On February 22, 2026, significant changes were implemented to the civil practice rules in Virginia, particularly in the area of discovery. The updates, which were approved by the Virginia Supreme Court, aim to streamline the discovery process, reduce costs, and promote efficiency in civil litigation cases.One of the key changes to the discovery rules is the introduction of a presumptive limit on the number of interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and requests for admission that parties can propound on each other. Under the new rules, parties will be limited to a total of 25 interrogatories, 25 requests for production of documents, and 15 requests for admission unless parties agree to a higher limit or obtain permission from the court.Additionally, the new rules require parties to meet and confer before filing any discovery motions with the court. This pre-filing conference is intended to encourage cooperation and communication between parties in an effort to resolve discovery disputes without court intervention. If parties are unable to reach a resolution, they must submit a joint statement outlining the issues in dispute along with proposed resolutions to the court.Another significant change is the imposition of sanctions for discovery abuse. In cases where a party engages in dilatory or abusive discovery practices, the court now has the authority to impose sanctions, including monetary penalties, limitations on evidence, or even dismissal of the case.These updates to the civil practice rules in Virginia represent a fundamental shift towards a more efficient and cost-effective approach to discovery in civil litigation cases. By setting clear limits on the scope of discovery and promoting early resolution of disputes, the changes aim to reduce the burden on parties and the courts while ensuring fair and timely resolution of cases.Attorneys and litigants in Virginia are advised to familiarize themselves with the new rules and adjust their practices accordingly to avoid potential sanctions and ensure compliance with the updated civil practice requirements. Overall, these changes are expected to have a positive impact on the civil litigation process in Virginia, leading to more expeditious and effective resolution of disputes.