Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
Serving Rockingham County & City of Harrisonburg, Virginia

Accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission 

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Civil Process

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1.  Why does the deputy keep coming to my house when I told him the person does not live here?

We understand family members move out and return to the same address. We would very much appreciate it if the person who needs to be served contact the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division or call the court that’s acquiring the service.

2.  Why can’t I come to the Sheriff’s Office to pick up a paper for my husband/wife?

Courts require personal service. We can only serve the person on the document.

3.  If I pay my debt before the court date, do I have to appear?

A deputy will never tell you not to appear in court.  It is in your best interest to appear.

4.  I paid my rent late but the landlord had a deputy post a notice to vacate the premises.  Can the landlord still evict me?

Once the sheriff’s office receives the Writ of Possession Unlawful Detainer in hand, it is considered a valid Writ and the eviction can take place.  The landlord can cancel the Writ or you may contact an attorney.

5.  I moved out of my boyfriend/girlfriend's house and I left my personal property. He/she will not let me get my property.  Can you send a deputy out to help me get my property?

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office does not recover personal property unless there is an order from a judge.

6.  I have a notice on my front door stating the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office will break and enter to retrieve items for a furniture company. Can they do this?

If you are not home on the date and time specified on the notice, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office will forcibly break and enter in the daytime to execute the Writ of Possession, Pursuant to Section 8.01-470 Code of Va.

You may contact the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division or contact the business on the notice.

7.  The deputy posted a paper on my door and the person does not live here.  He/she lived at this address before me.  What do I do with the court paper?

Contact the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division.  Give the name, address, and see if there is a B.F. Hutcheson-Sheriff stamp on the paper.  A deputy will come and get the paper.  If there is no Sheriff stamp on the paper contact the court.  It was served by a 3rd party company.

8.  A furniture store is going to repossess my furniture can I return the items myself?

Yes, make sure it is not the day of the repossession.  The furniture company will contact the Sheriff’s Office to cancel the repossession.

9.  A deputy left an Orange card on my door.  What does it mean?

The Orange Card is a Notification Card to contact the Deputy.

10.  My landlord gave me a 5 Day Notice (Pay or Quit Notice) to vacate his/her property. Can he/she do this?

Yes, Code of Va. 55.1-1245.  Failure to pay certain rents after (5) five days notice forfeits right of possession.

11.  My landlord gave me a 30 Day Notice to vacate his/her property.  Can he/she do this if my rent is paid?

Yes,  Code of Va. 55.1-1253.  30 Day Notice Breach of Lease.