{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-88.01.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-88.01.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-88.01.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-88.01.html"}],"law_id":82741,"edition_id":1,"section_id":82741,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88.01","catch_line":"Counterclaims","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 8-239.1; 1954, c. 608; 1977, c. 624; 1998, cc. 482, 495.","full_text":"In any proceeding before any general district court a defendant may, at his option, at any time before trial, plead in writing as a counterclaim, any cause of action at law for a money judgment in personam, or any matter which would entitle him to relief in equity in the nature of damages, that he has against the plaintiff or all plaintiffs jointly, whether or not it grows out of any transaction mentioned in the warrant or notice of motion for judgment, whether or not it is for liquidated damages, whether or not it is in tort or contract, and whether or not the amount demanded exceeds the amount claimed by the plaintiff in the warrant or notice of motion for judgment; however, no such counterclaim shall be filed or heard when the amount claimed therein exceeds the amount within the jurisdiction of such court.\n\t\tUpon the request of either party, bills of particulars and grounds of defense may be ordered to ensure a fair trial on the merits of the issue presented. The court may, in its discretion, hear the counterclaim together with the original case, or may order and hold a separate hearing of any cause of action asserted in a counterclaim. In either event, the court shall render such final judgment on the whole case as the law and the evidence require.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":296413,"text":"In any proceeding before any general district court a defendant may, at his option, at any time before trial, plead in writing as a counterclaim, any cause of action at law for a money judgment in personam, or any matter which would entitle him to relief in equity in the nature of damages, that he has against the plaintiff or all plaintiffs jointly, whether or not it grows out of any transaction mentioned in the warrant or notice of motion for judgment, whether or not it is for liquidated damages, whether or not it is in tort or contract, and whether or not the amount demanded exceeds the amount claimed by the plaintiff in the warrant or notice of motion for judgment; however, no such counterclaim shall be filed or heard when the amount claimed therein exceeds the amount within the jurisdiction of such court.\n\t\tUpon the request of either party, bills of particulars and grounds of defense may be ordered to ensure a fair trial on the merits of the issue presented. The court may, in its discretion, hear the counterclaim together with the original case, or may order and hold a separate hearing of any cause of action asserted in a counterclaim. In either event, the court shall render such final judgment on the whole case as the law and the evidence require.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13176,"edition_id":1,"name":"Procedure in Civil Cases","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13175,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":162399,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13176,"identifier":"3","token":"16.1\/6\/3","url":"\/16.1\/6\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13175,"edition_id":1,"name":"Venue, Jurisdiction and Procedure in Civil Matters","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12700,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":162373,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13175,"identifier":"6","token":"16.1\/6","url":"\/16.1\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12700,"edition_id":1,"name":"Courts Not of Record","identifier":"16.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160919,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12700,"identifier":"16.1","token":"16.1","url":"\/16.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":73499,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-100","catch_line":"Additional executions; by whom issued","url":"\/16.1-100\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-100","metadata":false},{"id":86974,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-101","catch_line":"Proceedings against officer failing to make or making improper return","url":"\/16.1-101\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-101","metadata":false},{"id":86518,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-102","catch_line":"Officers and sureties liable for money collected after return day","url":"\/16.1-102\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-102","metadata":false},{"id":78448,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-103","catch_line":"Proceedings by interrogatories","url":"\/16.1-103\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-103","metadata":false},{"id":54194,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-104","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-104\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-104","metadata":false},{"id":86498,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-105","catch_line":"Attachments","url":"\/16.1-105\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-105","metadata":false},{"id":79702,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-106","catch_line":"Appeals from courts not of record in civil cases","url":"\/16.1-106\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-106","metadata":false},{"id":77862,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-106.1","catch_line":"Withdrawal of appeal in civil cases","url":"\/16.1-106.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-106.1","metadata":false},{"id":55864,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-107","catch_line":"Requirements for appeal","url":"\/16.1-107\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-107","metadata":false},{"id":67526,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-108","catch_line":"Deposit of money in lieu of bond","url":"\/16.1-108\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-108","metadata":false},{"id":58518,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-109","catch_line":"Appellate court may require new or additional security","url":"\/16.1-109\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-109","metadata":false},{"id":71245,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-110","catch_line":"Bankruptcy of appellant does not release surety","url":"\/16.1-110\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-110","metadata":false},{"id":78313,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-111","catch_line":"Court to which appeal sent","url":"\/16.1-111\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-111","metadata":false},{"id":79859,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-112","catch_line":"All papers transmitted to appellate court; further proceedings","url":"\/16.1-112\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-112","metadata":false},{"id":65744,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-113","catch_line":"How appeals tried","url":"\/16.1-113\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-113","metadata":false},{"id":85944,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-114","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-114\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-114","metadata":false},{"id":56756,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-114.1","catch_line":"Principles applicable in trial of appeals; defective or irregular warrants or motions","url":"\/16.1-114.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-114.1","metadata":false},{"id":84069,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-115","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-115\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-115","metadata":false},{"id":68958,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-116","catch_line":"Issuance of executions and abstracts and proceedings by interrogatories after papers returned to circuit court","url":"\/16.1-116\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-116","metadata":false},{"id":54192,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-117","catch_line":"When papers in civil cases in certain municipal courts may be destroyed","url":"\/16.1-117\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-117","metadata":false},{"id":86399,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-118","catch_line":"When papers in civil cases returned to courts of record may be destroyed","url":"\/16.1-118\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-118","metadata":false},{"id":78717,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-118.1","catch_line":"Destruction of papers in civil cases in certain district courts","url":"\/16.1-118.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-118.1","metadata":false},{"id":69715,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-79","catch_line":"Actions brought on warrant","url":"\/16.1-79\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-79","metadata":false},{"id":54886,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-79.1","catch_line":"Electronic filing of civil cases","url":"\/16.1-79.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-79.1","metadata":false},{"id":73585,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-80","catch_line":"Service of warrant and return thereof","url":"\/16.1-80\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-80","metadata":false},{"id":68153,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-81","catch_line":"Actions brought by motion for judgment","url":"\/16.1-81\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-81","metadata":false},{"id":54713,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-81.1","catch_line":"Certain corporations; pro se representation","url":"\/16.1-81.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-81.1","metadata":false},{"id":80374,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-82","catch_line":"Service of motion; return thereon and delivery to the court; how disposed of","url":"\/16.1-82\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-82","metadata":false},{"id":85267,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-83","catch_line":"Consent of parties required for trial within five days of service","url":"\/16.1-83\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-83","metadata":false},{"id":80303,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-83.1","catch_line":"Certification of expert witness opinion at time of service of process","url":"\/16.1-83.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-83.1","metadata":false},{"id":85207,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-84","catch_line":"When action or proceeding not lost; when matured for hearing","url":"\/16.1-84\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-84","metadata":false},{"id":82898,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-85","catch_line":"What term \"warrant\" to include","url":"\/16.1-85\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-85","metadata":false},{"id":81746,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-86","catch_line":"When action deemed brought","url":"\/16.1-86\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-86","metadata":false},{"id":59297,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-86.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-86.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-86.1","metadata":false},{"id":72640,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-87","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-87\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-87","metadata":false},{"id":84650,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88","catch_line":"Procedure when plaintiff sues on sworn claim","url":"\/16.1-88\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88","metadata":false},{"id":82741,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88.01","catch_line":"Counterclaims","url":"\/16.1-88.01\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.01","metadata":false},{"id":76355,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88.02","catch_line":"Cross-claims","url":"\/16.1-88.02\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.02","metadata":false},{"id":81566,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88.03","catch_line":"Pleadings and other papers by certain parties not represented by attorneys","url":"\/16.1-88.03\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.03","metadata":false},{"id":71230,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-88.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.1","metadata":false},{"id":64597,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88.2","catch_line":"Evidence of medical reports, statements, or records; testimony of health care provider or custodian of records","url":"\/16.1-88.2\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.2","metadata":false},{"id":73502,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-89","catch_line":"Subpoena duces tecum; attorney-issued subpoena duces tecum","url":"\/16.1-89\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-89","metadata":false},{"id":73564,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-90","catch_line":"Recognizance upon continuation of case","url":"\/16.1-90\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-90","metadata":false},{"id":63737,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-91","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-91\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-91","metadata":false},{"id":63754,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-91.1","catch_line":"Costs to be included in judgment on forthcoming bond","url":"\/16.1-91.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-91.1","metadata":false},{"id":57473,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-91.2","catch_line":"Judge to keep record of judgment on forthcoming bond; how to endorse execution","url":"\/16.1-91.2\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-91.2","metadata":false},{"id":74408,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-92","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-92\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-92","metadata":false},{"id":76601,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-93","catch_line":"Principles applicable to trial of cases","url":"\/16.1-93\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-93","metadata":false},{"id":83719,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-93.1","catch_line":"Use of telephonic communication systems or electronic video and audio communication systems to conduct hearing","url":"\/16.1-93.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-93.1","metadata":false},{"id":64532,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-94","catch_line":"Judgment to be noted on papers; formal orders may be entered","url":"\/16.1-94\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-94","metadata":false},{"id":77917,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-94.01","catch_line":"When and how satisfaction entered on judgment","url":"\/16.1-94.01\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-94.01","metadata":false},{"id":86540,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-94.1","catch_line":"Limitations on enforcement of district court judgments","url":"\/16.1-94.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-94.1","metadata":false},{"id":74159,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-95","catch_line":"Abstract of judgment","url":"\/16.1-95\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-95","metadata":false},{"id":66824,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-96","catch_line":"What abstract to contain","url":"\/16.1-96\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-96","metadata":false},{"id":61732,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-97","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-97\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-97","metadata":false},{"id":86972,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-97.1","catch_line":"When a new trial is granted","url":"\/16.1-97.1\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-97.1","metadata":false},{"id":81712,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-98","catch_line":"Fieri facias or writ of possession on judgment","url":"\/16.1-98\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-98","metadata":false},{"id":64144,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-99","catch_line":"When and where executions returnable; to whom directed","url":"\/16.1-99\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-99","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":84650,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88","catch_line":"Procedure when plaintiff sues on sworn claim","url":"\/16.1-88\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":76355,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88.02","catch_line":"Cross-claims","url":"\/16.1-88.02\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.02","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-88.01\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapter 608; in 1977, chapter 624; in 1998, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?981+ful+CHAP0482\">482<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?981+ful+CHAP0495\">495<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":162545,"object_type":"law","relational_id":82741,"identifier":"16.1-88.01","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.01","url":"\/16.1-88.01\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-88.01\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.01","dublin_core":{"Title":"Counterclaims","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-88.01","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>In any proceeding before any general district <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> a <span class=\"dictionary\">defendant<\/span> may, at his option, at any time before <span class=\"dictionary\">trial<\/span>, plead in writing as a <span class=\"dictionary\">counterclaim<\/span>, any <span class=\"dictionary\">cause of action<\/span> at <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> for a money judgment in personam, or any matter which would entitle him to relief in <span class=\"dictionary\">equity<\/span> in the nature of <span class=\"dictionary\">damages<\/span>, that he has against the <span class=\"dictionary\">plaintiff<\/span> or all <span class=\"dictionary\">plaintiffs<\/span> jointly, whether or not it grows out of any transaction mentioned in the warrant or notice of <span class=\"dictionary\">motion for judgment<\/span>, whether or not it is for liquidated <span class=\"dictionary\">damages<\/span>, whether or not it is in <span class=\"dictionary\">tort<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span>, and whether or not the amount demanded exceeds the amount claimed by the <span class=\"dictionary\">plaintiff<\/span> in the warrant or notice of <span class=\"dictionary\">motion for judgment<\/span>; however, no such <span class=\"dictionary\">counterclaim<\/span> shall be filed or heard when the amount claimed therein exceeds the amount within the <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> of such <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span>.\n\t\tUpon the request of either <span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span>, bills of particulars and grounds of defense may be ordered to ensure a fair <span class=\"dictionary\">trial<\/span> on the merits of the <span class=\"dictionary\">issue<\/span> presented. The <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> may, in its discretion, hear the <span class=\"dictionary\">counterclaim<\/span> together with the original case, or may <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> and hold a separate <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> of any <span class=\"dictionary\">cause of action<\/span> asserted in a <span class=\"dictionary\">counterclaim<\/span>. In either event, the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> shall render such final judgment on the whole case as the <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> and the <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span> require.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOUNTERCLAIMS (\u00a7 16.1-88.01)\n\nIn any proceeding before any general district court a defendant may, at his\noption, at any time before trial, plead in writing as a counterclaim, any cause\nof action at law for a money judgment in personam, or any matter which would\nentitle him to relief in equity in the nature of damages, that he has against\nthe plaintiff or all plaintiffs jointly, whether or not it grows out of any\ntransaction mentioned in the warrant or notice of motion for judgment, whether\nor not it is for liquidated damages, whether or not it is in tort or contract,\nand whether or not the amount demanded exceeds the amount claimed by the\nplaintiff in the warrant or notice of motion for judgment; however, no such\ncounterclaim shall be filed or heard when the amount claimed therein exceeds the\namount within the jurisdiction of such court.\n\t\tUpon the request of either party, bills of particulars and grounds of defense\nmay be ordered to ensure a fair trial on the merits of the issue presented. The\ncourt may, in its discretion, hear the counterclaim together with the original\ncase, or may order and hold a separate hearing of any cause of action asserted\nin a counterclaim. In either event, the court shall render such final judgment\non the whole case as the law and the evidence require.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 8-239.1; 1954, c. 608; 1977, c. 624; 1998, cc. 482, 495.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}