In accordance with the March 16, 2020 Virginia Supreme Court Order, non-emergency in-person hearings have been postponed for the past two months. The Supreme Court of Virginia recently reported that from March 16, 2020 through May 1, 2020, the General District and Circuits Courts of the Commonwealth have postponed approximately 413,00 and 135,000 cases respectively. An additional 60,000 and 19,000 emergency cases respectively are added weekly. To reduce the growing backlog, the Supreme Court of Virginia is encouraging local courts “to continue and even increase the use of video conferencing, telephone, teleconferencing, email or other means” in lieu of in-person proceedings.

Local courts have discretion to establish court-specific policies and procedures in response to the Judicial Emergency, including whether to permit remote hearings.  While most courts are only hearing emergency motions, the growing backlog has prompted some courts to hold hearings for a limited number of non-emergency cases. Dockets for these courts will be segmented to limit exposure to parties by holding fewer hearings at once.

On June 8^th, 2020, the Supreme Court of Virginia issued “Fifth Order Modifying and Extending Declaration of Judicial Emergency in Response to COVID-19 Emergency”, imposing a statewide moratorium on all residential unlawful detainer actions and writs of eviction. This order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until June 28^th, 2020.

Most courts in our region have issued guidance on COVID-19 procedures. Links to relevant information for each jurisdiction follow:

1. Alexandria
   1. General District Court
   2. Circuit Court
2. Arlington
   1. General District Court
   2. Circuit Court
3. Fairfax City – General District Court
4. Fairfax County
   1. General District Court
   2. Circuit Court
5. Loudoun County
   1. General District Court
   2. Circuit Court
6. Prince William County
   1. General District Court
   2. Circuit Court

These policies are subject to change so check back regularly for updates.  If you have any additional questions about court procedures, contact an attorney or your local Clerk’s office.