Local Rules of Court

(a) Whenever a local rule is prescribed by a circuit court it must be spread upon the order book and a copy with the date of entry must be forthwith posted in the clerk's office, filed with the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, and furnished to attorneys regularly practicing before that circuit court; and whenever an attorney becomes counsel of record in any proceedings in a circuit court in which he does not regularly practice, it is his responsibility to ascertain the rules of that court and abide thereby. The clerk must, upon request, promptly furnish a copy of all rules then in force and effect. (b) Whenever a local rule is prescribed by a circuit court providing for the orderly management of the civil docket by use of the praecipe system, the praecipe must be substantially in the form appearing in the appendix of forms at the end of this Part One. (c) Whenever a local rule is prescribed by a circuit court providing for the submission of instructions prior to trial, such local rule must be substantially in the form appearing in the appendix of forms at the end of this Part One. (d) The chief judges of the circuit and juvenile and domestic relations district courts must, on or before December 31 of each year, furnish the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court current general information relating to the management of the courts within each circuit and district. This information will be assembled and published electronically by the Executive Secretary. Last amended by Order dated November 25, 2025; effective November 24, 2025. RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA PART ONE RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL PROCEEDINGS