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Rule 8:10.Motions to Transfer Venue.

Part Eight: Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 16, 2026

In one sentenceRule 8:10 requires a motion to transfer venue to be made in writing or in court with the parties present, and requires a written motion to be set for hearing and served.

Full Text of Rule 8:10

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A motion to transfer venue must be made in writing or in court with the parties present. When a written motion is filed, it must be set for hearing, and the motion and notice of hearing must be served on all other parties or on counsel of record, if any.
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Plain-English Summary

Venue motions in these courts come in two forms. One is made in court with the parties present — everyone is there, so nothing further is needed to bring it to their attention. The other is made in writing.

A written motion carries three obligations. It must be set for hearing, and the motion and the notice of hearing must both be served on all other parties — or on counsel of record where there is counsel.

The effect is that venue cannot change on the papers alone. Either everyone is in the room when the motion is made, or everyone is served and a hearing is set.

Frequently Asked Questions

How must a motion to transfer venue be made?

In writing, or in court with the parties present.

What happens when a written venue motion is filed?

It must be set for hearing, and the motion and notice of hearing must be served on all other parties or on counsel of record, if any.

Can venue be transferred without a hearing?

The rule requires a written motion to be set for hearing. The alternative is a motion made in court with the parties present.

Who is served with the motion?

All other parties, or counsel of record where there is counsel.

Does the notice of hearing have to be served as well?

Yes. Both the motion and the notice of hearing must be served.

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
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