Court Rules
About Judicial Officer Fairfax County Circuit Court

The Fairfax County Circuit Court is Virginia's trial court of general jurisdiction for Fairfax County and Fairfax City. It handles a wide range of civil and criminal matters.

Practitioners will find procedures on criminal term days, appeals, e-filing and privacy, accounting, interpreter requests, sample payment orders, calendar control, and the electronic filing system.

Common questions about Fairfax County Circuit Court rules

Does Fairfax County Circuit Court require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Fairfax County Circuit Court rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Initial trial dates may no longer be scheduled through Calendar Control; they may only be scheduled by appearing at Civil Term Day or through the Online Scheduling System (OSS), which is available only to Virginia attorneys.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Calendar Control Updates

What must be included with petition for appointment of guardian conservator filings in Fairfax County Circuit Court?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Effective 7/1/2024, State form CC-1640 (Cover Sheet - Petition for Appointment of Guardian and/or Conservator) is required with filing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Frequently Asked Questions

What must be included with petition for appeal filings in Fairfax County Circuit Court?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The petition for appeal must contain assignments of error.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 4. Filing of Petition with the Supreme Court

How may parties contact Fairfax County Circuit Court?

The rule addresses phone communications with the clerk. The rule lists phone (703) 246-2221. If you previously had an interpreter appointed by a lower court or are represented by counsel, you must contact the Interpreter Coordinator at (703) 246-2221 to arrange an interpreter at least two weeks before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING A COURT APPOINTED INTERPRETER FOR A CIVIL PROCEEDING IN CIRCUIT COURT

How does Fairfax County Circuit Court handle sealed or redacted filings?

Fairfax County Circuit Court rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. The Affidavit of Identity of a Trust Fund Beneficiary is maintained under seal and its information used only for financial management and reporting.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Trust Funds

How do I request an adjournment or extension in Fairfax County Circuit Court?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Criminal continuance motions are not placed on the docket; the requesting party must make arrangements to see the Calendar Control Judge.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Continuance in a Criminal Case

Are filing fees or waivers addressed in Fairfax County Circuit Court?

A fee is required for covered filings, and the rule identifies waiver availability. A $50.00 filing fee payable by cash, check, or money order must accompany the copy of the Notice of Appeal mailed to the Court of Appeals Clerk, with indigents determined by the trial court and persons represented by appointed counsel excused from paying.

View ruleSource: page 1, section File a Notice of Appeal with the Trial Court. Rule 5A:6

Is electronic filing required in Fairfax County Circuit Court?

Electronic filing is optional for the covered filings. Completed interpreter request forms must be submitted to the Interpreter Coordinator at Judges' Chambers Reception, Suite 501 or by email at least two weeks before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PROCEDURES:

When is a filing treated as filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court?

The rule states a 4:00 PM filing cutoff. The praecipe must be filed no later than 4:00 PM on the Tuesday prior to Term Day.

View ruleSource: page 1, section NOTE

What rule applies to service for order in Fairfax County Circuit Court?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: method: service by mail. The Order must be served by certified mail, and a certification of service is required if the opposing party's or their attorney's signature cannot be obtained.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Certification of Service
Complete rules summary for Fairfax County Circuit Court

The Order must be served by certified mail, and a certification of service is required if the opposing party's or their attorney's signature cannot be obtained.

The praecipe must be filed no later than 4:00 PM on the Tuesday prior to Term Day.

The praecipe must be mailed or delivered to all counsel of record under Rule 1:12 and served on parties not represented by counsel.

The praecipe must include a certificate of mailing/delivery to all counsel and parties.

The Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 days after entry of the final judgment or other appealable order.

The original Notice of Appeal must be filed in the Clerk's office of the trial court.

A copy of the Notice of Appeal must be mailed or delivered to all opposing counsel and to the Clerk of the Court of Appeals.

A $50.00 filing fee payable by cash, check, or money order must accompany the copy of the Notice of Appeal mailed to the Court of Appeals Clerk, with indigents determined by the trial court and persons represented by appointed counsel excused from paying.

Any motion for a delayed appeal must be filed in the Court of Appeals, not the trial court.

The transcript is due 60 days after entry of the judgment or other appealable order.

An extension of time to file a transcript must be approved by the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Transcripts must be filed in the Clerk's office of the trial court.

Within 10 days of filing the transcript with the trial court, appellant's counsel must send written notice of the filing date to all parties and file a copy of that notice with the trial court.

A Written Statement of Facts filed in lieu of a transcript must be filed in the trial court clerk's office within 55 days after entry of the judgment appealed.

The Petition for Appeal is due 40 days after the record is filed with the clerk of the Court of Appeals.

The Petition for Appeal must be filed in the Clerk's office of the Court of Appeals.

The Petition for Appeal must be filed as an original plus three copies.

The Petition for Appeal must indicate whether the appellant requests oral argument before a panel of judges.

The appendix and opening brief are due 40 days after the certificate of appeal from the Court of Appeals.

The appendix and opening brief must be filed in the Court of Appeals Clerk's office.

Seven copies of the appendix and opening brief must be filed with the Court of Appeals.

Three copies of the appendix and opening brief must be sent to opposing counsel.

The appellee's brief is due 25 days after the opening brief is filed.

Oral argument is automatically scheduled on appeals unless counsel sends written notification waiving the hearing or the Court summarily affirms the trial court.

Copies of all documents filed must be sent to opposing counsel.

Fairfax Circuit Court offers optional electronic filing for new and existing civil cases and existing criminal cases.

Pleadings may still be filed in person at the courthouse, by courier service, or by mail.

Oversized documents or certain other filings may be best submitted in person at the Courthouse.

Pleadings and other documents may be uploaded to the FSX portal in Word or PDF format for e-submission.

Filings may be made in person or mailed to the Fairfax Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 319, Fairfax, VA 22030.

More Judges in Fairfax County Circuit Court

Christie A. Leary
Judge
David A. Oblon
Judge
Dipti Pidikiti-Smith
Judge
Dontaé L. Bugg
Judge
John M. Tran
Judge
Jonathan D. Frieden
Judge
Manuel A. Capsalis
Judge
Marin B. Greene
Judge