be filed the day before the motions day hearing, provided that a courtesy copy is delivered to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box when the GAL report is filed. General Receiver Deposits - 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”. The orders shall include, except when it is unreasonable, the proposed dates of periodic and final disbursements. Prior to the entry of the order, the General Receiver “shall file an affidavit with the court providing the beneficiary's name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as the proposed dates of final and periodic disbursements. Such affidavit shall be maintained under seal by the clerk unless otherwise ordered by the court, and the information therein shall be used solely for the purposes of financial management and reporting.” 

           C.      CONTESTED OR UNCONTESTED -  courtroom hearing on a non-Motions Day

                     (1)   File a Petition seeking approval of an Infant or Wrongful Death Settlement.

                      (2)   For an Infant Settlement, file a proposed Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.  The proposed GAL’s name must be on the List of Court Approved GALs for infant settlements (see below).

                      (3)   Schedule the hearing by calling Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123). For an uncontested hearing at 9:00 a.m. or a contested hearing at 10:00 a.m., call Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123 to schedule the hearing.  

                      (4)   File all remaining documents, including notice of hearing, Guardian ad Litem report (for an Infant Settlement), and proposed final order, at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing date.  The GAL report may be filed the day before the hearing, provided that a courtesy copy is delivered to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box when the GAL report is filed.  General Receiver Deposits - Any orders providing for funds to be deposited with the General Receiver shall comply with Va. Code Section 8.01-600(B) and “shall include the information necessary to make prudent investment and disbursement decisions”. The orders shall include, except when it is unreasonable, the proposed dates of periodic and final disbursements. Prior to the entry of the order, the beneficiary or his representative shall file an affidavit with the court providing the beneficiary’s name, date of birth, address, and social security number. The affidavit shall be maintained under seal by the clerk unless otherwise ordered by the court, and the information therein shall be used solely for the purposes of financial management and reporting.”

                    (5)    The parties in interest attend the hearing in the courtroom, and the order is entered in the courtroom.

2.         ORDER OF APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR INFANT SETTLEMENTS

            It shall be counsel’s responsibility to submit the name of a proposed GAL on the order of appointment of GAL.  Alexandria Circuit Court has a list of Approved GALs for Infant Settlements (see below).

            A.        If the proposed GAL’s name is on the list of approved GALs, the name of the proposed GAL may be included (typed) on the proposed Order of Appointment.

            B.        If the proposed GAL’s name is not on the list of approved GALs, counsel shall file a cover sheet with the name of the proposed GAL and include the proposed GAL’s experience as a GAL.

                       (1)  If the judge approves the GAL, the judge will write-in the name of the GAL and enter the order of appointment. The GAL’s name will be added to the list of approved GALs for infant settlements and wrongful death hearings.

                       (2) If the judge denies the GAL, counsel will be contacted by the Court.

            C.        If an attorney would like to request their name be added to the list of approved GALs for infant settlements, the attorney shall send a letter to the Chief Judge of Alexandria Circuit Court detailing their experience as a GAL.

3.       LIST OF APPROVED GUARDIANS AD LITEM FOR INFANT SETTLEMENTS (list is in alphabetical order)

(updated 8/9/2022)   Attorneys who have previously served as Guardians ad Litem in Alexandria Circuit Court for infant settlements. This list should not be construed as a list of recommended Guardians ad Litem. 

          A.  Guardians/conservators serving as representatives for people who are not minors may be found on the Supreme Court of Virginia’s website at https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/scv/home.html > Programs > Guardians ad Litem > Programs > Guardians ad Litem for Incapacitated Persons.

          B.  If requesting a GAL be appointed whose name is not on this list, please submit the proposed GAL’s experience as GAL to the Court. 

          C.    If an attorney would like to request their name be added to the list of approved GALs for infant settlements, the attorney shall send a letter to the Chief Judge of Alexandria Circuit Court detailing their experience as a GAL.

Frank G. Aschmann, Esquire     703-683-1142     209 South Alfred Street     Alexandria, VA  22314      

David L. Bayne, Jr., Esquire      703-931-5500   4900 Seminary Road, Suite 650     Alexandria, VA   22311    

James R. Becker, Esquire         703-281-2614  10619 Jones Street, Suite 201B  Fairfax, VA  22030

Amy Bradley, Esquire      703-359-7111    10505 Judicial Drive, Suite 203   Fairfax, VA  22030

Jonathan R. Bronley, Esquire     703-229-0335   10387 Main Street, Suite 201     Fairfax, VA  22030

Medford J. Brown, IV, Esquire      540-373-3500   910 Princess Anne Street, 2nd Floor    Fredericksburg, VA  22404

F. Andrew Carroll, III, Esquire      703-836-1000   524 King Street   Alexandria, VA  22314

Thomas C. Carter, Esquire    703-836-2000   526 King Street #213   Alexandria, VA  22314

Luis E. Chinchilla, Esquire    703-535-5456   307 N. Washington Street  Alexandria, VA  22314 

John E. Coffey, Esquire     703-684-2000     510 King Street, Suite 301      Alexandria, VA  22314

Donne L. Colton, Esquire       703-836-8989     510 King Street, Suite 400    Alexandria, VA  22314

Alexander J. Conn, Esquire    703-772-7867    P.O. Box 171   Annandale, VA   22003

David Deane, Esquire       703-224-4403   1106 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1010   Arlington, VA  22201

Robert C. Dunn, Esquire     703-836-9000    P. O. Box 117     Alexandria, VA   22313

Christopher G. Findlater, Esquire   703-539-2857   11654 Plaza America Drive, Suite 607  Reston, VA  20190

J. Casey Forrester, Esquire     703-549-7510   122 South Royal Street     Alexandria, VA   22314

Foster S. B. Friedman, Esquire     703-836-9030    616 N. Washington Street    Alexandria, VA  22314

Brian M. Glass, Esquire    703-352-6400    4011 Chain Bridge Road    Fairfax, VA   22030

Roopal Gupta, Esquire     703-352-8833     9401 Lee Highway, Suite 206   Fairfax, VA  22031

Jessica M. Gurzo, Esquire      540-226-3082   9906 Michael Schar Court Vienna, VA  22181

Elias M. Kerby, III, Esquire       703-591-9829     3998 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite 250      Fairfax, VA  22033

Kenneth E. Labowitz, Esquire   703-519-0999   526 King Street #423  Alexandria, VA  22313

Bruce A. Levine, Esquire    703-246-9494      10615 Judicial Drive, Suite 403   Fairfax, VA  22030 

Adam V. Macaluso, Esquire    703-203-6154       10825 Cross School Road     Reston, VA  20191

Azsadeh Malek, Esquire     703-361-9531      9300 West Courthouse Road, Suite 203  Manassas, VA   20110 

James McConville, Esquire    703-642-5353    7010 Little River Turnpike, Suite 220   Annandale, VA  22003

Christopher K. Peace, Esquire      804-214-3033   7308 Hanover Green Drive, Suite 201   Mechanicsville, VA  23111

Eric Persian, Esquire      703-392-9215    9842 Business Way     Manassas, VA   20110 

Adrien C. Pickard, Esquire   703-836-3505   100 N. Pitt Street, Suite 206 Alexandria, VA  22314 

Daniel Poretz, Esquire      703-683-7070  108 N. Alfred Street   Alexandria, VA  22314

Jonathan S. Rochkind, Esquire       703-361-0776  9300 West Courthouse Road, Suite 203     Manassas, VA  20110

Alan Rosenblum, Esquire      703-548-9002    228 S. Washington Street, Suite 300  Alexandria, VA  22314

David W. Silek, Esquire      703-564-4600       8500 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400     Vienna, VA  22182

Joseph T. Trapeni, Jr., Esquire      703-273-1133   3930 Walnut Street, Suite  250   Fairfax, VA  22030

Jeffrey A. Vogelman, Esquire    703-836-3400     124 S. Royal Street    Alexandria, VA  22314

Inga A. Watkins, Esquire    703-549-6111  2121 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 200   Alexandria, VA  22314

Martin J. A. Yeager, Esquire     703-836-1000    524 King Street   Alexandria, VA  22314

The Court's Foreign Language Office should be contacted immediately if language services are needed.  Neither the Circuit Court Judges’ Chambers nor the Clerk of Circuit Court schedules foreign language interpreters.

            A.        Spanish interpreter - call Doralisa Pilarte at 703.746.4630 or email   dpilarte@vacourts.gov

            B.        Languages Other Than Spanish - call Hassan Abdi at 571.435.1786 or email  habdi@vacourts.gov

(updated 5/1/2022)  Contact information    703.746.4119.   If the jury coordinator is unavailable, please follow the instructions on the recording. Leave your name, group number, badge number and telephone number so your call may be returned. 

(updated 5/1/2022)   

If you have received a Juror Summons, you have been summoned as a Petit Juror or a Grand Juror at Alexandria Circuit Court. Carefully follow these instructions.

Step 1   Confirm the summons is for ALEXANDRIA CIRCUIT COURT at 520 King Street.  If the summonses is from United States District Court at 401 Courthouse Square, you should call 703.299.2104.    

Step 2    Acknowledge Receipt  703.838.4237.

               Call 703.838.4237. 

               State your  FIRST NAME, LAST NAME,  JURY GROUP NUMBER (located in pink on the jury summons). Do not leave any other message on this recording.
 

Step 3    Call Juror Information/Reporting Line  703.838.4110  after 4:00 p.m. 

            Starting at 4:00 p.m. on the Friday before your Term of Service, call 703.838.4110. 

           A.       An outgoing message is recorded every business day after 4:00 p.m. to include the jury group numbers of jurors who need to report for jury duty on the following business day.   

           B.       If your group number is listed, report to Court on the following business day. The address is 520 King Street, 4th floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. 

             C.       Call every day for the next 7 days:

                          (1)  Call on Friday after 4:00 p.m. to hear if you need to report on Monday morning

                          (2)  Call on Monday after 4:00 p.m.  to hear if you need to report on Tuesday morning

                          (3)  Call on Tuesday after 4:00 p.m.  to hear if you need to report on Wednesday morning

                          (4)  Call on Wednesday after 4:00 p.m. to hear if you need to report on Thursday morning

                          (5)  Call on Thursday after 4:00 p.m. to hear if you need to report on Friday morning.

(updated 5/1/2022)   Once a year (typically in September-October), the Supreme Court of Virginia mails confidential Juror Questionnaires to prospective jurors for the City of Alexandria's Master Juror List for the upcoming calendar year.  The questionnaires are mailed to City of Alexandria residents who are randomly selected according to Section 8.01‑345 of the Code of Virginia.  The questionnaires are reviewed by the Jury Commissioners to determine eligible jurors for the following calendar year.

If you receive a questionnaire,

• Please DO NOT call the Court at this time. 
  • Complete the questionnaire as best you can.
  • Return the questionnaire to the Court within ten (10) days in the envelope provided to Alexandria Circuit Court, 520 King Street, Room 307, Alexandria VA 22314 – or- you may hand-deliver the questionnaire to Room 307 at the courthouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

• You are not being summonsed to serve as a juror at this time. 
  • The questionnaire is for the next Calendar Year. If you are determined to be qualified by the Juror Commissioners, your name will be included on the Master List of Jurors, from which names will be randomly selected for jury service during the next calendar year.
  • Previous Jury Service - Make your best guess if you cannot remember the exact date. The court will confirm the information when your questionnaire is returned.
  • Questions?  Write a note at the bottom of the questionnaire or attach a separate note. The Jury Commissioners will review your question and make a determination.
  • Recipient moved?  If the addressee no longer resides at the address, please mark the envelope "return to sender", and mail to the court in the envelope provided.
  • Request to be excused from jury service - Write a note at the bottom of the questionnaire or attach a separate note. The Jury Commissioners will review the request and make a determination.
  • Son or Daughter's Questionnaire - If the questionnaire is for your son or daughter who is away at school, please answer the questions for your son or daughter, sign your name as parent, and return the questionnaire to the court in the envelope provided.
  • Special circumstances - Write a note at the bottom of the questionnaire or attach a separate note. The Jury Commissioners will review the request and make a determination.

Court personnel are prohibited from giving legal advice or assistance, including how to fill out legal forms.  If you need such advice, you must hire an attorney.  If you need help finding an attorney, contact Alexandria Lawyer Referral Service at 703.548.4077.

(updated 2021)  

(A)   LIST OF ALEXANDRIA ATTORNEYS AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONIES – In addition to clergy, several local attorneys have been authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies. To obtain the names and contact information of the local attorneys, refer to the Clerk of Circuit Court's website at https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkOfCircuitCourt.

(B)  ALEXANDRIA RESIDENT MAY PETITION THE COURT FOR PERMISSION TO PERFORM A ONE-TIME CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONY - A person residing in the City of Alexandria (not Fairfax County) may petition the Circuit Court of Alexandria to become a marriage celebrant to perform a one-time civil marriage ceremony (Virginia Code § 20‑25). All documents shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court at least thirty (30) days prior to the ceremony to allow for processing time. (1)  Petitioner (marriage celebrant) must pay a filing fee and post a bond. (2) Petitioner (marriage celebrant) must file these required documents (a) petition; (b) proposed order; and (c) Local Rule - A letter from the petitioner (marriage celebrant) stating (1) the petitioner (marriage celebrant) lives in the City of Alexandria (not Fairfax County), (2) describing the petitioner (marriage celebrant)'s relationship to the couple getting married; and (c) why the petitioner (marriage celebrant) wants to perform the marriage ceremony. 

Mediation is recommended by the Court in all disputed custody cases. 

 (updated 7/15/2022) Motions Day hearings will continue to be heard remotely by Microsoft Teams until further notice, unless an exception is permitted by the Court. The virtual Motions Day hearings are intended to be similar to pre-COVID Motions Day hearings and are open to everyone. Important – Microsoft Teams software must be downloaded to your device prior to the Motions Day hearing. Microsoft Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com.

A.        Motions Days are the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, except in May, when the schedule may change due to the Judicial Conference. Refer to the Court’s calendar that is posted to this website.

Time restrictions will be rigidly applied.

            --    10:00 a.m. docket –Time allotment is 25 minutes per case (10 minutes per side for argument, with 5 minutes for rebuttal).  The moving pro se party or counsel shall notice/praecipe all cases for the 10:00 a.m. session, unless special permission has been received from Judges’ Chambers to schedule the case for the 2:00 p.m. session.

                  ---    Procedure:  No prior permission is necessary to docket a motion for the 10:00 a.m. Motions Day docket. Follow the “Motions Day Instructions” section below.

            --    2:00 p.m. docket – Cases requiring more than 25 minutes but less than 2 hours. Permission from a judicial law clerk is required prior to filing the motion or praecipe to docket the motion. Each judge is assigned only one case, therefore there are a limited number of slots available.

                  ---   Procedure:  (1) Confirm opposing counsel (or pro se litigant) is available for a 2:00 p.m. docket. Specifically ask for their agreement to have the case heard at 2:00 p.m.; (2) Call Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123 to reserve a 2:00 p.m. time slot. Speak with a Judicial Law Clerk and ask for available 2:00 p.m. time slots (have the non-moving party’s avoid dates available); and (3) After obtaining a date certain from Judges’ Chambers, the moving counsel/pro se party shall file the proper praecipe or notice with the Clerk of Court.

B.        To schedule a motion –

--     Follow “Motions Day Instructions” section.

--     Filing deadlines are listed in the “Motions Day-Filing Deadlines” section below.

C.        Mandatory remote meeting language –All notices or praecipes scheduling the motion for a remote Motions Day hearing must include the following language:  

                     “The matter will be heard remotely via Microsoft Teams”;

                        and

                    “Opposing counsel/party will receive an email from the Court two (2) days prior to the Motions Day hearing. The Court’s email will include a link to the Microsoft Teams meeting and a telephone number to be used by those participants who do not have internet access.”

D.        Two days before the Motions Day hearings,

            (1)     Meeting invitation

                     a.    Email will be sent by the Court to the moving party (or counsel) and all others whose email addresses were provided by the moving party. The meeting invitation may be forwarded to anyone interested in attending the remote hearing, such as court reporters and interpreters.  

                             ---  The Court uses the email addresses that were provided on the praecipe/notice and filed with the Court when the motion was scheduled.

                             ---  If the moving party’s praecipe or notice does not include the non-moving party’s email address, it shall be the responsibility of the moving party to forward the Court’s email with the Microsoft Teams meeting invitation to the non-moving party. If the non-moving party does not have an email address, they may be directed to the Motions Day hearing links posted below.”

                             ---  Any errors apparent to the parties at the time of the issuance of the Microsoft Teams meting invitation should be immediately brought to the attention of the Court by calling Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123.

                             ---  The meeting invitation will include the name of the judge assigned to the hearing, the time of the hearing, a meeting link for internet access; and a telephone number for participants without internet access.

                             ---  Important - Microsoft Teams software must be downloaded to your device prior to the Motions Day hearing. Microsoft Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com.

                             ---  Videoconference Instructions include reminders to mute your microphone, etc.

                     b.    Posted on website – The meeting invitations for all judges' Motions Day remote hearings will be posted to this website  (see “Motions Day – Meeting Links”).

            (2)     Motions Day docket will be posted to this website (see “Motions Day – Docket”).

(updated 7/15/2022) Please call Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123 to speak with a Judicial Law Clerk if you do not understand a procedure.

• Motions Day Instructions  instructions (issued 8/1/2021 during COVID; still in effect as of 7/15/2022)
  • Taped webinar and   Webinar slides    explaining the Motions Day instructions issued 8/1/2021
• Remote Motions Day Praecipe - (posted 7-14-2022) includes the Mandatory remote hearing language. 

The Motions Day Instructions include detailed instructions regarding the following:

• Courtesy copies to Judges’ Chambers (mandatory)
• Email addresses to be provided to the Court on the praecipe/notice
• Filing procedures
• Filing deadlines – see “Motions Day filing deadlines” section below.
• Mandatory remote meeting language - All notices or praecipes scheduling the motion for a remote Motions Day hearing shall include the following language:     “The matter will be heard remotely via Microsoft Teams”;

and “Opposing counsel/party will receive an email from the Court two (2) days prior to the Motions Day hearing. The Court’s email will include a link to the Microsoft Teams meeting and a telephone number to be used by those participants who do not have internet access.”

• Miscellaneous
  • Discovery Disputes
  • Disputes over the language of a proposed decree or order
  • Garnishments
  • Good Faith Certification – Mandatory for Motions to Compel
  • Motions continued from one Motions Day to another
  • Motions to Amend Pleadings
  • Motions to Compel
  • Motions to Set a Trial Date
  • Show cause orders returnable to a Motions Day
• Notification of Opposing counsel (or pro se litigant) by Moving Party
• Oppositions/Responses to Motions – Deadline is 4:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the Motions Day hearing. Replies to oppositions/responses will not be considered by the Court.
• Praecipe or Notice - In addition to filing the written motion,  the moving counsel/party shall file a remote Motions Day praecipe or notice to request the Clerk of Court to docket the motion. The praecipe or notice must include the Mandatory Remote Meeting Language.
• Proposed orders – shall be filed when the initial motion is filed, but no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Monday preceding the Motions Day. Original filed with Clerk of Court; courtesy copy to Judges’ Chambers’ 4th floor drop box.
• Removal of Motions by the Court when instructions are not followed
• Required Documents to be filed
• Videoconference Instructions

(updated 9/30/2022)

 (1)    Initial filing deadlines are at 4:00 p.m. on the Friday two and one-half  (2.5) weeks prior to the Motions Day.  

Filing Deadline at 4:00 p.m.                             Date of Motions Day

*Originals filed in Clerk's office (Room 307); courtesy copies to Judges' Chambers (4th floor drop box)

January 6   deadline for    JANUARY 25, 2023 Motions Day

January 20  deadline for      FEBRUARY 8, 2023 Motions Day

February 3 deadline for     FEBRUARY 22, 2023 Motions Day

February 17 deadline for   MARCH 8, 2023 Motions Day

March 3 deadline for      MARCH 22, 2023 Motions Day

March 24 deadline  for     APRIL 12, 2023 Motions Day

April 7 deadline   for      APRIL 26, 2023 Motions Day

April 21 deadline  for      MAY 10, 2023 Motions Day

May 5 deadline   for      MAY 24, 2023 Motions Day

May 26 deadline for       JUNE 14, 2023 Motions Day

June 9 deadline  for     JUNE 28, 2023 Motions Day

June 23 deadline  for   JULY 12, 2023 Motions Day

July 7 deadline for      JULY 26, 2023 Motions Day

July 21  deadline for     AUGUST 9, 2023 Motions Day

August 4 deadline for    AUGUST 23, 2023 Motions Day

August 25 deadline for    SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 Motions Day

September 8  deadline for  SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 Motions Day         

September 22  deadline for  OCTOBER 11, 2023 Motions Day

October 6 deadline  for   OCTOBER 25, 2023 Motions Day       

 (2)       Additional Motions deadline  may be scheduled only if an initiating motion was placed on the docket by the timely and complete filing of a motion and a praecipe is received by 4:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Motions Day. Originals filed with Clerk of Court; courtesy copy delivered to Judges’ Chambers (4th floor drop box).

(updated 8/8/2022) The Motions Day docket will be posted to the website two (2) days prior to the Motions Day hearing.

        Motion's Day Docket    for January 25, 2023 Motions Day   (posted 1/20/2022 at 3:40 p.m.) 

(updated 8/8/2022)

A.        Two (2) days prior to the Motions Day, the Court will email a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation to the moving party and non-moving parties if the email address for the non-moving party has been provided to the Court. The meeting invitation may be forwarded to anyone interested in attending the hearing. 

The Court’s email will include a separate meeting link and telephone number for each judge’s 10:00 a.m. session (and 2:00 p.m. session if applicable). The telephone number is for participants who do not have internet access so they may have audio access to the hearing.

The Microsoft Teams meeting link, telephone number and Motions Day docket are posted to the website 2 days prior to the Motions Day hearing.

B.        Motions Day Videoconference Instructions

            (1)    IMPORTANT – Download Microsoft Teams (a free download) prior to the meeting.

            (2)     You are receiving this email because you have placed a motion on the upcoming Motions Day. If you have already removed your motion from the docket, you may disregard this invitation. 

            (3)     Please do not respond to this email other than by accepting or declining the meeting invitation.  The link below for the meeting will also be posted on the Court’s website at www.alexandriava.gov/circuitcourt.  Anyone who does not receive this invitation (parties, court reporters, etc.) may still join the meeting by clicking on the posted link on the Court’s website. Do not call or email the Court to ask that this invitation be sent out again to additional recipients.  If you have any questions that are not about who did, or did not, receive the Microsoft Teams Invitation, please call 703-746-4123. 

(4)     Please review the following instructions with regards to the upcoming Motions Day. 

            (a) All hearings will be remotely through Microsoft Teams.

            (b) Please keep your microphone muted until your case is called.

(5)     When you hear your case called by the judge, you will need to alert the judge that you are present, and give a time estimate for the amount of time you believe your case requires.

(6)     Please note:
       a.   When your case is called, please speak as loudly as possible.
        b.    Make sure you are in a quiet space where you will not be disturbed during the hearing.  Eliminate all ambient noise in the room, even if you think it will not be picked-up on your microphone. 
       c.   If you interrupt the court during any case other than your own, you will be muted and possibly removed from the court proceeding.

C.       MEETING LINKS FOR REMOTE MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS (no in‑person Motions Day hearings)

         January 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.   (posted on 1/23/23 at 12:10 p.m.)

          (1)     JUDGE LISA B. KEMLER                                                                                                                                                              Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

                         Click here to join the meeting

                         Meeting ID: 296 736 006 358
                         Passcode: FqQEeK

                         Download Teams | Join on the web

                        Or call in (audio only)

                        +1 703-719-4698,,554702613#   United States, Arlington

                        Phone Conference ID: 554 702 613#

         (2)     JUDGE JAMES C. CLARK

                        Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

                        Click here to join the meeting

                        Meeting ID: 242 137 421 964
                        Passcode: KTemiR

                        Download Teams | Join on the web

                        Or call in (audio only)

                        +1 703-719-4698,,987814151#   United States, Arlington

                        Phone Conference ID: 987 814 151#

          (3)   JUDGE KATHLEEN M. USTON

                        Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

                        Click here to join the meeting

                        Meeting ID: 238 583 993 738
                        Passcode: P5dUAi

                        Download Teams | Join on the web

                       Or call in (audio only)

                       +1 703-719-4698,,579251391#   United States, Arlington

                       Phone Conference ID: 579 251 391#

        January 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.    (posted on 1/23/23 at 12:10 p.m.)

         (4)     JUDGE LISA B. KEMLER                                                                                                                                                               Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

                       Click here to join the meeting

                       Meeting ID: 279 501 878 870
                       Passcode: 7FgK66

                       Download Teams | Join on the web

                       Or call in (audio only)

                       +1 703-719-4698,,164785194#   United States, Arlington

                       Phone Conference ID: 164 785 194#

         (5)     JUDGE JAMES C. CLARK

                       **Please use Judge Clark's 10am meeting link**

(updated 8/9/2022)

A.   All orders shall be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court in Room 307.

B.   Endorsements (signatures) on orders and pleadings.   

• Original signatures only. (updated 6/22/2022).No typed or electronic signatures are accepted.  The judicial emergency has ended, therefore electronic signatures are no longer accepted by the Court. 
• Contact information included - The attorney or pro se litigant's name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if any) shall be included on the signature line.
• Agreed orders or decrees require the endorsement of opposing counsel or pro se litigant.

C.    General Receiver Deposits - 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”. The orders shall include, except when it is unreasonable, the proposed dates of periodic and final disbursements. Prior to the entry of the order, the General Receiver “shall file an affidavit with the court providing the beneficiary's name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as the proposed dates of final and periodic disbursements. Such affidavit shall be maintained under seal by the clerk unless otherwise ordered by the court, and the information therein shall be used solely for the purposes of financial management and reporting.” 

D.    Judgment Orders shall specifically name the defendant(s) upon which the judgment is granted in the last paragraph of the order.  

E.    Nonsuit orders - (1) If no responsive pleading has been filed, Plaintiff's proposed nonsuit order must state that (a) this is their first nonsuit and (b) that no counterclaims, crossclaims, or third-party claims by an adverse party have been filed.  (2)  If responsive pleadings have been filed, the adverse parties must endorse Plaintiff's proposed nonsuit order.

(updated 8/9/2022)  All funds paid into the Circuit Court will be deposited in the Clerk of Circuit Courts account, which is non-interest bearing. 

• If counsel or parties desire funds to be deposited into an interest-bearing account, they may do so by order of the court.
• The court order should direct that the funds be paid directly to the General Receiver of the Court (not the Clerk of Circuit Court) who 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.

Pretrial conferences  are mandatory for all cases scheduled  for more than two days and all Equitable Distribution cases.  The pretrial conference is a brief hearing (5 to 10 minute) scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on a date four to six weeks prior to the trial date, attended by counsel and pro se litigants. The pretrial conference may be rescheduled by the Court to a time other than 9:00 a.m., in which case counsel and pro se litigants will receive an email from the Court. At the pretrial conference, the judge will ask about outstanding issues, estimated length of trial, and possibility of settlement. Motions to continue cannot be heard at a pretrial conference and should be scheduled separately from the pretrial conference. 

Pretrial conferences are conducted by telephone conference call if possible. Counsel and pro se parties are directed to coordinate a telephone conference call (with all counsel and pro se litigants on the same telephone call), and then call Judges' Chambers at 703-746-4123. 

Added 11/16/22

REMOTE HEARING INSTRUCTIONS - see "Technology in the Courtroom" section.

Upon agreement, the parties in any case may request a settlement conference to be held at 9:00 a.m. To the extent possible, the Judge presiding over the settlement conference will not hear the case.  

Procedure:  Counsel or pro-se litigants must agree to a settlement conference.  Call Judges' Chambers (703.746.4123) to schedule a settlement conference. Both parties shall deliver to Judges' Chambers a brief factual statement of the case from their viewpoint and a statement of the amount or conditions of demands or offers not less than five (5) days before the date of the settlement conference.  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.

Section to be added.

• Status Conference notice for February 13, 2023 .
• Telephone number for status conferences:  703.746.4123   8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.   (Telephones are not answered from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

In Alexandria Circuit Court, all civil cases should be resolved by trial and/or final order within one year of the filing date. Therefore, the Court schedules a status conference for civil cases that have not been served on the defendant after 3 months, and for all cases which do not have a trial date scheduled after 4 months. 

•  INSTRUCTIONS:  If you receive a Status Conference notice,

  • Call 703.746.4123 (telephone hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Status conferences are held by telephone only. Do not come to the courthouse.

  • Call at your earliest convenience, but no later than the date of the Status Conference. If plaintiff does not contact Judges' Chambers by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the status conference, the Court may enter an Order of Dismissal, dismissing the case from the active case docket.

  • Be prepared to discuss the service in your case, or to set a trial date (whichever applies to your case).To discuss service on defendant  – Plaintiff’s counsel (or pro se plaintiff) shall call Judges’ Chambers to discuss why defendant(s) has not been served. 

    • To discuss service on defendant  – Plaintiff’s counsel (or pro se plaintiff) shall call Judges’ Chambers to discuss why defendant(s) has not been served. 
    • To set a trial date - All counsel shall call Judges’ Chambers together on the same conference call. Trial dates are typically scheduled within one year from the filing date.  Refer to “Trial Dates – Setting Civil Trial Dates” section.

• CASES ARE SCHEDULED FOR A STATUS CONFERENCE (and a notice of status conference is mailed to the plaintiff (or plaintiff's counsel) and defendants for which the Court has a mailing address) if cases are

  • 3 months old without good service; or

  • 4 months old without a trial date.

(updated 8/9/2022)  Structured settlements  may be scheduled on a Motions Day docket (see "Motions Day Instructions" below);  or on a 9:00 a.m. uncontested docket. 

•  Procedure for 9:00 a.m. docket -  File all documents, including application for approval, notice of proposed transfer and proposed final order containing the statutory requirements not less than 20 days prior to the scheduled hearing and deliver a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box.  NOTE:   The payee must attend the final hearing unless good cause exists and a waiver is filed with the Court.
• Deposits to General Receiver- 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”. The orders shall include, except when it is unreasonable, the proposed dates of periodic and final disbursements. Prior to the entry of the order, the General Receiver “shall file an affidavit with the court providing the beneficiary's name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as the proposed dates of final and periodic disbursements. Such affidavit shall be maintained under seal by the clerk unless otherwise ordered by the court, and the information therein shall be used solely for the purposes of financial management and reporting.” 

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.

Questions:  Contact Circuit Court Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123  or Circuit Court IT at 703.746.4310.

 Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions regarding hybrid hearings (remote testimony for in-person hearings/trials/) or technology courtrooms (electronic evidence presentation).

1.    MOTIONS DAY HEARINGS - Until further notice, all Motions Day hearings will be held remotely.  See Motions Day sections on this website. 

2.     HYBRID HEARINGS  (remote testimony) - Hearings/trials in which the judge, counsel, parties, witnesses are in the courtroom, but remote testimony is requested to be provided someone outside the courtroom. JUDGE'S PERMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR A HYBRID HEARING.  The remote testimony will be delivered via Microsoft Teams and use of the Court's technology cart.  Counsel or pro se litigant must bring their own laptop to Court on the day of the hearing/trial (and for training if necessary).  The laptop, with Windows OS or Mac OS, should have a native HDMI port. If the laptop does not have a native HDMI port, you are required to bring an HDMI dongle/converter for your laptop. The following steps are required to be followed for remote testimony during a hybrid hearing or trial. Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 if you have any questions. 

        A.    EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE - The Court's technology cart is available to display a remote witness' testimony using your laptop. The testimony will be by a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation that you will issue (not the Court).

         B.    PERMISSION REQUIRED - File a written request for remote testimony with the Clerk of Court (Room 307). Deliver a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box and provide a copy to opposing counsel. You will be contacted regarding the judges' decision.

        C.    TECHNOLOGY CART RESERVATION - After judge's permission has been received, counsel or pro se party (not the Court) is responsible for reserving the Court's technology cart by calling Circuit Court IT at 703.746.4310.  (The cart is used to display the remote witness that is testifying via your laptop with Windows OS software.)

        D.    TRAINING (MANDATORY) TAKEN PRIOR TO DAY OF TRIAL/HEARING -  Mandatory training on the Court's technology cart must be taken prior to the day of trial/hearing.

                 (1)  Walk-in training is available  every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in Circuit Courtroom #2.  If the courtroom is not open when you arrive, call Circuit Court IT at 703.746.4310 and staff will come meet you.  (Judges' Chambers opens at 8:30 a.m.)

                 (2)  Training is also available by appointment. Call Circuit Court IT at 703.746.4310 to reserve a date/time when the courtroom will be available. On day of training, meet IT staff outside the courtroom.

                (3)   Bring to training - A laptop with Windows OS or Mac OS that will be used during the trial. If the laptop does not have a native HDMI port, you are required to bring an HDMI dongle/converter for your laptop. This should be the same laptop that you will use on the day of trial/hearing.

        E.  MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING INVITATION (to be received at least 48 hours prior to trial/hearing date) - After judge's permission has been received, counsel or pro se litigant (not the Court) is responsible for issuing a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation.  

               (1) The meeting invitation shall be sent to the person testifying remotely, opposing counsel, and the court administrators (who will forward the meeting invitation to Circuit Court IT). The email addresses for the court administrators are Lori.Knoernschild@alexandriava.gov, Lucy.Scalsky@alexandriava.gov, and Jennifer.LazoTorres@alexandriava.gov. 

               (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; (c) advise recipients that MS Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com. 

               (3) The Court uses only Microsoft Teams. MS Teams is a free download available at www.microsoft.com. 

               (4)  If counsel wishes to include a telephone number on the meeting invitation, a MS Teams subscription must be purchased by counsel. 

       F.    BRING LAPTOP that you used during training with you to the trial/hearing. If the laptop does not have a native HDMI port, you are required to bring an HDMI dongle/converter with you.

       G.    START MEETING - You or your assistant are responsible for starting the meeting in the courtroom.  The Court does not have an IT person available to assist during trials/hearings.

3.    TECHNOLOGY COURTROOMS - The Court's PODIUM AND SOFTWARE are used to present ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE - The following steps are required to be followed to use the Court's electronic evidence presentation equipment. 

         A.   EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE to present Electronic Evidence: Carousel equipment (Circuit Courtroom #2). Nomad equipment (Circuit Courtroom #4).

         B.   PERMISSION NOT REQUIRED - Judge's permission is not required to use a technology courtroom. 

         C.   RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Judges' Chambers at 703.746.4123 to reserve a technology courtroom. The Court has a limited number of technology courtrooms. Counsel are encouraged to reserve a tech courtroom as far in advance as possible. 

         D.    TRAINING (MANDATORY) TAKEN PRIOR TO DAY OF TRIAL/HEARING - Mandatory training on the Court's electronic evidence presentation podium and software must be taken prior to the day of trial/hearing.

                 (1)  Walk-in training is available  every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in Circuit Courtroom #2.  If the courtroom is not open when you arrive, call Circuit Court IT at 703.746.4310 and staff will come meet you.  (Judges' Chambers opens at 8:30 a.m.)

                 (2)  Training is also available by appointment. Call Circuit Court IT at 703.746.4310 to reserve a date/time when the courtroom will be available. On day of training, meet IT staff outside the courtroom.

                (3)   Bring to training - A laptop with Windows OS or Mac OS that will be used during the trial. If the laptop does not have a native HDMI port, you are required to bring an HDMI dongle/converter for your laptop. This should be the same laptop that you will use on the day of trial/hearing.

        E.    MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING INVITATION  not needed for electronic evidence presentation.

        F.   BRING LAPTOP with  Windows OS or Mac OS that will be used during the trial. If the laptop does not have a native HDMI port, you are required to bring an HDMI dongle/converter for your laptop. 

        G.   PRESENT EVIDENCE - You or your assistant are responsible for presenting the evidence. The Court does not have an IT person available to assist during trials/hearings.

TERM DAY  is at 9:00 a.m. on the second Monday of the month in January, March, May, July, September and November. If a Term Day falls on a holiday, the Term Day will be held the next day Court is open. See “Calendar” section for specific Term Day schedule.

 If the Defendant has been served and the proof of service has been filed with the Clerk of Court, counsel or pro se litigant may schedule a case for Term Day to select a trial date.  After selecting a trial date, a  Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order shall be completed and signed by counsel and/or pro se litigants and filed with the Clerk of Court (Room 307).

File a Term Day Praecipe  with the Clerk of Court (Room 307) no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding the Term Day. Serve the opposing counsel or pro se litigant with the Term Day praecipe.  

Prior to the Term Day, counsel and/or pro se litigant may call Judges’ Chambers (703.746.4123) together on the same telephone conference call to select a trial date.

At the Term Day proceeding, which is held in the 4th floor lobby starting at 9:00 a.m., counsel and/or pro se litigant shall appear together to select a trial date.

TRIAL DATES – SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATES – Civil trial dates are selected at the Status Conference, which  is scheduled by the Court (see “Status Conference” section). Trial dates for appeals from General District Court or Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court are selected at the Selection of Trial Date hearing (see “Appeals” in paragraph 3).

                        If the Defendant has been served and the proof of service has been filed with the Clerk of Court, counsel or pro se litigant may select a trial date by one of the following. After selecting a trial date, a  Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order shall be completed and signed by counsel and/or pro se litigants and filed with the Clerk of Court (Room 307).

            ---        Call Judges’ Chambers at 703.746.4123 with all counsel (or pro se litigants) together on the same telephone conference call; or

            ---        Schedule a Motions Day Hearing for the purpose of setting a trial date (see "Motions Day" section); or

            ---        Schedule a Term Day Hearing (see “Term Day” section).

(updated 8/25/2022)

A.     START TIME  is 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise approved by the Court.

B.     REMOTE WITNESS TESTIMONY (hybrid hearings).  The Court has returned to pre-COVID procedures (except for Motions Day, which will continue to be held remotely until further notice). Anyone who wishes to testify remotely must follow the instructions below.

             (1)  File a letter with the Clerk of Court explaining why remote testimony is needed and provide a courtesy copy to Judges' Chambers' 4th floor drop box. Counsel will be notified if the request is granted or denied. 

             (2)  Reserve the tech cart and receive mandatory training (see "Technology in the Courtroom" section for instructions). 

             (3)  For training and on day of trial, counsel must provide their own Windows OS laptop.

            (4)   Issue a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation, which must be received by court administrators no later than 48 business hours prior to the trial/hearing (see "Technology in the Courtroom" section)

             (5)  Rule 1:27 - Counsel are directed to Rule 1:27 regarding remote witness testimony.  If the parties in agreement regarding the witness testifying remotely, an agreed order may be presented on the first day of trial granting permission for the witness to testify by audiovisual means under Rule 1:27.

C.        TECHNOLOGY – see “Technology in the Courtroom” section.

D.        TRIAL EXHIBITS – see “Exhibits” section regarding exhibit numbering.

E.         MOTIONS – All pretrial motions, including motions in limine, exceeding 5 minutes shall be noticed for and argued on a Civil Motions Day. See "Motions Day Instructions".

F.         SETTLEMENT OR DISMISSAL PRIOR TO TRIAL – Notify the Court immediately in order to avoid possible sanctions. During business hours,  call 703.746.4123. After business hours, email court administrators Lori.Knoernschild@alexandriava.gov, 

Lucy.Scalsky@alexandriava.gov, and Jennifer.LazoTorres@alexandriava.gov.  

A.        Start time is 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise approved by the Court.

B.        Hybrid hearings (remote witness testimony) require a Judge’s permission. File a letter with the Clerk of Court; send a copy of the letter to opposing counsel and deliver a courtesy copy to Judges’ Chambers (4th floor drop box).

                        If permission for a hybrid hearing is granted – (a) reserve technology cart; and (b) issue Microsoft Teams meeting invitation.  See “Technology in the Courtroom” for instructions. 

   C.        Jury Instructions - Counsel should file and exchange instructions as specified in the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order that was entered in the case.  Plaintiff's instructions should be marked numerically and defendant's instructions should be marked alphabetically.  Efforts should be made to review the instructions prior to the conclusion of the evidence. 

 D.        Jury Lists

                                    Panel List by week - includes all jurors who have been summoned to appear (name, age, address, occupation and employer) and is available in the Clerk’s office 3 days before the start of the jury trial.  Contact the Clerk of Court at 703.746.4044 (Room 307).

                                    Trial list for counsel – includes jurors who reported for jury duty on the day of the trial. Counsel will receive the trial list from the jury coordinator in the courtroom immediately prior to trial. 

  E.         Settlement, dismissal, or counsel agree to remove jury prior to trial – Notify the Court immediately in order to avoid possible sanctions. Notification must be received by 6:15 a.m. on the day of trial to cancel the jury and avoid paying juror costs.

                                    During business hours, call 703.746.4123. After business hours, call 703.746.4347 and email court administrators Lori.Knoernschild@alexandriava.gov, 

Lucy.Scalsky@alexandriava.gov, and Jennifer.LazoTorres@alexandriava.gov.  

WRONGFUL DEATH HEARINGS 

(updated 8/9/2022)   See "Infant Settlement and Wrongful Death Settlement" instructions.