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lawsuit to collect debt

Lawsuits to collect debts are usually filed in state courts—and may be filed in small claims courts, depending on the amount of the debt and the small claims court’s jurisdictional limits (the maximum amount of a claim that can be filed in the court).

In Virginia, lawsuits to collect debts are typically filed in the state's General District Courts or Small Claims Courts, depending on the amount of the debt. Small Claims Courts in Virginia handle cases where the claim is for $5,000 or less. This is the jurisdictional limit for small claims in Virginia. If the amount of the debt exceeds $5,000 but does not exceed $25,000, the case can be filed in the General District Court. For claims over $25,000, the lawsuit would need to be filed in the Circuit Court. It's important for creditors to choose the correct court based on the amount of the debt to ensure that the case is heard and to avoid the case being dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. Debtors have the right to defend themselves in these actions and may benefit from consulting with an attorney.

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Creditor / Debtor

lawsuit to collect debt

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Creditor / Debtor

lawsuit to collect debt

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