Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Virginia

It sounds as though the case is in the General District Court. The first return date, that is the date on the Warrant in Debt, is a date to state whether you contest the claim or not. If you contest the claim (dont feel that you owe it) a trial date will be set for a later date; if you agree that you owe the debt, judgment will be entered. If you cannot make the initial date, contact the lawyer and ask for another date, then write the Clerk of Court and tell them that the opposing lawyer has agreed to continue the date and cc the lawyer.