Know Your Rights: Find Reliable Information

1. Identify the source of the next step

Note the state, court name, case type, and title of the document you received. Keep the original notice or order, including attachments. Write down dates exactly as shown and ask the appropriate court or lawyer if anything is unclear. Do not infer a deadline from a general online guide.

The Virginia Judicial System self-help portal provides court information, forms, and topic pages. Court staff can explain procedures and point to forms, but cannot give legal advice. See the courts’ guide to finding a lawyer.

2. Make a factual working folder

• Keep notices and orders together, with the date you received each.
• Use a timeline with separate columns for the event, your source, and unanswered questions.
• Preserve original messages or files. Work from copies when adding labels or notes.
• Keep confidential material and other people’s identifying details out of public posts.

Start with the timeline worksheet. Organization helps you explain your questions; it does not establish that a document is admissible or that a claim will succeed.

3. Prepare questions for legal help

• Which court and procedure apply to this issue?
• What dates need immediate attention?
• Which official forms or service steps may be required?
• What information should stay confidential?
• What are the costs, alternatives, and limits of the help available?

For an order affecting contact, custody, or safety, ask a qualified professional about its terms. A general guide or suggested message template cannot change an order.

Choose a focused starting point

Virginia parenting and custody information · Virginia protective orders · Virginia small claims · Find outside support