Electronic filings in civil actions and proceedings in the circuit court shall be governed by Article 4.1 (§ 17.1-258.2 et. seq.) of Chapter 2 of Title 17.1 and applicable Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
§ 8.01-271.01.Electronic filings in civil actions in circuit court.
Chapter 7. Civil Actions; Commencement, Pleadings, and Motions · Article 2. Pleadings Generally · Last amended 2010 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceSection 8.01-271.01 states that electronic filing of civil pleadings and proceedings in Virginia circuit courts is governed by Article 4.1 of Chapter 2 of Title 17.1, together with the applicable Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, rather than by any separate rule set out in Title 8.01 itself.
Full Text of § 8.01-271.01
Plain-English Summary
Section 8.01-271.01 is a pointer rather than a rulebook. It tells anyone filing a civil action in Virginia circuit court that the mechanics of electronic filing, what qualifies, how it is submitted, what it means for deadlines and signatures, live outside Title 8.01, in Article 4.1 of Chapter 2 of Title 17.1, along with whatever Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia apply.
That structure keeps Title 8.01’s Article 2 focused on the substance of pleading practice, demurrers, motions to strike, signature requirements, while leaving the technical infrastructure of e-filing to the statute and court rules built specifically for that purpose. A litigant looking for the actual electronic-filing procedure has to look past this section to Title 17.1 and the Supreme Court’s Rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Title 8.01 set out its own rules for electronic filing in circuit court?
No. Section 8.01-271.01 says electronic filings are governed by Article 4.1 (§ 17.1-258.2 et seq.) of Chapter 2 of Title 17.1 and applicable Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Where should a party look to find Virginia’s electronic filing requirements for circuit court civil actions?
Article 4.1 of Chapter 2 of Title 17.1, and the applicable Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Does § 8.01-271.01 apply to proceedings other than civil actions in circuit court?
Its text is limited to electronic filings in civil actions and proceedings in the circuit court.
Does this section itself require electronic filing?
No. It identifies what body of law governs electronic filing where it is used; the specific requirements are set out in Title 17.1 and the Rules of the Supreme Court.
Why is the electronic-filing rule placed in Title 17.1 rather than Title 8.01?
Title 17.1 addresses court administration and procedure across case types, so the General Assembly located e-filing’s governing framework there, with § 8.01-271.01 cross-referencing it for civil pleading practice.
Amendment History
2010, cc. 717, 760.
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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