Civil Practice in the General District Court: Tips for Practicing in an Often Overlooked Forum Seminar Materials

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If you could resolve your civil case faster—in a matter of months rather than a year or two—wouldn’t you do so? If it were less expensive, wouldn’t that make the decision even easier? You should seriously consider the General District Court.

The General District Court is clearly not the answer for all civil cases, but with its jurisdictional maximum recently being increased to $25,000, it is an increasingly attractive option. Cases move quickly, with limited discovery—a mixed blessing to be sure. But District Court is not merely Circuit Court in miniature: rules and practices differ, and the lawyer who thrives in District Court will know the differences.

This publication provides a through grounding in civil practice before the General District Court. If you haven’t appeared before the General District Court before, you’ll be ready to do so when we’re done; if you’re already a veteran, you’ll get better.

This comprehensive, stand-alone publication is direct from a September 2012 seminar. It is available as a searchable PDF via download. Click here for more information on electronic books.

Virginia lawyer for less than three years? Use coupon code NEWLAWYER and receive a 25% discount on this and most other publications and seminars. Learn more.

CONTENT SUMMARY

Client Preparation
Jurisdiction, Venue, and Service of Process
Causes of Action
Discovery and Trying the Case
Appeals & Motions to Rehear
Post-Judgment Actions

Table of Contents

I. Client Preparation
       Appendix A - Nonengagement Letter
       Appendix B - Representation Agreement
       Appendix C - Engagement Agreement Short Form
       Appendix D - Personal Injury Plaintiff - Long Form
       Appendix E - Closing Letter

II. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Service of Process
       Appendix A - Warrant in Debt
       Appendix B - Warrant in Detinue
       Appendix C - Summons for Unlawful Detainer
       Appendix D - Civil Inventory Sheet
       Appendix E - Affidavit-Default Judgment Service Member

III. Causes of Action
       Appendix A - Affidavit-Default Judgment Servicemembers Civil
       Relief Act
       Appendix B - Warrant in Debt (Civil Claim for Money)
       Appendix C - Attorney Fee Affidavit
       Appendix D - Summons for Unlawful Detainer
       Appendix E - Notice of Hearing to Established Final Rent and Damages
       Appendix F - Attachment Petition
       Appendix G - Warrant in Debt - Interpleader
       Appendix H - Warrant in Detinue
       Appendix I - Distress Petition

IV. Discovery and Trying the Case
       Appendix A - Subpoena Duces Tecum
       Appendix B - Subpoena for Witness (Civil)
       Appendix C - Bill of Particulars
       Appendix D - Affidavit for Medical Bills
       Appendix E - Affidavit for Medical Records
       Appendix F - Grounds of Defense

V. Appeals & Motions to Rehear
       Appendix A - Motion to Reopen (Criminal/Traffic) Motion to Rehear
       (Civil)/Motion for New Trial (Civil)
       Appendix B - Motion to Set aside Default Judgment

VI. Post-Judgment Actions
       Appendix A - Suggestion for Summons in Garnishment
       Appendix B - Garnishment Summons
       Appendix C - Garnishment Disposition
       Appendix D - Joint Account Answer
       Appendix E - Garnishee's Answer
       Appendix F - Notice to Judgment Debtor-How to Claim Exemptions from
       Garnishment and Lien
       Appendix G - Summons to Answer Interrogatories
       Appendix H - Show Cause Summons
       Appendix I - Capias
       Appendix J - Writ of Fieri Facias