Dc 442 Form – Fill Out and Use This PDF

Updated: Nov 2, 2026

The DC-442 form, formally known as the Grounds of Defense form, is a critical legal document used within the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is an official requirement in the general district courts, where defendants must clearly outline their reasons or grounds for disputing a claim against them, whether it pertains to money or property. Timeliness and thoroughness in completing this form are essential, as failing to properly file and serve it can lead to summary judgment against the defendant.

If you're facing a situation that requires the diligent filing of a DC-442, understanding the intricacies and procedural requirements is paramount. Click the button below to get started on filling out your form with the right guidance.

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How to Fill Out Form DC-442

Form DC-442 at a glance

What it is: FORM DC-442 is the GROUNDS OF DEFENSE of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Rule 7B:2, stating why you do not owe the plaintiff the money or property claimed.

Who signs: Sign on the SIGNATURE OF line and check DEFENDANT or DEFENDANT'S ATTORNEY.

Where and when to file: The defendant is required to file with the court, and serve by mailing, a written GROUNDS OF DEFENSE by the DATE entered on the form.

A filled-in Form DC-442 example: a defendant lists two reasons

Form DC-442 example filled out, example: a defendant lists two reasons — Pat Sample, a defendant without an attorney, fills out Form DC-442, Grounds of Defense. Pat lists two reasons for not owing the plaintiff and signs as the defendant. The picture shows the filled form; its names and figures are sample values. Two reasons fit on the form, so See continuation sheet stays empty. Pat has no attorney, so DEFENDANT'S ATTORNEY stays empty.

How to fill out Form DC-442, box by box

Case No., trial date and time, court and plaintiff

Enter the Case No. and the TRIAL DATE AND TIME.

Enter the CITY OR COUNTY of the General District Court, the STREET ADDRESS OF COURT, and the PLAINTIFF and the DEFENDANT.

Dates to file and serve by mailing

The plaintiff's written BILL OF PARTICULARS is due to be filed with the court and served by mailing by the DATE entered on the form.

Reasons you do not owe the plaintiff

Fully state, in the numbered paragraphs, each of the reasons/grounds why you think you do not owe the plaintiff the money or property claimed. You may attach additional paper if needed.

If you attach additional paper, check See continuation sheet.

Signing as defendant or attorney

Sign on the SIGN line, enter the DATE and check DEFENDANT or DEFENDANT'S ATTORNEY.

Enter the PRINT NAME and the ADDRESS /TELEPHONE NUMBER OF SIGNATOR.

DEFENDANT'S CERTIFICATE: delivered or mailed

By signing the DEFENDANT'S CERTIFICATE you certify: I delivered or mailed a completed copy of this GROUNDS OF DEFENSE to the clerk of this court and mailed to each attorney for the plaintiff, or to the plaintiff if not represented.

Fill in "this day of , 20".

More rules for Form DC-442

Failure to comply with this order may be grounds for awarding summary judgment in favor of the adverse party.

Both parties must be prepared, at trial, to prove their case with admissible evidence.

Upon trial, the judge may exclude evidence as to matters not described in this pleading.

Sources

[1] Form DC-442 (Master 05/09), Grounds of Defense, Virginia Judicial System (the Official source link on this page).

Dc 442 Form PDF Details

In the legal landscape of Virginia, understanding and navigating court documents is crucial for both plaintiffs and defendants. The DC-442 form, referred to as the Grounds of Defense, serves as a pivotal piece in the litigation process within the Commonwealth's General District Courts. It is a document that a defendant is required to file and serve, laying out the reasons or grounds on which they believe they do not owe the plaintiff the claimed money or property. Not only does it call for a detailed written response to the plaintiff’s allegations, but it also mandates adherence to specific deadlines for filing and serving these documents. Importantly, the form underscores the necessity of preparing for trial with admissible evidence and warns of the consequences of non-compliance, including the possibility of summary judgment. This indicates the court's intention to streamline the proceedings and ensure both parties are fully informed and ready to present their case. Furthermore, the inclusion of a defendant's certificate highlights the importance of following through with court protocol, including proper delivery of the form. Delving into the intricacies of the DC-442 form reveals the structured process designed to facilitate fairness and efficiency in Virginia's judicial system.

Question	Answer
Form Name	Dc 442 Form
Form Length	1 pages
Fillable?	No
Fillable fields	0
Avg. time to fill out	15 sec
Other names	grounds defense get, va grounds defense court, grounds of defense template, dc442