Virginia Court Case Search: Find Your Debt Lawsuit Fast

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 17, 2026
4 min read
The Bottom Line

Virginia makes searching court records easy through online portals and courthouse visits. Finding your case information helps you track deadlines and prepare your defense. Do not ignore a debt lawsuit—respond quickly with help from our partner Solo to protect your rights.

Answer Your Lawsuit

Getting sued for debt in Virginia feels overwhelming. You need information fast.

Finding your court case records helps you prepare your defense. You can track deadlines, review what creditors filed, and confirm the court received your response.

Respond to Your Virginia Debt Lawsuit Today

You found your case. Now respond before the deadline passes. Draft and file your Answer in 15 minutes with attorney review included.

Start Your Answer Now

Virginia makes accessing case information straightforward. You can search online or visit your courthouse in person.

The worst mistake you can make is ignoring the lawsuit. Show up and defend yourself, even if you cannot pay right now.

Understanding Virginia’s Court System

Knowing which court handles your case makes everything easier. Debt collection lawsuits are civil cases.

Virginia has four court levels for civil matters:

  • District Court: Handles civil cases up to $25,000. The small claims division hears claims up to $5,000. Your debt lawsuit likely starts here.
  • Circuit Court: Has jurisdiction over cases from $4,500 to $25,000 (shared with District Court). Also handles cases exceeding $25,000.
  • Court of Appeals: Reviews decisions from Circuit Courts. Appeals here are a right for parties.
  • Supreme Court: Virginia’s highest court. Hears appeals by permission only.

Most debt collection cases go to your county’s District Court. Small claims court moves quickly, often reaching outcomes within 60 days.

You do not need an attorney for small claims. Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer document in just 15 minutes.

Finding Your Virginia Case Number

Every Virginia court case gets a unique number. You need this number to search records quickly.

Case numbers include several pieces of information:

  • Year the case was filed
  • Case type
  • Court type
  • Judge’s or judicial officer’s initials
  • Sequential number for similar cases that year

Do not have your case number? You have two options.

Visit the courthouse where your case was filed. Ask the court clerk to search for you. They may give you a form to complete.

Or use Virginia’s District Court online portal. Search by name or hearing date.

Accessing Virginia Court Records Online

Online access is faster than visiting the courthouse. The process takes just minutes.

Go to Virginia’s General District Court Online Case Information System. Select your county from the left side.

Choose one of four search options:

  • Name search
  • Case number search
  • Hearing date
  • Process search

Enter your details and click search. Your court records appear instantly.

Cases in Circuit Court require a different portal. Use this Circuit Court link instead. Find your county and click begin.

Why Checking Your Records Matters

Accessing your records keeps you informed. You see any new filings from creditors.

You can verify the court received your Answer. You will not miss important deadlines or court dates.

Staying updated gives you time to prepare your defense. You will not face surprises in court.

Visiting the Courthouse in Person

Prefer in-person access? Virginia allows courthouse visits for record searches.

First, find your county’s District Court location. Visit the Virginia courts directory. Search for your county and click it.

You will see contact information and the physical address.

At the courthouse, fill out a search form. Give it to the court clerk with accurate details.

Some courthouses have public terminals for self-service searches. Copies of records may cost a small fee.

Responding to Your Debt Lawsuit

Finding your case information is just the first step. You must respond to the lawsuit.

Our partner Solo walks you through creating your Answer document. The web app asks all necessary questions.

An attorney reviews your completed Answer. Then it gets filed with the court for you.

You can also use Solo to send letters to collectors. Even settle your debt for less than you owe.

Do not let a debt collector win by default. Respond within the deadline on your summons.

Gather receipts, payment records, and any documentation about the debt. Prepare your defense before your court date.

Many collectors cannot prove they own your debt. Others cannot verify the amount they claim you owe.

Fighting back gives you leverage. You might win the case or negotiate better settlement terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Virginia court case number?

Visit your county's courthouse and ask the clerk to search for your case, or use Virginia's District Court online portal to search by your name or hearing date. The case number appears on your lawsuit summons.

What court hears debt collection lawsuits in Virginia?

Most debt lawsuits under $25,000 are heard in your county's District Court, specifically the small claims division for cases up to $5,000. Larger cases may go to Circuit Court.

Can I access Virginia court records online?

Yes, Virginia provides free online access to District Court and Circuit Court records. Use the General District Court Online Case Information System or the Circuit Court portal to search by case number, name, or hearing date.

What happens if I ignore a debt lawsuit in Virginia?

Ignoring the lawsuit results in a default judgment against you. The collector can then garnish your wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property. Always respond before the deadline.

How long do I have to respond to a debt lawsuit in Virginia?

You typically have 21 days from when you were served to file your Answer with the court. The exact deadline appears on your summons. Missing this deadline means you lose by default.