{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-88.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-88.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-88.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-88.html"}],"law_id":84650,"edition_id":1,"section_id":84650,"structure_id":13176,"section_number":"16.1-88","catch_line":"Procedure when plaintiff sues on sworn claim","history":"1956, c. 555; 1973, c. 440; 1991, c. 503.","full_text":"If a civil action in a general district court is upon a contract, express or implied, for the payment of money, or unlawful detainer pursuant to \u00a7 55.1-1245 or 55.1-1415 for the payment of money or possession of the premises, or both, or is brought by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision or agency thereof for the collection of taxes or to enforce any other obligation for the payment of money, an affidavit and a copy of the account if there be one and, in actions pursuant to \u00a7 55.1-1245 or 55.1-1415, proof of required notice may be made and served on the defendant in accordance with \u00a7 8.01-296 with the warrant or motion for judgment as provided in \u00a7 8.01-28 for actions at law, whereupon the provisions of \u00a7 8.01-28 shall be applicable to the further proceedings therein. The affidavit and the account if there is one and proof of appropriate notice may be attached to the warrant or motion, in which event the combined papers shall be served as a single paper.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":303415,"text":"If a civil action in a general district court is upon a contract, express or implied, for the payment of money, or unlawful detainer pursuant to \u00a7 55.1-1245 or 55.1-1415 for the payment of money or possession of the premises, or both, or is brought by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision or agency thereof for the collection of taxes or to enforce any other obligation for the payment of money, an affidavit and a copy of the account if there be one and, in actions pursuant to \u00a7 55.1-1245 or 55.1-1415, proof of required notice may be made and served on the defendant in accordance with \u00a7 8.01-296 with the warrant or motion for judgment as provided in \u00a7 8.01-28 for actions at law, whereupon the provisions of \u00a7 8.01-28 shall be applicable to the further proceedings therein. The affidavit and the account if there is one and proof of appropriate notice may be attached to the warrant or motion, in which event the combined papers shall be served as a single paper.","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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-88\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1956. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 555 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 1956 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 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 1973, chapter 440; in 1991, chapter 503.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":60662,"section_number":"55.1-1245","catch_line":"(Effective the later of July 1, 2028, or 7 years after the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency expires) Noncompliance with rental agreement; monetary penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1245\/"},{"id":67992,"section_number":"55.1-1415","catch_line":"Failure to pay certain rents after five days' notice forfeits right of possession","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1415\/"},{"id":76858,"section_number":"8.01-28","catch_line":"When judgment to be given in action upon contract or note unless defendant appears and denies claim under oath","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-28\/"},{"id":57169,"section_number":"8.01-296","catch_line":"Manner of serving process upon natural persons","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-296\/"}],"permalink":{"id":162541,"object_type":"law","relational_id":84650,"identifier":"16.1-88","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88","url":"\/16.1-88\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-88\/","token":"16.1\/6\/3\/16.1-88","dublin_core":{"Title":"Procedure when plaintiff sues on sworn claim","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-88","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>If a <span class=\"dictionary\">civil action<\/span> in a general district <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> is upon a <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span>, express or implied, for the payment of money, or <span class=\"dictionary\">unlawful detainer<\/span> pursuant to \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"(Effective the later of July 1, 2028, or 7 years after the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency expires) Noncompliance with rental agreement; monetary penalty\" href=\"\/55.1-1245\/\">55.1-1245<\/a> or <a class=\"law\" title=\"Failure to pay certain rents after five days&#039; notice forfeits right of possession\" href=\"\/55.1-1415\/\">55.1-1415<\/a> for the payment of money or <span class=\"dictionary\">possession<\/span> of the premises, or both, or is brought by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision or agency thereof for the collection of taxes or to enforce any other obligation for the payment of money, an <span class=\"dictionary\">affidavit<\/span> and a copy of the account if there be one and, in actions pursuant to \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"(Effective the later of July 1, 2028, or 7 years after the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency expires) Noncompliance with rental agreement; monetary penalty\" href=\"\/55.1-1245\/\">55.1-1245<\/a> or <a class=\"law\" title=\"Failure to pay certain rents after five days&#039; notice forfeits right of possession\" href=\"\/55.1-1415\/\">55.1-1415<\/a>, proof of required notice may be made and served on the <span class=\"dictionary\">defendant<\/span> in accordance with \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Manner of serving process upon natural persons\" href=\"\/8.01-296\/\">8.01-296<\/a> with the warrant or <span class=\"dictionary\">motion for judgment<\/span> as provided in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"When judgment to be given in action upon contract or note unless defendant appears and denies claim under oath\" href=\"\/8.01-28\/\">8.01-28<\/a> for actions at <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>, whereupon the provisions of \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"When judgment to be given in action upon contract or note unless defendant appears and denies claim under oath\" href=\"\/8.01-28\/\">8.01-28<\/a> shall be applicable to the further proceedings therein. The <span class=\"dictionary\">affidavit<\/span> and the account if there is one and proof of appropriate notice may be attached to the warrant or motion, in which event the combined papers shall be served as a single paper.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPROCEDURE WHEN PLAINTIFF SUES ON SWORN CLAIM (\u00a7 16.1-88)\n\nIf a civil action in a general district court is upon a contract, express or\nimplied, for the payment of money, or unlawful detainer pursuant to \u00a7 55.1-1245\nor 55.1-1415 for the payment of money or possession of the premises, or both, or\nis brought by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision or agency thereof\nfor the collection of taxes or to enforce any other obligation for the payment\nof money, an affidavit and a copy of the account if there be one and, in actions\npursuant to \u00a7 55.1-1245 or 55.1-1415, proof of required notice may be made and\nserved on the defendant in accordance with \u00a7 8.01-296 with the warrant or\nmotion for judgment as provided in \u00a7 8.01-28 for actions at law, whereupon the\nprovisions of \u00a7 8.01-28 shall be applicable to the further proceedings therein.\nThe affidavit and the account if there is one and proof of appropriate notice\nmay be attached to the warrant or motion, in which event the combined papers\nshall be served as a single paper.\n\nHISTORY: 1956, c. 555; 1973, c. 440; 1991, c. 503.","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}}