pettylawsuit
2026 Fee Schedule

VA Fairfax County Court Filing FeesComplete Cost Calculator & Fee Guide

$58
Small Claims
$12
Sheriff Service
$400+
Circuit Court
$25
Motion Filing

Calculate exact court costs for your case in Fairfax County. Know your total expenses upfront including filing fees, service costs, and additional charges.

$29 service fee + court filing fees

Interactive Fee Calculator

Estimated Total Costs

Enter a claim amount to calculate fees

Complete Fee Schedule

General District Court Filing Fees

Civil Actions

Action TypeFee
Claims up to $6,000 (Small Claims)$58
Claims $6,001 - $15,000$89
Claims $15,001 - $25,000$89
Unlawful Detainer (Eviction)$58
Garnishment$30
Attachment$50

Service & Execution

Sheriff Service (per defendant)$12
Private Process Server$35-75
Writ of Execution$25
Writ of Possession$30

Additional Services

Certified Copy$2.50
Subpoena$12
Continuance Request$10
Appeal to Circuit Court$50

Payment Methods & Options

Credit/Debit Card

Accepted at clerk's office window only

3% convenience fee

Cash

Exact change recommended

No additional fees

Check/Money Order

Payable to "Clerk of Court"

No additional fees
Payment Tips
  • • Personal checks accepted from Virginia residents only
  • • No temporary checks accepted
  • • Online payment not available for initial filings
  • • Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals (Form CC-1414)

Fee Waivers & Payment Plans

Petition for Proceeding Without Payment of Fees or Costs

Eligibility Requirements

  • Income below 125% of federal poverty guidelines
  • Receiving public assistance (TANF, SNAP, etc.)
  • Unable to pay without substantial hardship
  • Complete financial affidavit required

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete Form CC-1414
  2. 2Attach proof of income
  3. 3File with your case
  4. 4Judge reviews and decides
Fee waivers only cover court costs. You may still need to pay for service of process and other expenses. The waiver request is reviewed by a judge and not guaranteed.

Payment Plans

Payment plans may be available for judgment debtors. The court can establish a payment schedule based on your ability to pay.

  • • Request at time of judgment
  • • Provide financial information
  • • Minimum monthly payments required
  • • Subject to court approval

Money-Saving Tips

Ways to Save

  • • File in General District Court when possible (lower fees)
  • • Use Sheriff service instead of private process server
  • • Combine multiple defendants in one case
  • • Apply for fee waiver if eligible
  • • Avoid unnecessary motions

Costs to Avoid

  • • Rush service fees (plan ahead)
  • • Multiple continuance requests
  • • Refiling due to errors
  • • Unnecessary certified copies
  • • Credit card convenience fees (pay cash/check)

Know Your Costs Before Filing

Get professional help preparing and filing your case. We'll ensure you understand all costs upfront and help minimize unnecessary expenses.

Transparent pricing - no hidden fees

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to file small claims in Fairfax County?

Filing fees for small claims in Fairfax County General District Court are $58 for claims up to $6,000, plus service fees of $12 for Sheriff service or $35+ for private process server.

What are Circuit Court filing fees in Fairfax County?

Circuit Court filing fees start at $400+ for initial filing, with additional fees for motions ($25), jury trial requests ($30), and other proceedings.