The Virginia Senate is currently considering a bill that would significantly increase the filing fees in both the General District and Circuit Courts. The filing fee increases would change the General District from costs from $27 to $75, and more dramatically, the Circuit Court fees would increase from $60/$110 to $500 in cases being brought for less than a million dollars, and $1000 for cases which claim one million or more. While the motivation for these changes is to pay for Sheriffs and Commonwealth Attorneys, these changes could have far sweeping implications on potential Plaintiffs.
While it is unlikely that cases with large potential damages will be affected in any way, the new fees could have the effect of discouraging smaller claims with merit, as potential Plaintiffs may not have the ability to pay such large filing fees up front. If adopted, the Commonwealth of Virginia would have among the highest fees in the nation. They would dwarf the filing costs of the states in this region.
An interesting and unlikely ally to the "little guy" regarding this issue, are companies that have significant collection practices. Medical providers such as hospitals, real estate companies and other large billing institutions would see a dramatic increase in collection costs, which could ultimately deter creditors from filing as many claims. Ultimately, when large companies and institutions can't collect on outstanding bills, these losses cause the bills for the rest of us to rise.
If you, a family member, or someone you know would like more information regarding the filing fee's for District and Circuit Courts in Virginia or if you would like more information of automobile accidents, please visit us on the web at http://portnerandshure.com
While it is unlikely that cases with large potential damages will be affected in any way, the new fees could have the effect of discouraging smaller claims with merit, as potential Plaintiffs may not have the ability to pay such large filing fees up front. If adopted, the Commonwealth of Virginia would have among the highest fees in the nation. They would dwarf the filing costs of the states in this region.
An interesting and unlikely ally to the "little guy" regarding this issue, are companies that have significant collection practices. Medical providers such as hospitals, real estate companies and other large billing institutions would see a dramatic increase in collection costs, which could ultimately deter creditors from filing as many claims. Ultimately, when large companies and institutions can't collect on outstanding bills, these losses cause the bills for the rest of us to rise.
If you, a family member, or someone you know would like more information regarding the filing fee's for District and Circuit Courts in Virginia or if you would like more information of automobile accidents, please visit us on the web at http://portnerandshure.com
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