Rule 7A:10.Copies of Pleadings and Requests for Subpoenas Duces Tecum to be Furnished.
Part Seven A: General District Courts – In General · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 7A:10 requires pleadings not otherwise required to be served, along with requests for subpoenas duces tecum, to be delivered or mailed to each counsel of record by the day of filing, with a certificate or acceptance of service appended to show when and how it happened.
Full Text of Rule 7A:10
Text size
All pleadings not otherwise required to be served and requests for subpoenas duces tecum must be served on each counsel of record by delivering, dispatching by commercial delivery service, transmitting by facsimile or mailing a copy to each on or before the day of filing.
At the foot of such pleadings and requests must be appended either acceptance of service or a certificate of counsel that copies were served as this rule requires, showing the date of delivery, dispatching, transmitting or mailing.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 7A:10 covers pleadings that do not already carry their own service requirement, along with requests for subpoenas duces tecum. Both must reach every counsel of record on or before the day they are filed. The rule accepts several methods of getting a copy to opposing counsel: hand delivery, dispatch by a commercial delivery service, transmission by facsimile, or mail.
Rule 7A:10 also requires proof that this happened. At the foot of the pleading or request, the filing party must append either the other side’s acceptance of service or a certificate from counsel stating that copies were served as the rule requires, including the date of delivery, dispatch, transmission, or mailing. That paper trail lets the clerk and the court confirm that every counsel of record was notified without having to take the filer’s word for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
By when do I need to serve a pleading or a subpoena duces tecum request on the other side under Rule 7A:10?
On or before the day of filing. Rule 7A:10 requires pleadings not otherwise required to be served, and requests for subpoenas duces tecum, to reach each counsel of record by that day.
What methods of service does Rule 7A:10 allow?
Delivering the copy in person, dispatching it by commercial delivery service, transmitting it by facsimile, or mailing it to each counsel of record.
What has to be attached to the pleading to show it was served?
Rule 7A:10 requires either an acceptance of service from the other side or a certificate of counsel confirming that copies were served as the rule requires, appended at the foot of the pleading or request.
What information does the certificate of service need to show?
The date of delivery, dispatching, transmitting, or mailing, so the method and timing of service are documented on the face of the pleading.
Does Rule 7A:10 apply to every pleading filed in a case?
It applies to pleadings not otherwise required to be served, plus requests for subpoenas duces tecum. Pleadings that already carry their own service requirement elsewhere in the Rules follow that separate requirement instead.
Amendment History
Last amended by Order dated November 23, 2020; effective March 1, 2021.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, published by the
Supreme Court of Virginia. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:virginia GDC certificate of service requirementserving pleadings on counsel of record virginiasubpoena duces tecum request service virginiarule 7A:10 copies of pleadingshow to serve opposing counsel virginia general district court