Rule 8:8A.Filing Documents Electronically.

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

In one sentenceRule 8:8A lets the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court authorize a state agency to file documents electronically in these courts, applying Rule 1:17’s definitions, standards and signature provisions.

Full Text of Rule 8:8A

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c) (d)

(a) Upon consultation with the Committee on District Courts, the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court may authorize a state agency to file electronically any pleadings, motions, briefs and any other documents in the juvenile and domestic relations district courts, except where otherwise expressly provided by statute or the Rules of Court, or where the court orders otherwise in an individual case for good cause shown.

(b) The definitions set forth in Rule 1:17(b) apply, with the exception of the definition for “Electronically Filed Case.”

(c) Where applicable, the system operational standards for any electronic system developed to enable a state agency to file documents electronically pursuant to this Rule must be in accordance with Rule 1:17(c).

(d) With respect to a person’s signature on a document, or where a document is to be notarized, sworn, attested, verified or otherwise certified or if any sworn signatures, stamps, seals or other authentications relating to the document are required by any statute or Rule, the provisions of Rule 1:17(e)(5) and (6) apply.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule is narrower than the electronic filing provision in Rule 8:8(f). It is not about a case being designated for electronic filing by agreement of the parties; it is about a state agency being authorised to file electronically as a matter of course.

The authorisation comes from the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, on consultation with the Committee on District Courts, and may cover pleadings, motions, briefs and any other documents — except where a statute or the Rules expressly provide otherwise, or where the court orders otherwise in an individual case for good cause shown.

The machinery is borrowed rather than rebuilt. Rule 1:17(b)’s definitions apply, except the definition of "Electronically Filed Case" — which makes sense, since this rule operates without that designation. System operational standards follow Rule 1:17(c) where applicable, and signatures, notarisation, oaths, attestations, verifications, stamps and seals follow Rule 1:17(e)(5) and (6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who authorizes a state agency to file electronically?

The Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, upon consultation with the Committee on District Courts.

What can be filed electronically under this rule?

Any pleadings, motions, briefs and other documents in the juvenile and domestic relations district courts, except where a statute or the Rules of Court expressly provide otherwise, or where the court orders otherwise in an individual case for good cause shown.

Do Rule 1:17’s definitions apply?

Yes, with one exception: the definition of "Electronically Filed Case" does not apply, because this rule operates without that designation.

How are signatures and notarization handled?

Under Rule 1:17(e)(5) and (6), which govern signatures and any requirement that a document be notarized, sworn, attested, verified or otherwise certified, including sworn signatures, stamps and seals.

How is this different from an Electronically Filed Case under Rule 8:8(f)?

Rule 8:8(f) designates an individual proceeding for electronic filing on the consent of all parties. Rule 8:8A authorises a state agency to file electronically, without any case-by-case designation.

Amendment History

Promulgated by Order dated March 1, 2016; effective immediately. 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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