Rule 8:20.Appeals.

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

In one sentenceRule 8:20 requires appeals from these courts to be noted in writing, and treats an appeal as noted only when the writing reaches the clerk’s office in time.

Full Text of Rule 8:20

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All appeals must be noted in writing. An appeal is noted only upon timely receipt in the clerk's office of the writing. An appeal may be noted by a party or by the attorney for such party.

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Plain-English Summary

All appeals must be noted in writing. Nothing oral will do.

The rule then fixes the moment that matters: an appeal is noted only upon timely receipt in the clerk’s office of the writing. Sending is not noting — receipt is. A writing that arrives late has not noted an appeal, whatever its date.

Either a party or the attorney for a party may note the appeal. The rule does not require that it be counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is an appeal from these courts noted?

In writing. All appeals must be noted in writing.

When is an appeal considered noted?

Only upon timely receipt in the clerk’s office of the writing.

Is mailing the notice enough?

The rule keys the moment to timely receipt in the clerk’s office, not to dispatch.

Who may note the appeal?

A party, or the attorney for such party.

Does an oral notice of appeal work?

No. The rule requires all appeals to be noted in writing.

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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