How long does it take to pursue a claim in small claims court?
It depends on the case, but generally it takes a few months to pursue a claim in small claims court in Virginia. After the plaintiff (the person making the claim) has filed their claim with the court, the court will mail a summons to the defendant (the person being sued). The defendant then has 21 days from the date of service to respond and file an answer to the claim. After the defendant has responded, the court will set a date for a hearing. This hearing can be anywhere from several weeks to several months after the claim was filed. During the hearing, both the plaintiff and the defendant will present their arguments and evidence to the judge. The judge will then decide on the outcome of the case. In some cases, the judge may take a few days or weeks to make a decision, while in other cases they may take longer. It all depends on the complexity of the case, the workload of the court, and the availability of the parties. Overall, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to pursue a claim in small claims court in Virginia.
Related FAQs
What types of disputes are eligible for small claims court?What can I do if the other party fails to appear in small claims court?
How can I find out if my small claims court case has been decided?
Can I settle my small claims court dispute without going to trial?
Are there any limits on the amount of damages I can be awarded in a small claims court case?
How do I submit a request to the court for additional time in a small claims court case?
What defenses can the other party raise in small claims court?
Are there alternate dispute resolution options available in small claims court?
How do I calculate the amount of interest owed on a small claims court judgment?
Can I request a trial by written declaration in small claims court?
Related Blog Posts
What is Small Claims Court and How Does it Work? - July 31, 2023Maximizing Your Chances of Success in Small Claims Court - August 7, 2023
7 Tips For Submitting a Winning Small Claims Court Case - August 14, 2023
The Pros and Cons of Taking Your Case to Small Claims Court - August 21, 2023
Preparing for Your Small Claims Court Hearing - August 28, 2023