The circuit court is the trial court with the broadest powers in Virginia. The circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $15,000. It shares authority with the general district court to hear matters involving between $4,500 and $15,000. The circuit court has the authority to hear serious criminal cases called felonies.

The circuit court also handles family matters, including divorce. In addition, the circuit court hears cases appealed from the general district court and from the juvenile and domestic relations district court.

There is a circuit court in each city and county in Virginia. Circuit court judges are elected by the General Assembly for 8-year terms.

The Virginia circuit court system is composed of 31 judicial circuits with 120 separate circuit courts in the various counties and cities of the State. The Supreme Court of Virginia establishes the rules of practice and procedure for the circuit courts, and the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court as the administrator of the circuit court system. Information courtesy Virginia's Judicial System

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Terms of Court

Terms begin, Tuesday after 2nd Monday, Jan., April, June, Sept., & Nov. Grand Juries, 1st day of Term. All cases set on Term Day or by contacting Judge's office. Court convenes 9:30 a.m. Commissioners in Chancery are utilized in chancery cases except divorce cases. (Information courtesy Virginia's Judicial System

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Judges

• Hon. Richard S. Blanton~
• Hon. William L. Wellons*
• Hon. Leslie M. Osborn

* Chief Judge
~ Presiding Judge

A circuit court judge is elected for an eight-year term by a majority vote of both houses of the General Assembly. If the General Assembly is not in session when a vacancy occurs, the Governor temporarily appoints (interim appointment) a judge to serve until the General Assembly meets again and can elect a judge for a full term. There are at least two judges serving each circuit and as many as 15 serving in larger circuits. The Chief Judge of the circuit is elected by vote of the judges serving the circuit. Circuit court judges are required to reside in the circuit they serve and must have been admitted to the Virginia Bar at least five years prior to election or appointment. Information courtesy Virginia's Judicial System

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Clerk

Hon. Malcolm A. Booker, Jr.

The clerk of the circuit court is a constitutional official and is elected to an eight-year term by the voters of the locality. The clerk handles administrative matters for the court and also has authority to probate wills, grant administration of estates, and appoint guardians. The clerk is the custodian of the court records and the clerk's office is where deeds are recorded and marriage licenses issued. Information courtesy Virginia's Judicial System

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Contact Information:

Address	Phone
13049 W. James Anderson Highway P.O. Box 107 Buckingham, Virginia 23921	434.969.4734 FAX 434.969.2043
Hours
8:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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Links

• Glossary of Terms used in Court
• Virginia Courts in Brief
• Case Information
• Fee Schedule (Civil)

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