Va. R. Sup. Ct. 5:6

As amended through April 19, 2024
Rule 5:6 - Forms of Briefs and Other Papers
(a)Document Formatting, Line Spacing, Font, and Margins.
(1)Application. Electronic filing requirements, and exemptions therefrom, are specified in Rule 5:1B. Provisions of this Rule 5:6 apply to electronically filed documents, and to paper documents filed by persons exempted from e-filing requirements under Rule 5:1B(b).
(2)General Rules. Briefs, appendices, motions, petitions, and other documents must be formatted to appear on an 8 1/2 by 11-inch page with a clear black image on a white background. Margins must be at least one inch on all four sides of each page.
(3)Specific Rules for Motions, Petitions, and Briefs. Except by leave of Court, all motions, petitions, and briefs, including footnotes, must use one of the font styles listed on the Court's website in at least 14-point type and must be formatted to print on only one side of the page. Text may not be reduced and must be double spaced except for headings, assignments of error, quotations that exceed 49 words, and footnotes, which must be single spaced. Page numbers are required and may appear in either the top or bottom margin, but no text, including footnotes, is permitted in the one-inch margins. Page or word limits for motions, petitions, and briefs do not include the cover page, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, or certificate.
(4)Specific Rules for the Appendix. The appendix may be printed using both sides of the page. Any transcript, including a deposition transcript, that is made a part of the appendix must be in 12-point type or larger. Any transcript contained in the appendix that fails to conform to the 12-point type requirement may be returned to counsel, and counsel will be required to promptly comply with this requirement in accordance with the instruction of this Court. The use of condensed or multi-page transcripts is prohibited. Page numbers are required and may appear in either the top or bottom margin.
(b)Cover Contents; Printing. The style of the case (with the name of the appellant stated first) and the record number of the case must be stated on the front cover of all briefs and appendices and, in addition, the name, Virginia State Bar number, mailing address, telephone number (including any applicable extension), facsimile number (if any), and e-mail address of counsel submitting the brief must be placed on the front cover of all briefs. For parties exempted from electronic filing requirements under Rule 5:1B(b), all documents to be filed must be printed with black text on 8 1/2 x 11-inch white paper. All briefs and appendices filed in paper form must be bound on the left margin in such a manner as to produce a flat, smooth binding. The covers of documents filed in paper form must comply with the color requirements of Rule 5:31.
(c)Effect of Non-compliance. - No appeal will be dismissed for failure to comply with the provisions of this Rule; the clerk of this Court may, however, require that a document be redone in compliance with this Rule. Failure to comply after notice of noncompliance, however, may result in the dismissal of the case.

Va. Sup. Ct. 5:6

Amended by order dated November 30, 2007, effective 2/1/2008; amended by order dated April 30, 2010, effective 7/1/2010; amended by order dated April 10, 2015, effective 7/1/2015; amended by Order dated and effective 12/15/2016; amended by order dated September 3, 2020, effective 9/3/2020; amended by order dated November 23, 2020, effective 3/1/2021; amended by order dated April 1, 2021, effective 6/1/2021; amended by order dated November 1, 2021, effective 1/1/2022.