Va. Code Ann. tit. 8.01, ch. 18

Va. Code Ann. tit. 8.01, ch. 18
in effect

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-466 Clerk to issue fieri facias on judgment for money

On a judgment for money, it shall be the duty of the clerk of the court in which such judgment was rendered, upon request of the judgment creditor, his assignee or his attorney, to issue a writ of fieri facias at the expiration of twenty-one days from the date of the entry of the judgment and place the same in the hands of a proper person to be executed and take his receipt therefor. The writ shall be issued together with the form for requesting a hearing on a claim of exemption from levy as provided in § 8.01-546.1 . For good cause the court may order an execution to issue on judgments and decrees at an earlier period. Code 1950, § 8-399; 1954, c. 620; 1976, c. 354; 1977, c. 617; 1986, c. 341; 1996, cc. 501 , 608 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-467 What writs may not issue

No writ of levari facias, writ of extendi facias, writ of elegit, writ of capias ad satisfaciendum, or writ of distringas shall be issued hereafter. Code 1950, § 8-400; 1977, c. 617; 1984, c. 94.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-468 Executions against corporations

Such executions as may issue against a natural person may issue against a corporation. Code 1950, § 8-401; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-469 Executions on joint judgments

When a judgment is against several persons jointly, executions thereon may be joint against all of them. Code 1950, § 8-401; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-470 Writs on judgments for specific property

On a judgment for the recovery of specific property, a writ of possession for personal property or a writ of eviction for real property may issue for the specific property pursuant to an order of possession entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, which shall conform to the judgment as to the description of the property and the estate, title, and interest recovered, and there may also be issued a writ of fieri facias for the damages or profits and costs. In cases of unlawful entry and detainer and of ejectment, the officer to whom a writ of eviction has been delivered to be executed shall, at least 72 hours before execution, serve notice of intent to execute, including the date and time of execution, as well as the rights afforded to tenants in §§ 55.1-1255 and 55.1-1416 , together with a copy of the writ attached, on the defendant in person or, if the party to be served is not found at the specific property for which a writ of eviction has been issued, then service shall be effected by posting a copy of such process at the front door or at such other door as appears to be the main entrance of such property. The execution of the writ of eviction by the sheriff should occur within 15 calendar days from the date the writ of eviction is received by the sheriff, or as soon as practicable thereafter, but in no event later than 30 days from the date the writ of eviction is issued. An order of possession shall remain valid for 180 days from the date granted by the court. If a plaintiff cancels a writ of eviction, such plaintiff may request other writs of eviction during such 180-day period. In cases of unlawful entry and detainer and of ejectment, whenever the officer to whom a writ of eviction has been delivered to be executed finds the premises locked, he may, after declaring at the door the cause of his coming and demanding to have the door opened, employ reasonable and necessary force to break and enter the door and put the plaintiff in possession. The execution of the writ of eviction shall be effective against the tenants named in the writ of eviction and their authorized occupants, guests or invitees, and any trespassers in the premises. And an officer having a writ of possession for specific personal property, if he finds locked or fastened the building or place wherein he has reasonable cause to believe the property specified in the writ is located, may in the daytime, after notice to the defendant, his agent or bailee, break and enter such building or place for the purpose of executing such writ. Code 1950, § 8-402; 1977, c. 617; 1991, c. 503; 2000, c. 640 ; 2001, c. 222 ; 2003, c. 259 ; 2007, c. 128 ; 2019, cc. 180 , 700 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-471 Time period for issuing writs of eviction in unlawful entry and detainer; when returnable

Writs of eviction, in case of unlawful entry and detainer, shall be issued within 180 days from the date of judgment for possession and shall be made returnable within 30 days from the date of issuing the writ, and any executed writ shall be returned to the issuing clerk by the sheriff executing such writ. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a writ of eviction not executed within 30 days from the date of issuance shall be vacated as a matter of law without further order of the court that entered the order of possession, and no further action shall be taken by the clerk. No writ shall issue, however, in cases under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§ 55.1-1200 et seq.) if, following the entry of judgment for possession, the landlord has entered into a new written rental agreement with the tenant, as described in § 55.1-1250 . A writ of eviction may be requested by the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney or agent. The Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia shall annually report on or before September 1 to the Chairmen of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice, the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology, the House Committee on General Laws, and the Virginia Housing Commission on the number of executed writs returned pursuant to this section. The first report shall be made by September 1, 2024, and shall include writs executed between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Code 1950, § 8-403; 1977, c. 617; 1999, c. 683 ; 2003, c. 427 ; 2006, c. 667 ; 2013, c. 63 ; 2019, cc. 180 , 700 ; 2023, cc. 442 , 443 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-472 Writs on judgments for personal property

When the judgment is for personal property, the plaintiff may, at his option, have a fieri facias for the alternative value, instead of a writ of possession, and the damages and costs. Code 1950, § 8-404; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-473 Judgment for benefit of other person than plaintiff; remedies of such person

When an execution issues on a judgment, for the benefit, in whole or in part, of any person other than the plaintiff, if the fact appears by the record, the clerk shall, in the execution, or by an endorsement thereon, state the extent of the interest therein of such person; and such person, either in his own name or that of the plaintiff, may, as a party injured, prosecute a suit or motion against the officer. Code 1950, § 8-405; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-474 What writ of fieri facias to command

By a writ of fieri facias, the officer shall be commanded to make the money therein mentioned out of the goods and chattels of the person against whom the judgment is. Code 1950, § 8-406; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-475 Subsequent executions

Subject to the limitations prescribed by Chapter 17 (§ 8.01-426 et seq.) of this title, a party obtaining an execution may sue out other executions at his own costs, though the return day of a former execution has not arrived; and may sue out other executions at the defendant's costs, when on a former execution there is a return by which it appears that the writ has not been executed, or that it or any part of the amount thereof is not levied, or that property levied on has been discharged by legal process which does not prevent a new execution on the judgment. In no case shall there be more than one satisfaction for the same money or thing. And the fact that a judgment creditor may have availed himself of the benefit of any other remedies under this chapter, shall not prevent him from issuing, from time to time, without impairing his lien under it, other executions upon his judgment until the same is satisfied. Code 1950, § 8-407; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-476 New execution after loss of property sold under indemnifying bond

When property sold under an execution, or its value, is recovered from an obligor on an indemnifying bond given before such sale, or from a purchaser having a right of action on such bond, the person having such execution, or his personal representative, may, by motion, after reasonable notice to the person, or the personal representative of the person, against whom the execution was, obtain a new execution against him, without credit for the amount for which the property was sold under the former execution. Such motion shall be made within the period of time prescribed by § 8.01-255.2 . Code 1950, § 8-408; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-477 When executions may be quashed; how proceedings thereon stayed

A motion to quash an execution may, after reasonable notice to the adverse party, be heard and decided by the court which issued the execution. Such court, on the application of the plaintiff in the motion, may make an order staying the proceedings on the execution until the motion be heard and determined, the order not to be effectual until bond be given in such penalty and with such condition, and either with or without surety, as the court may prescribe. The clerk from whose office the execution issued, shall take the bond and make as many copies of the order as may be necessary and endorse thereon that the bond required has been given; and a copy shall be served on the plaintiff in the execution and on the officer in whose hands the execution is placed. Code 1950, § 8-410; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-477.1 Claims of exemption from execution

The procedures specified in § 8.01-546.2 shall govern further proceedings regarding claims of exemption from levy. 1986, c. 341.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-478 On what property writ of fieri facias levied; when lien commences

The writ of fieri facias may be levied as well on the current money and bank notes, as on the goods and chattels of the judgment debtor, except such as are exempt from levy under Title 34, and shall bind what is capable of being levied on only from the time it is actually levied by the officer to whom it has been delivered to be executed. Code 1950, § 8-411; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-479 Time for enforcement

Property levied on, on or before the return day, may be advertised and sold within a reasonable time thereafter, and the lien given by this section may also be enforced after the return day of the writ by proceedings under § 8.01-506 and following of this chapter, if such proceedings be commenced before that day. Code 1950, § 8-412; 1977, c. 617; 1984, c. 557.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-480 Prior security interest on property levied on

Tangible personal property subject to a prior security interest, or in which the execution debtor has only an equitable interest, may nevertheless be levied on for the satisfaction of a fieri facias. If the prior security interest is due and payable, the officer levying the fieri facias may sell the property free of such security interest, and apply the proceeds first to the payment of such security interest, and the residue, so far as necessary, to the satisfaction of the fieri facias. In the event the property is to be sold free of such prior security interest, the judgment creditor shall give written notice by certified mail to each secured party of record as hereafter specified, as his name and address shall appear on record, of the proposed sale, or to any secured party of whom the judgment creditor shall have actual knowledge. Such notice shall be given to each secured party who is of record at the State Corporation Commission, at the Department of Motor Vehicles, at the Department of Wildlife Resources, or in the clerk's office in the city or county in Virginia, where the debtor has resided to the knowledge of the judgment creditor at any time during a one-year period prior to the sale. Certification of such notice shall be delivered to the sheriff or other officer conducting the sale pursuant to execution of the judgment, who shall announce that except as to such person so notified, the sale is subject to any prior security interest of record, other than one of record at a place where the debtor may have resided more than one year previously. If such prior security interest is not due and payable at the time of sale, such officer shall sell the property levied on subject to such security interest. Code 1950, § 8-413; 1977, c. 617; 1979, c. 491; 1990, c. 553; 2020, c. 958 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-481 Territorial extent of lien

The lien given by this chapter on personal property by levy shall, as to property capable of being levied on, be restricted to the bailiwick of the officer into whose hands the execution is placed to be executed, but as to property not capable of being levied on the lien shall extend throughout the limits of the Commonwealth. Code 1950, § 8-414; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-482 If levy be on coin or currency, how accounted for

If the levy be on coin or currency (including notes) made a legal tender for the payment of debts, the same shall be accounted for at its par value as so much money made under the execution. If it be upon coin or currency (including notes) not a legal tender for the payment of debts, and the creditor will not take them at their nominal value, they shall be sold and accounted for as any other property taken under execution. Code 1950, § 8-415; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-483 Return of officer on fieri facias; statement filed therewith

Upon a writ of fieri facias, the officer shall return whether the money therein mentioned has been or cannot be made. If there is only part thereof which is or cannot be made, he shall return the amount of such part. With every execution under which money is recovered, he shall return a statement of the amount received, including his fees and other charges, and shall pay such amount, except such fees and charges, to the person entitled. In his return upon every execution, the officer shall also state in what manner a copy of the writ was served in accordance with § 8.01-487.1 , whether or not he made a levy of the same, the date and time of such levy, the date when he received such payment or obtained such satisfaction upon such execution and, if there is more than one defendant, from which defendant he received the same. Code 1950, § 8-416; 1977, c. 617; 1986, c. 341.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-484 When writ may be destroyed

A writ of fieri facias returned by the officer to the clerk's office with a notation that the money cannot be made may be destroyed after two years from the date of the return. Code 1950, § 8-417; 1962, c. 110; 1977, c. 617; 1988, c. 420.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-485 When venditioni exponas may issue; proceedings thereon

When it appears by the return on an execution that property taken to satisfy it remains unsold, a writ of venditioni exponas may issue, whereupon the like proceedings shall be had as might have been had on the first execution; except, that if it issue upon a return of no sale for want of bidders, or of a sufficient bid, the advertisement shall state the fact, and that the sale will be made peremptorily. Code 1950, § 8-418; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-486 Procedure when officer taking property under execution dies before sale

If an officer taking property under execution die before the sale thereof, and there be no deputies of such officer acting in the case, upon a suggestion of the fact a writ of venditioni exponas may be directed to the sheriff or other officer of the county or city wherein the property was taken. Whereupon the officer to whom the writ is directed shall take possession of the property previously levied upon, whether the same be in possession of the representatives of the deceased officer or the execution debtor, and proceed to advertise and sell it and account for the proceeds thereof in like manner as if the levy had been made by himself. Code 1950, § 8-419; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-487 Officer to endorse on fieri facias time of receiving it

Every officer shall endorse on each writ of fieri facias the date and time he receives the same and also when he levies upon tangible personal property of the debtor. Code 1950, § 8-420; 1977, c. 617; 2009, c. 443 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-487.1 Officer to leave copy of writ where levy made

An officer into whose hands a writ of fieri facias is placed to be levied, when making a levy shall serve a copy of the writ and any attachments thereto on the judgment debtor or other responsible person at the premises where the levy is made. If no such person is present, a copy of the writ and any attachments thereto shall be posted on the front door of such premises. 1986, c. 341.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-488 When several writs of fieri facias, how satisfied

Of writs of fieri facias, that which was first delivered to the officer, though two or more be delivered on the same day, shall be first levied and satisfied, and when several such executions are delivered to the officer at the same time they shall be satisfied ratably. But if an indemnifying bond be required by the officer as a prerequisite to a sale, and the same to be given by some of the creditors and not by others, and the officer sells under the protection of such bond, the proceeds of the sale shall be paid to the creditors giving the bond in the order in which their liens attached. Code 1950, § 8-421; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-489 Growing crops, not severed, not liable to distress or levy

No growing crop of any kind, not severed, shall be liable to distress or levy. Code 1950, § 8-421.1; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-490 No unreasonable distress or levy; sustenance provided for livestock; removal of property

Officers shall in no case make an unreasonable distress or levy. For horses, or any livestock distrained or levied on, the officer shall provide sufficient sustenance while they remain in his possession. Nothing distrained or levied on shall be removed by him out of his county or city, except that an officer distraining or levying on personal property may employ a Virginia-licensed auctioneer or auction firm, as those terms are defined in § 54.1-600 , to sell such property on behalf of the officer, and the officer may remove such property to transport such property to the site of an auction for such sale, regardless of whether such site is within or outside such officer's county or city, or unless when it is otherwise specially provided. Code 1950, § 8-421.2; 1977, c. 617; 2022, c. 62 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-491 Officer may break open dwelling house and levy on property in personal possession of debtor

An officer into whose hands an execution is placed to be levied, may, if need be, break open the outer doors of a dwelling house in the daytime, after having first demanded admittance of the occupant, in order to make a levy, and may also levy on property in the personal possession of the debtor if the same be open to observation. Code 1950, § 8-422; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-492 Sale of property

In any case of goods and chattels which an officer shall distrain or levy on, otherwise than under an attachment, or which he may be directed to sell by an order of a court, unless such order prescribe a different course, the officer shall fix upon a time and place for the sale thereof and post notice of the same at least ten days before the day of sale at some place near the residence of the owner if he reside in the county or city and at two or more public places in the officer's county or city. If the goods and chattels be expensive to keep or perishable, the court from whose clerk's office the writ of fieri facias or the distress warrant was issued under which the seizure is made, or if the distress warrant was issued by a clerk, the court of which he is a clerk, may order a sale of the property seized under fieri facias or distress warrant to be made upon such notice less than ten days as to such court may seem proper. At the time and place so appointed, such officer shall sell to the highest bidder, for cash, such goods and chattels, or so much thereof as may be necessary. Code 1950, § 8-422.1; 1962, c. 10; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-493 Adjournment of sale

When there is not time, on the day appointed for any such sale, to complete the same, the sale may be adjourned from day to day until completed. Code 1950, § 8-422.2; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-494 Resale of property if purchaser fails to comply; remedy against such purchaser

If, at any sale by an officer, the purchaser does not comply with the terms of sale, the officer may sell the property, either forthwith or under a new advertisement, or return that the property was not sold for want of bidders. If, on a resale, the property be sold for less than it sold for before, the first purchaser shall be liable for the difference to the creditor, so far as is required to satisfy him, and to the debtor for the balance. This section shall not prevent the creditor from proceeding as he might have done if it had not been enacted. Code 1950, § 8-423; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-495 When money received by officer under execution to be repaid to debtor

When an officer has received money under execution, if any surplus remain in his hands after satisfying the execution, such surplus shall be repaid to the debtor; and if the debtor, or his personal representative, obtain an injunction or supersedeas to an execution, in whole or in part, before money received under it, or any part of it, is paid over to the creditor, the officer shall repay such debtor the money so received and not so paid over, or so much thereof as the injunction or supersedeas may extend to, unless such process otherwise direct. Code 1950, § 8-424; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-496 Officer not required to go out of his jurisdiction to pay over money

No officer receiving money under execution, when the person to whom it is payable resides in a different county or city from that in which the officer resides, shall be liable to have any judgment rendered against him or his sureties for the nonpayment thereof, until a demand of payment be made of such officer in his county or city, by such creditor or his attorney-at-law, or some person having a written order from the creditor. Code 1950, § 8-425; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-497 Suit by officer to recover estate on which fieri facias is lien

For the recovery of any estate on which a writ of fieri facias is a lien under this chapter, or on which the judgment on which such writ issues is a lien under Chapter 17 (§ 8.01-426 et seq.) of this title, or for the enforcement of any liability in respect to any such estate, a suit may be maintained, at law or in equity, as the case may require, in the name of the officer to whom such writ was delivered, or in the name of any other officer who may be designated for the purpose by an order of the court in which the judgment is entered. No officer shall be bound to bring such suit unless bond, with sufficient surety, be given him to indemnify him against all expenses and costs which he may incur or become liable for by reason thereof. But any person interested may bring such suit at his own costs in the officer's name. Code 1950, § 8-426; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-498 Selling officers and employees not to bid or to purchase

No officer of any city, town, county or constitutional officer or employee of any such city, town, county or constitutional office shall, directly or indirectly, bid on or purchase effects sold under a writ by such officer. Anyone violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Code 1950, § 8-427; 1975, c. 84; 1977, c. 617; 1988, c. 674.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-499 Officer receiving money to make return thereof and pay net proceeds; commission, etc

An officer receiving money under this chapter shall make return thereof forthwith to the court or the clerk's office of the court in which the judgment is entered. For failing to do so, the officer shall be liable as if he had acted under an order of such court. After deducting from such money a commission of 10 percent and his necessary expenses and costs, including reasonable fees to sheriff's counsel, he shall pay the net proceeds, and he and his sureties and their representatives shall be liable therefor, in like manner as if the same had been made under a writ of fieri facias on the judgment. Code 1950, § 8-429; 1977, c. 617; 2004, cc. 198 , 211 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-500 Officer receiving money to notify person entitled to receive it

Every officer collecting or receiving money to be applied on any execution or other legal process, or on any claim, whether judgment has been rendered thereon or not, shall notify in writing by mail or otherwise, within thirty days after such money is received, the person entitled to receive such money, if known. Any officer failing without good cause to comply with this section within the time prescribed shall be fined not less than twenty dollars nor more than fifty dollars for each offense. Code 1950, § 8-430; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-501 Lien of fieri facias on estate of debtor not capable of being levied on

Every writ of fieri facias shall, in addition to the lien it has under §§ 8.01-478 and 8.01-479 on what is capable of being levied on under those sections, be a lien from the time it is delivered to a sheriff or other officer, or any person authorized to serve process pursuant to § 8.01-293 , to be executed, on all the personal estate of or to which the judgment debtor is, or may afterwards and on or before the return day of such writ or before the return day of any wage garnishment to enforce the same, become, possessed or entitled, in which, from its nature is not capable of being levied on under such sections, except such as is exempt under the provisions of Title 34, and except that, as against an assignee of any such estate for valuable consideration, the lien by virtue of this section shall not affect him unless he had notice thereof at the time of the assignment. Code 1950, § 8-431; 1977, c. 617; 1996, c. 1002 ; 2006, c. 575 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-502 Person paying debtor not affected by lien unless notice given

As against a person making a payment to the judgment debtor, the lien referred to in § 8.01-501 shall not affect him, unless and until he be given written notice thereof setting forth (i) the name of the person against whom obtained, (ii) by whom obtained, (iii) the amount and costs of the judgment, (iv) the date recovered, (v) the date of the issuance or renewal of execution thereon, (vi) the return day of execution, and (vii) the date of placing of the execution in the hands of the officer or other person authorized to serve process pursuant to § 8.01-293 , and unless such notice shall be personally signed by the plaintiff or his attorney and shall have been duly served upon the person making payment and the judgment debtor by an officer authorized to serve civil process. Code 1950, § 8-432; 1954, c. 615; 1977, c. 617; 1996, c. 1002 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-502.1 Serving notice of lien on financial institution

A. No judgment creditor or attorney for a judgment creditor shall have a notice of lien served on a financial institution under § 8.01-502 unless such judgment creditor or attorney has a reasonable basis for believing that the judgment debtor is entitled to a payment from such institution. The fact that a financial institution is doing business in a geographic area where the judgment debtor resides, works or has a place of business is not, by itself, a reasonable basis for believing that the judgment debtor is entitled to a payment from a financial institution. Any person violating this section shall be liable to a financial institution for the sum of $100 for each notice of lien wrongfully served on such institution. In any action at law to recover an amount due hereunder, the judgment creditor or attorney for the judgment creditor causing the notice of lien to be served on the financial institution shall have the burden of showing a reasonable basis for believing that the judgment debtor was entitled to a payment from such institution. B. Any judgment creditor serving a notice of lien on a financial institution shall, within five business days of such service, mail to the judgment debtor at his last known address a copy of the notice of lien along with a notice of exemptions and claim for exemption form in accordance with § 8.01-512.4 . The judgment creditor or attorney for the judgment creditor shall file a certification with the court affirming that he has mailed the judgment debtor these notices. In the event that the judgment creditor fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection, he shall be liable to the judgment debtor for no more than $100 in damages, unless he proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the failure was not willful. C. A financial institution served with a valid notice of lien shall provide a written response to the judgment creditor or attorney for the judgment creditor within twenty-one days after being served with such notice of lien indicating the amount of money held by the financial institution pursuant to the notice of lien. 1997, c. 750 ; 1999, c. 48 ; 2010, c. 673 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-503 Withholding of wages or salary not required by preceding sections unless garnishment process served

Nothing contained in §§ 8.01-501 and 8.01-502 shall have the effect of requiring any employer paying wages or salary to an employee to withhold any part of such wages or salary unless and until such employer is duly served with process in garnishment. Code 1950, § 8-432.1; 1954, c. 379; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-504 Penalty for service of notice of lien when no judgment exists

Whoever causes to be served a notice of lien of a writ of fieri facias without there being a judgment against the defendant named therein, shall pay to him the sum of $350, and whoever serves a notice of lien of a writ of fieri facias before the issuance of a writ of fieri facias, or after the return day thereof, or serves or in any way gives a notice of a lien of fieri facias by means other than by service by an officer authorized to serve civil process, shall pay to the named defendant the sum of $350, to be recoverable as damages in an action at law, in addition to whatever damages may be alleged and proven. Code 1950, § 8-433; 1977, c. 617; 2010, c. 343 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-505 When lien acquired on intangibles under § 8.01-501 ceases

The lien acquired under § 8.01-501 on intangibles shall cease whenever the right of the judgment creditor to enforce the judgment by execution or by action, or to extend the right by motion, ceases or is suspended by a forthcoming bond being given and forfeited or by other legal process. Furthermore, as to all such intangibles the lien shall cease upon the expiration of the following periods whichever is the longer: (i) one year from the return day of the execution pursuant to which the lien arose, or (ii) if the intangible is a debt due from, or a claim upon, a third person in favor of the judgment debtor or the estate of such third person, one year from the final determination of the amount owed to the judgment debtor. Code 1950, § 8-434; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-506 Proceedings by interrogatories to ascertain estate of debtor; summons; proviso; objections by judgment debtor

A. To ascertain the personal estate of a judgment debtor, and to ascertain any real estate, in or out of the Commonwealth, to which the debtor named in a judgment and fieri facias is entitled, upon the application of the execution creditor, the clerk of the court from which such fieri facias issued shall issue a summons against (i) the execution debtor; (ii) any officer, manager, or partner of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other business entity if such execution debtor is an entity having an office in the Commonwealth; (iii) any employee of such entity if such execution debtor is an entity having an office but no known officers, managers, or partners in the Commonwealth, provided that a copy of the summons shall also be served upon the registered agent of such entity; or (iv) any debtor to, or bailee of, the execution debtor if the judgment creditor or such judgment creditor's attorney files an affidavit that he knows or reasonably suspects such person to be a debtor to, or bailee of, the execution debtor. B. The summons shall require him to appear before the court from which the fieri facias issued or a commissioner of the county or city in which such court is located, or a like court or a commissioner of a county or city contiguous thereto, or upon request of the execution creditor, before a like court or a commissioner of the county or city in which the execution debtor resides, or of a county or city contiguous thereto, to answer such interrogatories as may be propounded to him by the execution creditor or his attorney, or the court, or the commissioner, as the case may be. If the execution creditor requests that the summons require the execution debtor to appear before a like court of the county or city in which the execution debtor resides, or of a county or city contiguous thereto, the case may be filed or docketed in accordance with the requirements of § 8.01-506.2 prior to issuance of the summons. C. Before proceeding under this section, the execution creditor shall furnish to the court a certificate setting forth that he has not proceeded against the execution debtor under this section within the six months last preceding the date of such certificate. However, for good cause shown, the court may, on motion of the execution creditor, issue an order allowing further proceedings before a commissioner by interrogatories during the six-month period. Any judgment creditor who knowingly gives false information upon any such certificate made under this article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The issuance of a summons that is not served shall not constitute the act of proceeding against an execution debtor for purposes of making the certificate required by this subsection. D. The debtor or other person served with such summons shall appear at the time and place mentioned and make answer to such interrogatories. The commissioner shall, at the request of either of the parties, enter in his proceedings and report to the court mentioned in § 8.01-507.1 any and all objections taken by such debtor against answering such interrogatories, or any or either of them, and if the court afterwards sustains any one or more of such objections, the answers given to such interrogatories as to which objections are sustained shall be held for naught in that or any other case. E. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the court from which a writ of fieri facias issued, upon motion by the execution debtor, or by a person summoned pursuant to clause (iv) of subsection A, for good cause shown, shall transfer debtor interrogatory proceedings to a more convenient forum. Code 1950, § 8-435; 1952, c. 699; 1968, c. 599; 1977, c. 617; 1978, c. 66; 1979, c. 225; 1985, c. 433; 1987, c. 182; 1991, c. 463; 2005, c. 726 ; 2009, c. 622 ; 2024, c. 744 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-506.1 Production of book accounts or other writing compelled

In any proceeding under the provisions of § 8.01-506 , a subpoena duces tecum may be issued for a book of accounts or other writing containing material evidence pursuant to Rule 4:9A of the Rules of the Supreme Court. However, notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 4:9A, a subpoena duces tecum issued pursuant to this section may (i) be directed to a party to the case and (ii) be issued by a commissioner and may direct that evidence and any custodians subpoenaed be produced before the commissioner. If the subpoena duces tecum is against a party who is not a resident of the Commonwealth, but who has appeared in the case or been served with process in this Commonwealth, the service may be on his attorney of record. The provisions of Rule 4:1(c) of the Supreme Court as to protective orders shall be applicable to proceedings under this section. 1978, c. 339; 1986, c. 249; 1993, c. 267.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-506.2 Proceedings in court of county or city where execution debtor resides

When pursuant to subsection B of § 8.01-506 , a summons requires the execution debtor to appear before a court of the county or city in which the execution debtor resides, or of a county or city contiguous thereto, the execution creditor may have the case filed or docketed in that court as follows: 1. The execution creditor shall file with that court an abstract of the judgment rendered. 2. The execution creditor shall pay a fee to that court in accordance with the provisions of § 16.1-69.48:2 or subdivision 17 of § 17.1-275 . 3. After docketing or filing the abstract of judgment and payment of any fees, the court shall issue the summons and any subsequent executions on the filed or docketed judgment, including a subpoena duces tecum pursuant to § 8.01-506.1 , and shall conduct such hearings and enter such orders pursuant to §§ 8.01-507 , 8.01-507.1 , 8.01-508 , 8.01-509 , and 8.01-510 as may be required. 4. The execution creditor shall file in both courts any releases or satisfactions of judgment. 2005, c. 726 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-507 Conveyance or delivery of property disclosed by interrogatories

Any real estate out of this Commonwealth to which it may appear by such answer that the debtor is entitled shall, upon order of the court or commissioner, be forthwith conveyed by him to the officer to whom was delivered such fieri facias, and any money, bank notes, securities, evidences of debt, or other personal estate, tangible or intangible, which it may appear by such answers are in possession of or under the control of the debtor or his debtor or bailee, shall be delivered by him or them, as far as practicable, to such officer, or to some other, or in such manner as may be ordered by the commissioner or court. Code 1950, § 8-436; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-507.1 Interrogatories, answers, etc., to be returned to court

The commissioner shall, at the request of either of the parties, return the interrogatories and answers filed with him, and a report of the proceedings under §§ 8.01-506 and 8.01-507 , to the court in which the judgment is rendered. Code 1950, § 8-437; 1954, c. 624; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-508 How debtor may be arrested and held to answer

If any person summoned under § 8.01-506 fails to appear and answer, or makes any answers which are deemed by the commissioner or court to be evasive, or if, having answered, fails to make such conveyance and delivery as is required by § 8.01-507 , the commissioner or court shall issue (i) a capias directed to any sheriff requiring such sheriff to take the person in default and deliver him to the commissioner or court so that he may be compelled to make proper answers, or such conveyance or delivery, as the case may be or (ii) a rule to show cause why the person summoned should not appear and make proper answer or make conveyance and delivery. If the person in default fails to answer or convey and deliver he may be incarcerated until he makes such answers or conveyance and delivery. Where a capias is issued, the person in default shall be admitted to bail as provided in Article 1 (§ 19.2-119 et seq.) of Chapter 9 of Title 19.2 if he cannot be brought promptly before the commissioner or court in the county or city to which the capias is returnable. Upon making such answers, or such conveyance and delivery, he shall be discharged by the commissioner or the court. He may also be discharged by the court from whose clerk's office the capias issued in any case where the court is of the opinion that he was improperly committed or is improperly or unlawfully detained in custody. If the person in default appeals the decision of the commissioner or court, he shall be admitted to bail as provided in Article 1 (§ 19.2-119 et seq.) of Chapter 9 of Title 19.2. If the person held for failure to appear and answer interrogatories is detained in a jurisdiction other than that where the summons is issued, the sheriff in the requesting jurisdiction shall have the duty to transport such person to the place where interrogatories are to be taken. Code 1950, § 8-438; 1977, c. 617; 1983, c. 278; 1985, c. 290; 1986, c. 326; 1999, cc. 829 , 846 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-509 Order for sale and application of debtor's estate

The court to which the commissioner returns his report may make any order it may deem right, as to the sale and proper application of the estate conveyed and delivered under §§ 8.01-506 and 8.01-507 . Code 1950, § 8-439; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-510 Sale, collection and disposition of debtor's estate by officer

Real estate, conveyed to an officer under this chapter, shall, unless the court otherwise direct, be sold as other property levied on is required to be sold under § 8.01-492 and be conveyed to the purchaser by the officer. An officer to whom there is delivery under this chapter, when the delivery is of money, bank notes, or any goods or chattels, shall dispose of the same as if levied on by him under a fieri facias; and when the delivery is of evidences of debts, other than such bank notes, may receive payment of such debts within sixty days after such delivery. Any evidence of debt or other security, remaining in his hands at the end of such sixty days, shall be returned by him to the clerk's office of such court, and collection thereof may be enforced as prescribed by § 8.01-497 . For a failure to make such return, he may be proceeded against as if an express order of the court for such return had been disobeyed. Code 1950, § 8-440; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-511 Institution of garnishment proceedings; penalty

A. On a suggestion by the judgment creditor that, by reason of the lien of his writ of fieri facias, there is a liability on any person other than the judgment debtor or that there is in the hands of some person in his capacity as personal representative of some decedent a sum of money to which a judgment debtor is or may be entitled as creditor or distributee of such decedent, upon which sum when determined such writ of fieri facias is a lien, a summons in the form prescribed by § 8.01-512.3 may be sued out of the clerk's office (i) of the court from which an execution on the judgment is issued so long as the judgment shall remain enforceable as provided in § 8.01-251 , (ii) to which an execution issued thereon has been returned as provided in § 16.1-99 against such person, or (iii) from which an execution issued as provided in § 16.1-278.18 . If the judgment debtor does not reside in the city or county where the judgment was entered, the judgment creditor may have the case filed or docketed in the court of the city or county where the judgment debtor resides and such court may issue an execution on the judgment, provided that the judgment creditor (a) files with the court an abstract of the judgment rendered, (b) pays fees to the court in accordance with § 16.1-69.48:2 or subdivision 17 of § 17.1-275 , and (c) files in both courts any release or satisfaction of judgment. The summons and the notice and claim for exemption form required pursuant to § 8.01-512.4 shall be served on the garnishee, and shall be served on the judgment debtor promptly after service on the garnishee. Service on the judgment debtor and the garnishee shall be made pursuant to subdivision 1 or 2 of § 8.01-296 . When making an application for garnishment, the judgment creditor shall set forth on the suggestion for summons in garnishment the last known address of the judgment debtor, and shall furnish the clerk, if service is to be made by the sheriff, or shall furnish any other person making service with an envelope, with first-class postage attached, addressed to such address. A copy of the summons and the notice and claim for exemptions form required under § 8.01-512.4 shall be sent by the clerk to the sheriff or provided by the judgment creditor to the person making service, with the process to be served. Promptly after service on the garnishee, the person making service shall mail such envelope by first-class mail to the judgment debtor at his last known address. If the person making service is unable to serve the judgment debtor pursuant to subdivision 1 of § 8.01-296 , such mailing shall satisfy the mailing requirements of subdivision 2 b of § 8.01-296 . The person making service shall note on his return the date of such mailing which, with the notation "copy mailed to judgment debtor," shall be sufficient proof of the mailing of such envelope with the required copy of the summons and the notice and claim for exemption form with no examination of such contents being required nor separate certification by the clerk or judgment creditor that the appropriate documents have been so inserted. If the person making service is unable to serve the judgment debtor pursuant to subdivision 1 or 2 of § 8.01-296 , such mailing shall constitute service of process on the judgment debtor. The judgment creditor shall furnish the social security number of the judgment debtor to the clerk, except as hereinafter provided. B. The judgment creditor may require the judgment debtor to furnish his correct social security number by the use of interrogatories. However, use of such interrogatories shall not be a required condition of a judgment creditor's diligent good faith effort to secure the judgment debtor's social security number. Such remedy shall be in addition to all other lawful remedies available to the judgment creditor. Upon a representation by the judgment creditor, or his agent or attorney, that he has made a diligent good faith effort to secure the social security number of the judgment debtor and has been unable to do so, the garnishment shall be issued without the necessity for such number. C. Except as provided herein, no summons shall be issued pursuant to this section for the garnishment of wages, salaries, commissions, or other earnings unless it (i) is in the form prescribed by § 8.01-512.3 ; (ii) is directed to only one garnishee for the garnishment of only one judgment debtor; (iii) contains both the "TOTAL BALANCE DUE" and the social security number of the judgment debtor in the proper places as provided on the summons; and (iv) specifies that it is a garnishment against (a) the judgment debtor's wages, salary, or other compensation or (b) some other debt due or property of the judgment debtor. The garnishee shall not be liable to the judgment creditor for any property not specified in the summons as provided in clause (iv). Upon receipt of a summons not in compliance with this provision, the garnishee shall file a written answer to that effect and shall have no liability to the judgment creditor, such summons being void upon transmission of the answer. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to abrogate a duty of a financial institution to examine a judgment debtor's account in accordance with the provisions of §§ 34-4.3 and 34-4.4 to determine whether an automatic exemption applies. D. The judgment creditor shall, in the suggestion, specify the amount of interest, if any, that is claimed to be due upon the judgment, calculated to the return day of the summons. He shall also set out such credits as may have been made upon the judgment. All costs incurred by the judgment creditor after entry of the judgment, in aid of execution of the judgment and paid to a clerk of court, sheriff, or process server are chargeable against the judgment debtor, unless such costs are chargeable against the judgment creditor pursuant to § 8.01-475 . Regardless of the actual amount of the fee paid by the judgment creditor, the fee for a process server chargeable against the judgment debtor shall not exceed the fee authorized for service by the sheriff. All such previous costs chargeable against the judgment debtor may be included by the judgment creditor as judgment costs in the garnishment summons form prescribed in § 8.01-512.3 . This paragraph shall not be construed to limit any cost assessed by a court as part of the judgment. E. In addition, the suggestion shall contain an allegation that: 1. The summons is based upon a judgment upon which a prior summons has been issued but not fully satisfied; 2. No summons has been issued upon his suggestion against the same judgment debtor within a period of 18 months, other than under the provisions of subdivision 1; 3. The summons is based upon a judgment granted against a debtor upon a debt due or made for necessary food, rent or shelter, public utilities including telephone service, drugs, or medical care supplied the debtor by the judgment creditor or to one of his lawful dependents, and that it was not for luxuries or nonessentials; 4. The summons is based upon a judgment for a debt due the judgment creditor to refinance a lawful loan made by an authorized lending institution; 5. The summons is based upon a judgment on an obligation incurred as an endorser or comaker upon a lawful note; or 6. The summons is based upon a judgment for a debt or debts reaffirmed after bankruptcy. F. Any judgment creditor who knowingly gives false information upon any such suggestion or certificate made under this chapter is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Code 1950, § 8-441; 1960, c. 502; 1966, c. 212; 1972, c. 104; 1976, c. 659; 1977, cc. 454, 617; 1978, cc. 321, 506; 1979, cc. 242, 345; 1980, c. 537; 1983, cc. 399, 468; 1984, c. 1; 1985, c. 524; 1991, c. 534; 1996, cc. 501 , 608 ; 2006, c. 55 ; 2012, cc. 127 , 129 , 251 , 409 ; 2026, cc. 637 , 638 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-511.1 Garnishee inability to determine whether it holds property of judgment debtor

If a summons for the garnishment of property other than wages, salaries, commissions, or other earnings does not contain sufficient or accurate information to enable the garnishee to reasonably identify the judgment debtor, the garnishee shall have no liability to the judgment creditor for failing to deliver the judgment debtor's property in response to the summons. If the summons contains either the social security number or taxpayer identification number of the judgment debtor as it appears in the records of the garnishee, or the name and address of the judgment debtor as they appear in the records of the garnishee, the summons shall be deemed to contain information sufficient to enable the garnishee to reasonably identify the judgment debtor. If the summons contains sufficient or accurate information to enable the garnishee to reasonably identify the judgment debtor, the garnishee shall (i) answer to the summoning court and further state what the garnishee's records show as the last known address for the judgment debtor and any other information the garnishee deems relevant and (ii) send to the judgment debtor at the last known address a copy of its answer to the court. If the garnishee is a financial institution, such garnishee, prior to sending or filing an answer to the summons, shall complete an examination of any account of the judgment debtor in accordance with the provisions of § 34-4.3 or 34-4.4 to determine whether an automatic exemption applies and to proceed accordingly after making such determination. No garnishee or creditor who proceeds under the terms of this statute in good faith shall be liable to any person therefor. 2002, c. 688 ; 2026, cc. 637 , 638 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-512.2 Fee for garnishee-employers

Garnishee-employers may charge and collect a fee of up to ten dollars from a judgment-debtor employee on account of such employers' expense in processing each garnishment summons served on such employers on account of the judgment-debtor employee. 1980, c. 537; 1994, c. 664 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-512.3 (Effective until July 1, 2027) Form of garnishment summons

Any garnishment issued pursuant to § 8.01-511 shall be in the following form: (a) Front side of summons: GARNISHMENT SUMMONS (Court Name) (Name, address, and telephone number of judgment creditor except that when the judgment creditor's attorney's name, address, and telephone number appear on the summons, only the creditor's name shall be used.) (Name, address, and telephone number of judgment creditor's attorney) (Name, street address, and social security number of judgment debtor) (Name and street address of garnishee) ________________________ Hearing Date and Time This is a garnishment against (check only one of the designations below): MAXIMUM PORTION OF DISPOSABLE EARNINGS SUBJECT TO GARNISHMENT The garnishee shall rely on this amount ___________________________________________ Date of Judgment TO ANY AUTHORIZED OFFICER: You are hereby commanded to serve this summons on the judgment debtor and the garnishee. TO THE GARNISHEE: You are hereby commanded to (1) File a written answer with this court, or (2) Deliver payment to this court, or (3) Appear before this court on the return date and time shown on this summons to answer the Suggestion for Summons in Garnishment of the judgment creditor that, by reason of the lien of writ of fieri facias, there is a liability as shown in the statement upon the garnishee. As garnishee, you shall withhold from the judgment debtor any sums of money to which the judgment debtor is or may be entitled from you during the period between the date of service of this summons on you and the date for your appearance in court, subject to the following limitations: (1) The maximum amount which may be garnished is the "TOTAL BALANCE DUE" as shown on this summons. (2) If the sums of money being garnished are earnings of the judgment debtor, then the provision of "MAXIMUM PORTION OF DISPOSABLE EARNINGS SUBJECT TO GARNISHMENT" shall apply. (3) If the garnishee is a financial institution, only the funds in a judgment debtor's account that exceed the total sum of the minimum protected account balance and protected amount, as both terms are defined in § 34-4.4, shall be subject to withholding. If a garnishment summons is served on an employer having 1,000 or more employees, then money to which the judgment debtor is or may be entitled from his or her employer shall be considered those wages, salaries, commissions, or other earnings which, following service on the garnishee-employer, are determined and are payable to the judgment debtor under the garnishee-employer's normal payroll procedure with a reasonable time allowance for making a timely return by mail to this court. ______________________________________ Date of Issuance of Summons ______________________________________ Clerk ______________________________________ Date of delivery of writ of fieri facias to sheriff if different from date of issuance of this summons. (b) A plain language interpretation of § 34-29 shall appear on the reverse side of the summons as follows: "The following statement is not the law but is an interpretation of the law which is intended to assist those who must respond to this garnishment. You may rely on this only for general guidance because the law itself is the final word. (Read the law, § 34-29 of the Code of Virginia, for a full explanation. A copy of § 34-29 is available at the clerk's office. If you do not understand the law, call a lawyer for help.) An employer may take as much as 25 percent of an employee's disposable earnings to satisfy this garnishment. But if an employee makes the minimum wage or less for his week's earnings, the employee will ordinarily get to keep 40 times the minimum hourly wage." But an employer may withhold a different amount of money from that above if: (1) The employee must pay child support or spousal support and was ordered to do so by a court procedure or other legal procedure. No more than 65 percent of an employee's earnings may be withheld for support; (2) Money is withheld by order of a bankruptcy court; or (3) Money is withheld for a tax debt. "Disposable earnings" means the money an employee makes after taxes and after other amounts required by law to be withheld are satisfied. Earnings can be salary, hourly wages, commissions, bonuses, or otherwise, whether paid directly to the employee or not. After those earnings are in the bank for 30 days, they are not considered earnings any more. If an employee tries to transfer, assign, or in any way give his earnings to another person to avoid the garnishment, it will not be legal; earnings are still earnings. An employee cannot be fired because he is garnished for one debt. The determination of what part of a person's earnings can be garnished is the responsibility of the employer, regardless of whether such earnings are paid to the employee by direct deposit. 1983, c. 399; 1994, c. 40 ; 1995, c. 379 ; 1996, c. 1051 ; 2006, c. 55 ; 2017, cc. 36 , 143 ; 2026, cc. 637 , 638 , 1019 , 1090 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-512.4 Notice of exemptions from garnishment and lien

No summons in garnishment shall be issued or served, nor shall any notice of lien be served on a financial institution pursuant to § 8.01-502.1 , unless a notice of exemptions and claim for exemption form are attached. The notice shall contain the following statement: NOTICE TO JUDGMENT DEBTOR HOW TO CLAIM EXEMPTIONS FROM GARNISHMENT AND LIEN The attached Summons in Garnishment or Notice of Lien has been issued on request of a creditor who holds a judgment against you. The Summons may cause your property or wages to be held or taken to pay the judgment. The law provides that certain property and wages cannot be taken in garnishment. Such property is said to be exempted. Financial institutions are required by law to exempt certain funds, federal benefit payments, and state benefit payments automatically in certain garnishment cases. These exemptions are listed below. You do not need to file a claim for exemption to receive this automatic exemption but receiving this automatic exemption in no way impairs or limits your right to claim additional exemptions as set forth in the request for hearing form below. Please be advised that just because you receive one or more of the listed federal and state benefit payments does not mean that these funds will be automatically exempted. If the debt at issue arises from a child support or spousal support obligation, the financial institution may be prohibited by law from withholding these benefit payments from garnishment. Please consult the relevant section of federal or state law of the listed benefit payment for further details. A summary of some of the major exemptions is set forth in the request for hearing form. There is no exemption solely because you are having difficulty paying your debts. If you claim an exemption, you should (i) fill out the claim for exemption form and (ii) deliver or mail the form to the clerk's office of this court. You have a right to a hearing within seven business days from the date you file your claim with the court. If the creditor is asking that your wages be withheld, the method of computing the amount of wages that are exempt from garnishment by law is indicated on the Summons in Garnishment attached. You do not need to file a claim for exemption to receive this exemption, but if you believe the wrong amount is being withheld you may file a claim for exemption. On the day of the hearing, you should come to court ready to explain why your property is exempted, and you should bring any documents that may help you prove your case. If you do not come to court at the designated time and prove that your property is exempt, you may lose some of your rights. It may be helpful to you to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter. AUTOMATIC EXEMPTIONS UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW 1. Benefit payments received from a federal authority (31 C.F.R. § 212.2): a. Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (42 U.S.C. § 407). b. Veterans' benefits (38 U.S.C. § 5301). c. Federal civil service retirement benefits (5 U.S.C. § 8346). d. Railroad Retirement Board benefits (45 U.S.C. 231m(a)). 2. Minimum protected account balance (§ 34-4.3, Code of Virginia). 3. Benefit payments received from a Virginia agency or ordered by a Virginia court: a. Unemployment compensation benefits (§ 60.2-600 , Code of Virginia). b. Public assistance payments (§ 63.2-506 , Code of Virginia). c. Workers' compensation benefits (§ 65.2-531 , Code of Virginia). d. Child support payments (§ 20-108.1 , Code of Virginia). REQUEST FOR HEARING-GARNISHMENT/LIEN EXEMPTION CLAIM I claim that the exemption(s) from garnishment or lien that are checked below apply in this case: MAJOR EXEMPTIONS UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW ____1. Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (42 U.S.C. § 407). ____2. Veterans’ benefits (38 U.S.C. § 5301). ____3. Federal civil service retirement benefits (5 U.S.C. § 8346). ____4. Annuities to survivors of federal judges (28 U.S.C. § 376(n)). ____5. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. § 916). ____6. Black lung benefits. Exemptions listed under 1 through 6 above may not be applicable in child support and alimony cases (42 U.S.C. § 659). ____7. Seaman’s, master’s or fisherman’s wages, except for child support or spousal support and maintenance (). ____8. Unemployment compensation benefits (§ 60.2-600 , Code of Virginia). ____9. Portions or amounts of wages subject to garnishment (§ 34-29 , Code of Virginia). ____10. Public assistance payments (§ 63.2-506 , Code of Virginia). ____11. Homestead exemption of $5,000, or $10,000 if the debtor is 65 years of age or older, in cash, and, in addition, real or personal property used as the principal residence of the householder or the householder’s dependents not exceeding $50,000 in value (§ 34-4 , Code of Virginia). This exemption may not be claimed in certain cases, such as payment of spousal or child support (§ 34-5 , Code of Virginia). ____12. Property of disabled veterans — additional $10,000 cash (§ 34-4.1 , Code of Virginia). ____13. Workers’ Compensation benefits (§ 65.2-531 , Code of Virginia). ____14. Growing crops (§ 8.01-489 , Code of Virginia). ____15. Benefits from group life insurance policies (§ 38.2-3339 , Code of Virginia). ____16. Proceeds from industrial sick benefits insurance (§ 38.2-3549 ). ____17. Assignments of certain salary and wages (§ 8.01-525.10 , Code of Virginia). ____18. Benefits for victims of crime (§ 19.2-368.12 , Code of Virginia). ____19. Preneed funeral trusts (§ 54.1-2823 , Code of Virginia). ____20. Certain retirement benefits (§ 34-34 , Code of Virginia). ____21. Child support payments (§ 20-108.1 , Code of Virginia). ____22. Support for dependent minor children (§ 34-4.2 , Code of Virginia). To claim this exemption, the debtor shall attach to the claim for exemption form an affidavit that complies with the requirements of subsection B of § 34-4.2 and two items of proof showing that the debtor is entitled to this exemption. ____23. Other (describe exemption): $____ I request a court hearing to decide the validity of my claim. Notice of the hearing should be given me at: ____________________________________ (address) (address) ____________________________________ (telephone no.) (telephone no.) The statements made in this request are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. ____________________________________ (date) (date) ____________________________________ (signature of judgment debtor) (signature of judgment debtor) 1984, c. 1; 1986, c. 489; 1989, c. 684; 1994, c. 40 ; 2007, c. 872 ; 2009, cc. 332 , 387 , 388 ; 2010, c. 673 ; 2012, cc. 23 , 79 ; 2020, c. 328 ; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 39 ; 2023, cc. 456 , 457 ; 2024, c. 656 ; 2026, cc. 637 , 638 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-512.5 Hearing on claim of exemption from garnishment

A judgment debtor shall have the right to a hearing on his claim of exemption from garnishment no later than seven business days from the date that the claim is filed with the court. The clerk shall notify the parties of the date, time and place of the hearing and the exemption being claimed. The garnishee shall comply with the garnishment summons unless and until ordered otherwise in writing by the court. The order shall take effect upon receipt by the garnishee. The clerk is required to provide a copy of the order or other hearing disposition to the garnishee only if the garnishment summons is dismissed or is modified by the judge. 1984, c. 1.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-513 Service upon corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or financial institution

A. If the person upon whom there is a suggestion of liability as provided in § 8.01-511 is a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, financial institution as defined in § 6.2-100 , or other entity authorized to do business in the Commonwealth under state or federal law or required to be registered by the State Corporation Commission, the summons shall be served upon the garnishment designee of such corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, financial institution as defined in § 6.2-100 , or other entity, unless such garnishment designee is also the judgment debtor. If the judgment creditor or his attorney files with the court a certificate that such judgment creditor or attorney has used due diligence and that (i) such corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, financial institution as defined in § 6.2-100 , or other entity has no garnishment designee; (ii) such garnishment designee cannot be found at the designated address; or (iii) such garnishment designee is also the judgment debtor, then such summons shall be served (a) in accordance with the provisions of § 8.01-299 , 8.01-301 , or 8.01-304 or other provision of law applicable to service of process upon such entity or (b) upon a managing employee. Before serving the registered or statutory agent of a financial institution pursuant to clause (a), the judgment creditor or his attorney must further certify that after exercising due diligence, no managing employee could be found in the Commonwealth, that such managing employee is also the judgment debtor, or that, upon information and belief, the financial institution has authorized or requested such service of process. B. For the purposes of this section: "Garnishment designee" means an employee, officer, member, manager, partner, registered agent, or other natural person designated by a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, financial institution as defined in § 6.2-100 , or other entity pursuant to a designation filed with the State Corporation Commission. Such designation shall include the garnishment designee's name and physical street address within the Commonwealth where service may be made during regular business hours. The garnishment designee may designate one or more additional natural persons at the same physical street address upon whom summons may be served. Such designation shall be in writing and shall be notarized. Such designation shall be on file and upon demand with the garnishment designee. Whenever such other designated person accepts service of process on behalf of the garnishment designee, a copy of such written and notarized designation shall be attached to the return of service of process. "Managing employee" means an employee charged by the corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, financial institution as defined in § 6.2-100 , or other entity as applicable, with the control or who reasonably appears to have control of operations and supervision of employees at the business location of such corporation or limited liability company where process is sought to be served. Code 1950, § 8-441.2; 1974, c. 561; 1977, c. 617; 1980, c. 514; 1997, c. 395 ; 1998, cc. 723 , 737 ; 2004, c. 231 ; 2006, c. 912 ; 2024, c. 500 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-514 When garnishment summons returnable

The summons in garnishment, whether issued by a circuit court or a district court, may be directed to a sheriff of any county or city wherein the judgment debtor resides or where the garnishment defendant resides or where either may be found and shall be made returnable to the court that issued it within 90 days from the writ's issuance, except that, in the case of a wage garnishment, the summons shall be returnable not more than 180 days after such issuance. Code 1950, § 8-442; 1976, c. 659; 1977, cc. 454, 617; 1979, c. 36; 2003, c. 234 ; 2006, c. 575 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-515 How garnishee examined; determining exemption from employee's withholding certificate; amount due pursuant to exemptions in subsection A of § 34-29

A person so summoned shall appear in person and be examined on oath or he may file a statement. A corporation so summoned shall appear by an authorized agent who shall be examined on oath or may file a statement, not under seal of such authorized agent. Such statement shall show the amount the garnishee is indebted to the judgment debtor, if any, or what property or effects, if any, the garnishee has or holds which belongs to the judgment debtor, or in which he has an interest. Payment to the court of any amount by the garnishee shall have the same force and effect as a statement which contains the information required by this section. If the judgment debtor or judgment creditor disputes the verity or accuracy of such statement or amount and so desires, then summons shall issue requiring the appearance of such person or authorized agent for examination on oath, and requiring him to produce such books and papers as may be necessary to determine the fact. In determining the exemption to which the employee is entitled, the employer may until otherwise ordered by the court rely upon the information contained in the employee's withholding exemption certificate filed by the employee for federal income tax purposes, and any person showing more than one exemption thereon shall be considered by him to be a householder or head of a family. The employer may apply the exemptions provided in subsection A of § 34-29 unless otherwise specified on the summons, or unless otherwise ordered by the court. Code 1950, § 8-443; 1954, c. 379; 1977, c. 617; 1979, c. 242; 1983, c. 399; 2026, cc. 396 , 1019 , 1090 .

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-516.1 Garnishment dispositions

A. If the amount of liability is not disputed and the garnishee admits liability to the court either by (i) examination on the return date of the summons, or (ii) written statement as provided by § 8.01-515 on or before the return date of the summons, the court shall order the delivery of such estate or payment of the value of such estate into court without entering judgment against the garnishee. Should a garnishee fail to comply with the order within thirty days after service of such order on the garnishee, then judgment may be entered against the garnishee. B. Upon certification by the judgment creditor, its bona fide employee, or its attorney that its claim has been satisfied or that it desires its action against the garnishee to be dismissed for any other reason, the court, or clerk thereof, where the action has been filed, shall, by written order, which may be served by the sheriff, notify the garnishee to cease withholding assets of the judgment debtor, and to treat any funds previously withheld as if the original garnishment action had not been filed. The court in which the garnishment action was filed shall then dismiss the action on or before the return date. 1983, c. 399; 1993, c. 385.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-517 Exemption of portion of wages; payment of excess into court

Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 8.01-515 and 8.01-516.1 , any employer against whom any garnishment is served in connection with an action or judgment against an employee may pay to such employee when due wages or salary not exceeding the amount exempted by § 34-29 unless such exemptions shall have been specifically disallowed by the court and shall answer such garnishment summons by a written statement verified by affidavit, showing the amount of wages or salary due on the return date of the garnishment summons and the amount of wages or salary so exempted, and if there shall be an excess of wages or salary so due over the amount of the exemptions, the employer may pay the amount of such excess into the court where the garnishment summons is returnable, which payment when determined by the court to be correct will constitute a discharge of any liability of the employer to the employee for the wages or salary so withheld. Code 1950, § 8-445; 1952, c. 377; 1954, c. 379; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-518 When garnishee is personal representative of decedent

If the person so summoned be the personal representative of a decedent, he shall answer in writing whether or not there is in his hands in his fiduciary capacity, any sum of money owing to the judgment debtor, and if so, the amount thereof, if the same has been definitely determined, and when it will be payable by him; and if such amount has not been definitely ascertained, the court shall continue the case, with direction to him to thereafter, and as soon as such amount has been definitely determined, report the same to the court, and say when it will be payable by him. In either event, and when the amount so owing to the judgment debtor has been definitely fixed and determined, the court shall direct the disposition of such fund to the creditor of such other person or persons according as their rights may be determined. Code 1950, § 8-446; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-519 Proceedings where garnishee fails to appear or answer, or to disclose his liability

If the garnishee, after being served with the summons, fail to appear or answer personally, or if it be suggested that he has not fully disclosed his liability, the proceedings shall be according to §§ 8.01-564 and 8.01-565 , mutatis mutandis, except that when the summons is before a general district court, the court shall proceed without a jury. Code 1950, § 8-447; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-520 Payment, etc., by garnishee before return of summons

Any person, summoned under § 8.01-511 , before the return day of the summons, may pay what he is liable for to the clerk of the court issuing the summons and such clerk shall give a receipt, upon request, for what is so paid. Code 1950, § 8-448; 1977, c. 617; 1983, c. 399.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-521 Judgments as to costs

Unless the garnishee appear to be liable for more than is so delivered and paid, there shall be no judgment against him for costs. In other cases, judgment under §§ 8.01-516.1 and 8.01-519 may be for such costs, and against such party, as the court may deem just. Code 1950, § 8-449; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-522 Wages and salaries of State employees

Unless otherwise exempted, the wages and salaries of all employees of this Commonwealth, other than State officers, shall be subject to garnishment or execution upon any judgment rendered against them. Whenever the salary or wages of such employees as above mentioned shall be garnished under this section, the process shall be such as is usual in other cases of garnishment and shall be served on the judgment debtor and on the officer or supervisor who is head of the department, agency, or institution where the employee is employed, or other officer through whom the judgment debtor's salary or wages is paid, provided that process shall not be served upon the State Treasurer or the State Comptroller except as to employees of their respective departments, and upon such service the officer or supervisor shall, on or before the return day of process, transmit to the clerk of the court issuing the process a certificate showing the amount due from the Commonwealth to such judgment debtor, up to the return day of the process, which amount the officer or supervisor shall hold subject to order of the court issuing the process. Such certificate shall be evidence of all facts therein stated, unless the court direct that the deposition of the officer or supervisor, or such other officer through whom the judgment debtor's salary or wages be paid, be taken, in which event the deposition of the officer or supervisor shall be taken in his office and returned to the clerk of the court in which the garnishment is, just as other depositions are returned, and in no such case shall the officer or supervisor be required to leave his office to testify. In all proceedings under this section, if the judgment be for the plaintiff, the amount found to be due the judgment debtor by the Commonwealth shall be paid as directed by the court. Code 1950, § 8-449.1; 1958, c. 430; 1973, c. 236; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-523 Service upon federal government

A. If the suggestion of liability as provided in § 8.01-511 is against the United States of America, the summons shall be served upon the managing employee of the agency of the federal government which is alleged to be liable, or, if the judgment debtor is a member of the armed forces of the United States, upon the chief fiscal officer of the military post to which the judgment debtor was last assigned. B. If service on the agents identified in subsection A for service of process on the United States cannot be made, then service may be made on a United States attorney or other agent in the manner set forth in Rule 4 (d) (4) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as from time to time amended. Code 1950, § 8-441.3; 1976, c. 659; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-524 Wages and salaries of city, town and county officials, clerks and employees

Unless otherwise exempt, the wages and salaries of all officials, clerks and employees of any city, town or county shall be subject to garnishment or execution upon any judgment rendered against them. Code 1950, § 8-449.2; 1977, c. 617.

Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-525 Who are officers and employees of cities, towns and counties

All officers, clerks and employees who hold their office by virtue of authority from the General Assembly or by virtue of city, town or county authority whether by election or appointment and who receive compensation for their services from the moneys of such city, town or county shall, for the purposes of garnishment, be deemed to be, and are, officers, clerks or employees of such city, town or county. Code 1950, § 8-449.3; 1977, c. 617.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter18/Fetched: 10/16/2026

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