{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-88.03.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-88.03.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-88.03.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-88.03.html"}],"law_id":81566,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81566,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88.03","catch_line":"Pleadings and other papers by certain parties not represented by attorneys","history":"1990, c. 645; 1992, c. 814; 1993, cc. 473, 478; 2003, cc. 665, 667; 2004, cc. 338, 365; 2005, c. 136; 2006, c. 374; 2017, c. 690; 2019, cc. 180, 477, 700; 2020, cc. 84, 194.","full_text":"A\n\nAny corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, professional corporation, professional limited liability company, registered limited liability partnership, registered limited liability limited partnership or business trust, the Fort Monroe Authority, and the Department of Military Affairs, when the amount claimed in any civil action pursuant to subdivision (1) or (3) of § 16.1-77 does not exceed the jurisdictional amounts authorized in such subsections, exclusive of interest, may prepare, execute, file, and have served on other parties in any proceeding in a general district court a warrant in debt, motion for judgment, warrant in detinue, distress warrant, summons for unlawful detainer, counterclaim, crossclaim, suggestion for summons in garnishment, garnishment summons, order of possession, writ of eviction, writ of fieri facias, interpleader and civil appeal notice without the intervention of an attorney. Such papers may be signed by a corporate officer, a manager of a limited liability company, a general partner of any form of partnership or a trustee of any business trust, or such corporate officer, with the approval of the board of directors, or manager, general partner or trustee may authorize in writing an employee, a person licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-2106.1, or the property manager or the managing agent of a landlord as defined in § 55.1-1200 pursuant to the written property management agreement to sign such papers as the agent of the business entity. Only an agency employee designated in writing by the Adjutant General may sign such papers on behalf of the Department of Military Affairs. However, this section shall not apply to an action under subdivision (1) or (3) of § 16.1-77 which was assigned to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, professional corporation, professional limited liability company, registered limited liability partnership, registered limited liability limited partnership or business trust, or individual solely for the purpose of enforcing an obligation owed or right inuring to another.B\n\nNothing in this section shall allow a nonlawyer to file a bill of particulars or grounds of defense or to argue motions, issue a subpoena, rule to show cause, or capias; file or interrogate at debtor interrogatories; or to file, issue or argue any other paper, pleading or proceeding not set forth in subsection A.C\n\nThe provisions of § 8.01-271.1 shall apply to any pleading, motion or other paper filed or made pursuant to this section.D\n\nParties not represented by counsel, and who have made an appearance in the case, shall promptly notify in writing the clerk of court wherein the litigation is pending, and any adverse party, of any change in the party’s address necessary for accurate mailing or service of any pleadings or notices. In the absence of such notification, a mailing to or service upon a party at the most recent address contained in the court file of the case shall be deemed effective service or other notice.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":292130,"text":"Any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, professional corporation, professional limited liability company, registered limited liability partnership, registered limited liability limited partnership or business trust, the Fort Monroe Authority, and the Department of Military Affairs, when the amount claimed in any civil action pursuant to subdivision (1) or (3) of § 16.1-77 does not exceed the jurisdictional amounts authorized in such subsections, exclusive of interest, may prepare, execute, file, and have served on other parties in any proceeding in a general district court a warrant in debt, motion for judgment, warrant in detinue, distress warrant, summons for unlawful detainer, counterclaim, crossclaim, suggestion for summons in garnishment, garnishment summons, order of possession, writ of eviction, writ of fieri facias, interpleader and civil appeal notice without the intervention of an attorney. Such papers may be signed by a corporate officer, a manager of a limited liability company, a general partner of any form of partnership or a trustee of any business trust, or such corporate officer, with the approval of the board of directors, or manager, general partner or trustee may authorize in writing an employee, a person licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-2106.1, or the property manager or the managing agent of a landlord as defined in § 55.1-1200 pursuant to the written property management agreement to sign such papers as the agent of the business entity. Only an agency employee designated in writing by the Adjutant General may sign such papers on behalf of the Department of Military Affairs. However, this section shall not apply to an action under subdivision (1) or (3) of § 16.1-77 which was assigned to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, professional corporation, professional limited liability company, registered limited liability partnership, registered limited liability limited partnership or business trust, or individual solely for the purpose of enforcing an obligation owed or right inuring to another.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":292131,"text":"Nothing in this section shall allow a nonlawyer to file a bill of particulars or grounds of defense or to argue motions, issue a subpoena, rule to show cause, or capias; file or interrogate at debtor interrogatories; or to file, issue or argue any other paper, pleading or proceeding not set forth in subsection A.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":292132,"text":"The provisions of § 8.01-271.1 shall apply to any pleading, motion or other paper filed or made pursuant to this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":292133,"text":"Parties not represented by counsel, and who have made an appearance in the case, shall promptly notify in writing the clerk of court wherein the litigation is pending, and any adverse party, of any change in the party’s address necessary for accurate mailing or service of any pleadings or notices. In the absence of such notification, a mailing to or service upon a party at the most recent address contained in the court file of the case shall be deemed effective service or other notice.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"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; 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to whom directed","url":"\/16.1-99\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-99","metadata":false}],"previous_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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-88.03\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1990. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 645 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1990 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 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 1992, chapter 814; in 1993, chapters 473 and 478; in 2003, chapters 665<\/a> and 667<\/a>; in 2004, chapters 338<\/a> and 365<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 136<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 374<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 690<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 180<\/a>, 477<\/a>, and 700<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 84<\/a> and 194<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":71070,"section_number":"2.2-507","catch_line":"Legal service in civil matters","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-507\/"},{"id":54310,"section_number":"46.2-819.1","catch_line":"Installation and use of photo-monitoring system or automatic vehicle identification system in conjunction with electronic or manual toll facilities; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-819.1\/"},{"id":57137,"section_number":"46.2-819.3","catch_line":"Use of toll facility without payment of toll; enforcement; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-819.3\/"},{"id":54468,"section_number":"46.2-819.3:1","catch_line":"Installation and use of video-monitoring system and automatic vehicle identification system in conjunction with all-electronic toll facilities; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-819.3_1\/"},{"id":61413,"section_number":"55.1-1200","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1200\/"},{"id":57532,"section_number":"55.1-1257","catch_line":"Who may recover rent or possession","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1257\/"},{"id":69251,"section_number":"55.1-1417","catch_line":"Who may recover rent or possession","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1417\/"},{"id":58887,"section_number":"8.01-226.12","catch_line":"Duty of landlord and managing agent with respect to visible mold","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-226.12\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":72168,"section_number":"16.1-77","catch_line":"Civil jurisdiction of general district courts; amending amount of claim","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-77\/"},{"id":65670,"section_number":"54.1-2106.1","catch_line":"Licenses required","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2106.1\/"},{"id":61413,"section_number":"55.1-1200","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1200\/"},{"id":85673,"section_number":"8.01-271.1","catch_line":"Signing of pleadings, motions, and other papers; oral motions; sanctions","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-271.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":162553,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81566,"identifier":"16.1-88.03","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.03","url":"\/16.1-88.03\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-88.03\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88.03","dublin_core":{"Title":"Pleadings and other papers by certain parties not represented by attorneys","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-88.03","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, professional corporation, professional limited liability company, registered limited liability partnership, registered limited liability limited partnership or business trust, the Fort Monroe Authority, and the Department of Military Affairs, when the amount claimed in any civil action<\/span> pursuant to subdivision (1) or (3) of § 16.1-77<\/a> does not exceed the jurisdictional amounts authorized in such subsections, exclusive of interest, may prepare, execute, file, and have served on other parties in any proceeding in a general district court<\/span> a warrant in debt, motion for judgment<\/span>, warrant in detinue, distress warrant, summons<\/span> for unlawful detainer<\/span>, counterclaim<\/span>, crossclaim, suggestion for summons<\/span> in garnishment<\/span>, garnishment<\/span> summons<\/span>, order<\/span> of possession<\/span>, writ of eviction, writ of fieri facias<\/span>, interpleader<\/span> and civil appeal<\/span> notice without the intervention of an attorney. Such papers may be signed by a corporate officer, a manager of a limited liability company, a general partner of any form of partnership or a trustee of any business trust, or such corporate officer, with the approval of the board of directors, or manager, general partner or trustee may authorize in writing an employee, a person licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-2106.1<\/a>, or the property manager or the managing agent of a landlord as defined in § 55.1-1200<\/a> pursuant to the written property management agreement to sign such papers as the agent of the business entity. Only an agency employee designated in writing by the Adjutant General may sign such papers on behalf of the Department of Military Affairs. However, this section shall not apply to an action under subdivision (1) or (3) of § 16.1-77<\/a> which was assigned to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, professional corporation, professional limited liability company, registered limited liability partnership, registered limited liability limited partnership or business trust, or individual solely for the purpose of enforcing an obligation owed or right inuring to another. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall allow a nonlawyer to file a bill of particulars<\/span> or grounds of defense or to argue motions<\/span>, issue<\/span> a subpoena<\/span>, rule to show cause, or capias<\/span>; file or interrogate at debtor interrogatories<\/span>; or to file, issue<\/span> or argue any other paper, pleading or proceeding not set forth in subsection A. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The provisions of § 8.01-271.1<\/a> shall apply to any pleading, motion or other paper filed or made pursuant to this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Parties not represented by counsel<\/span>, and who have made an appearance<\/span> in the case, shall promptly notify in writing the clerk of court<\/span> wherein the litigation<\/span> is pending, and any adverse party<\/span>, of any change in the party<\/span>’s address necessary for accurate mailing or service of any pleadings<\/span> or notices. In the absence of such notification, a mailing to or service upon a party<\/span> at the most recent address contained in the court file of the case shall be deemed effective service or other notice. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS BY CERTAIN PARTIES NOT REPRESENTED BY ATTORNEYS (\u00a7\n16.1-88.03)\n\nA. Any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership,\nprofessional corporation, professional limited liability company, registered\nlimited liability partnership, registered limited liability limited partnership\nor business trust, the Fort Monroe Authority, and the Department of Military\nAffairs, when the amount claimed in any civil action pursuant to subdivision (1)\nor (3) of § 16.1-77 does not exceed the jurisdictional amounts authorized\nin such subsections, exclusive of interest, may prepare, execute, file, and have\nserved on other parties in any proceeding in a general district court a warrant\nin debt, motion for judgment, warrant in detinue, distress warrant, summons for\nunlawful detainer, counterclaim, crossclaim, suggestion for summons in\ngarnishment, garnishment summons, order of possession, writ of eviction, writ of\nfieri facias, interpleader and civil appeal notice without the intervention of\nan attorney. Such papers may be signed by a corporate officer, a manager of a\nlimited liability company, a general partner of any form of partnership or a\ntrustee of any business trust, or such corporate officer, with the approval of\nthe board of directors, or manager, general partner or trustee may authorize in\nwriting an employee, a person licensed under the provisions of §\n54.1-2106.1, or the property manager or the managing agent of a landlord as\ndefined in § 55.1-1200 pursuant to the written property management\nagreement to sign such papers as the agent of the business entity. Only an\nagency employee designated in writing by the Adjutant General may sign such\npapers on behalf of the Department of Military Affairs. However, this section\nshall not apply to an action under subdivision (1) or (3) of § 16.1-77\nwhich was assigned to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company,\nlimited partnership, professional corporation, professional limited liability\ncompany, registered limited liability partnership, registered limited liability\nlimited partnership or business trust, or individual solely for the purpose of\nenforcing an obligation owed or right inuring to another.\n\nB. Nothing in this section shall allow a nonlawyer to file a bill of particulars\nor grounds of defense or to argue motions, issue a subpoena, rule to show cause,\nor capias; file or interrogate at debtor interrogatories; or to file, issue or\nargue any other paper, pleading or proceeding not set forth in subsection A.\n\nC. The provisions of § 8.01-271.1 shall apply to any pleading, motion or\nother paper filed or made pursuant to this section.\n\nD. Parties not represented by counsel, and who have made an appearance in the\ncase, shall promptly notify in writing the clerk of court wherein the litigation\nis pending, and any adverse party, of any change in the party’s address\nnecessary for accurate mailing or service of any pleadings or notices. In the\nabsence of such notification, a mailing to or service upon a party at the most\nrecent address contained in the court file of the case shall be deemed effective\nservice or other notice.\n\nHISTORY: 1990, c. 645; 1992, c. 814; 1993, cc. 473, 478; 2003, cc. 665, 667;\n2004, cc. 338, 365; 2005, c. 136; 2006, c. 374; 2017, c. 690; 2019, cc. 180,\n477, 700; 2020, cc. 84, 194.","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}}