King and Queen General District Court

Court locations and hours change. Confirm with the clerk before you travel — especially if your paperwork is more than a few months old.

What happens at a debt hearing here

Most consumer collection cases in King and Queen County start with a Warrant in Debt — a civil summons with a return date printed on it. The return date at King and Queen General District Court is usually not a full trial. It is a short first appearance: the judge confirms who showed up and asks whether you dispute the claim. If you do not appear, the court can enter a default judgment that day, and the creditor can then pursue wage garnishment or a bank levy.

If you (or your attorney) appear and dispute the debt, the case is typically set for a trial date, and you can demand the plaintiff prove its case — ownership of the debt, the amount, and that the suit is within the statute of limitations. Debt buyers often cannot. A General District Court judgment can be appealed to King and Queen Circuit Court for a completely new trial, but the deadline is short (generally 10 days) and an appeal bond may be required.

If you have a date at this court

• Bring every paper you received — the Warrant in Debt or summons, envelopes included, plus any letters from the creditor or collector.
• Bring your own records — statements, payment history, and anything showing the debt is not yours, is the wrong amount, or is too old.
• Arrive early — security screening lines at busy courthouses can take a while, and civil dockets are often called all at once.
• Get advice before the return date, not after. Defenses are far easier to raise before a judgment exists than to undo afterward.

More for King and Queen County residents

• Consumer protection & debt defense in King and Queen County
• Wage garnishment calculator — how much of your paycheck is protected
• Served with a Warrant in Debt: step by step
• Common questions about debt cases & your rights
• Essex General District Court
• Westmoreland General District Court
• Richmond County Combined District Court