It is important to explain how everyone - lawyers and non-lawyers alike - converse with the court, and particularly the judge. Of course the most familiar form of communication is oral or talking to the judge. The other is writing, and courts have a particular form of written communication. They have titles such as affidavit; complaint; motion; order; petition; and summons. In this Website there are a number of form-court communications such as affidavits and motions.
These forms differ in many respects, but they all share some common parts. For example:
- the “style” of the case includes the name the court, the case number, the parties in the lawsuit (usually plaintiff and defendant) and the case number;
- the communication asks the court to take some action such as requesting that the judge order the adverse party to do something; and
- the party that asks for the relief, in the written communication, also request that the matter be heard in court on a certain date and time; and
- the original is filed with the court clerk and a copy is timely sent (usually mailed) by the writer to the adverse party.
Some written communications and forms are specific to a particular type of law suit. Other sections of this website provide communications and forms specific to issues pertaining to bankruptcy; consumer debt; family and public benefits. See the Resources section of this website for access to those materials. Other forms are more general in nature. Although they are not specific to a particular type of lawsuit or they can provide information that may be helpful in a variety of matters. Use the links below to access these forms.
Forms and Resources Common to Many Different Types of Lawsuits
- Information About Corporations Including the Registered Agent
The Virginia State Corporation Commission of Virginia, telephone number (804) 371-9733 , serves as the Commonwealth's central filing office for:
- Corporations;
- limited partnerships;
- limited liability companies;
- business trusts; and
- Uniform Commercial Code filings.
This information can also be located via the internet at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/clk/ and then go to the Clerk's Information System (CIS)
Free Credit Report
Request For Change of Address or Boxholder - Information Needed for Service of Legal Process
Request For Change Of Address Or Boxholder Information Needed For Service Of Legal Process (46 KB)
Instructions for Request for Change of Address or Boxholder Information Needed for Service of Legal (26 KB)
Waiver of Bond and Fees in Appeal
Petition for Proceeding in Civil Case without Payment of Fees or Costs [Form CC-1414]
Affivavit and Order in Support of Application for Proceeding in Civil Case Without Payment of Bond, (69 KB)
The Petition Form CC-1414], a Virginia Official form, does not include exceptional expenses that some Virginia courts allow as deductions in calculating net income for poor-person relief in civil cases. Potomac prepared the above Affidavit that includes the exceptional expenses. It may be submitted as an alternative to the Petition where a local court permits and qualifying exceptional expenses exist.
The Form DC-368 is multipurpose and includes a Motion to Rehear and a Motion for a new trial in a civil matter in General District Court.
Notice and Motion for Extension of Time to Serve and File a Grounds of Defense (1156 KB)
This is a request to the court for leave to file a Ground of Defense after the court ordered due date.
Affidavits to Enter Records in Evidence
Medical Records
Presenting Medical Reports or Records as Evidence in a Civil Suit in General District Court (67 KB)
Affidavit of Medical Reports or Records (59 KB)
Motor Vehicle Damages
Presenting Motor Vehicle Damages in a Civil Suit (41 KB)
Affidavit of Damages to Motor Vehicle (85 KB)
Government Records
Presenting Government Records as Evidence in a Civil Suit (39 KB)
Affidavit Requesting Governmental Record(s) (66 KB)
Request for Records Not to Be Presented in Evidence
Authorization to Release Non-Medical Records (57 KB)
Dismissal (Nonsuit)
No literature found.
