Virginia / Pleadings
Virginia responsive pleading deadline
In Virginia, you generally must file a responsive pleading within 21 days after service of process (Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3:8).
Estimates based on standard Virginia rules and court-holiday closures. For use by licensed attorneys only. This calculator is for informational purposes, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Verify every deadline and citation against the applicable rules and court orders before relying on it. See our Terms.
How the deadline works
Under Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3:8, the responsive pleading (answer, demurrer, or plea) is due within 21 days after service of process. The 21 days run from service of process and take NO service-method add-on. A general denial is not permitted; the answer must respond to the numbered paragraphs. (The period extends to 60/90 days only if the defendant returns a waiver of service under Va. Code § 8.01-286.1.) A deadline landing on a weekend or court holiday moves to the next business day.
Questions
- How long do I have to file a responsive pleading in Virginia?
- Generally 21 days after service of process, under Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3:8.