When a court has determined that referral to an orientation session is appropriate, an order of referral to a neutral or to a dispute resolution program shall be entered and the parties shall be so notified as expeditiously as possible. The court shall excuse the parties from participation in an orientation session if, within fourteen days after entry of the order, a written statement signed by any party is filed with the court, stating that the dispute resolution process has been explained to the party and he objects to the referral.
§ 8.01-576.6.Notice and opportunity to object.
Chapter 20.2. Court-referred Dispute Resolution Proceedings · Last amended 2002 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceOnce a Virginia court decides an orientation session is appropriate, it must enter a referral order and notify the parties promptly, but any party can escape the session by filing a signed written objection within fourteen days after the order is entered.
Full Text of § 8.01-576.6
Plain-English Summary
This section builds a short opt-out window into the referral process. After a judge decides a case belongs at an orientation session, the clerk does not just schedule it and move on — an order of referral goes on the record, and the parties get notice as fast as the court can manage.
That notice starts a fourteen-day clock. Any party who does not want to attend can file a short written statement, signed personally, confirming that the process has been explained and that the party objects to being referred. File it in time, and the court excuses that party from the orientation session altogether.
The fourteen-day window is tight by design. It gives someone a real chance to opt out before investing time in a session, but it does not leave the door open indefinitely — miss the deadline, and the referral stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a party have to object to a referral order?
A party has fourteen days after the order of referral is entered to file a written statement objecting to the referral.
What must the written objection say?
It must be signed by the objecting party and state that the dispute resolution process has been explained to that party and that the party objects to the referral.
What happens if no one objects within the fourteen-day period?
The referral to the orientation session stands, and the parties are expected to attend as directed by the order of referral.
Does the referral order name a specific neutral or program?
Yes, the order of referral is made to a neutral or to a dispute resolution program, and the parties are notified as expeditiously as possible after it is entered.
Can more than one party in a case file an objection?
The section allows any party to file the written objection, so each party independently has the opportunity to object and be excused.
Amendment History
1993, c. 905; 2002, c. 718.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Code of Virginia, published by the
Code of Virginia, Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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