{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/20-99.1_1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/20-99.1_1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/20-99.1_1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/20-99.1_1.html"}],"law_id":84506,"edition_id":1,"section_id":84506,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.1:1","catch_line":"How defendant may accept service; waive service","history":"1988, c. 583; 1989, c. 562; 1992, c. 563; 2019, cc. 133, 237.","full_text":"A\n\nA defendant in such suits may accept service of process by signing the proof of service before any officer authorized to administer oaths. This proof of service shall, when filed with the papers in the suit, have the same effect as if it had been served upon the defendant by a person authorized to serve process. In addition, service of process may be accepted or waived by any party, upon voluntary execution of a notarized writing specifying an intent to accept or waive any particular process, or by a defendant by filing an answer in the suit. Such notarized writing may be provided in the clerk’s office of any circuit court and may be signed by such party to the proceedings before any clerk or deputy clerk of any circuit court, under oath, or may be drafted and filed by counsel or a pro se party in the proceeding, and shall, when filed with the papers in the suit, have the same effect as if the process specified had been personally served upon the defendant by a person authorized to serve process. For a suit for a no-fault divorce under subdivision A (9) of § 20-91, any such waiver may occur within a reasonable time prior to or after the suit is filed, provided that a copy of the complaint is attached to such waiver, or is otherwise provided to the defendant, and the final decree of divorce as proposed by the complainant is signed by the defendant. The court may enter any order or decree without further notice unless a defendant has filed an answer in the suit.B\n\nWhen service is accepted pursuant to this section by a nonresident person out of the Commonwealth, such service shall have the same effect as an order of publication duly executed.C\n\nAny process served outside the Commonwealth executed in such manner as provided for in this section is validated.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":302875,"text":"A defendant in such suits may accept service of process by signing the proof of service before any officer authorized to administer oaths. This proof of service shall, when filed with the papers in the suit, have the same effect as if it had been served upon the defendant by a person authorized to serve process. In addition, service of process may be accepted or waived by any party, upon voluntary execution of a notarized writing specifying an intent to accept or waive any particular process, or by a defendant by filing an answer in the suit. Such notarized writing may be provided in the clerk’s office of any circuit court and may be signed by such party to the proceedings before any clerk or deputy clerk of any circuit court, under oath, or may be drafted and filed by counsel or a pro se party in the proceeding, and shall, when filed with the papers in the suit, have the same effect as if the process specified had been personally served upon the defendant by a person authorized to serve process. For a suit for a no-fault divorce under subdivision A (9) of § 20-91, any such waiver may occur within a reasonable time prior to or after the suit is filed, provided that a copy of the complaint is attached to such waiver, or is otherwise provided to the defendant, and the final decree of divorce as proposed by the complainant is signed by the defendant. The court may enter any order or decree without further notice unless a defendant has filed an answer in the suit.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":302876,"text":"When service is accepted pursuant to this section by a nonresident person out of the Commonwealth, such service shall have the same effect as an order of publication duly executed.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":302877,"text":"Any process served outside the Commonwealth executed in such manner as provided for in this section is validated.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12712,"edition_id":1,"name":"Divorce, Affirmation and Annulment","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12711,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":178931,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12712,"identifier":"6","token":"20\/6","url":"\/20\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12711,"edition_id":1,"name":"Domestic Relations","identifier":"20","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":178075,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12711,"identifier":"20","token":"20","url":"\/20\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":69694,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-100","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-100\/","token":"20\/6\/20-100","metadata":false},{"id":85663,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-101","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-101\/","token":"20\/6\/20-101","metadata":false},{"id":78351,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-102","catch_line":"When not necessary to allege or prove offer of reconciliation","url":"\/20-102\/","token":"20\/6\/20-102","metadata":false},{"id":84768,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-103","catch_line":"Court may make orders pending suit for divorce, custody or visitation, etc","url":"\/20-103\/","token":"20\/6\/20-103","metadata":false},{"id":70919,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-104","catch_line":"Order of publication against nonresident defendant","url":"\/20-104\/","token":"20\/6\/20-104","metadata":false},{"id":59840,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-104.1","catch_line":"Orders of publication may be combined","url":"\/20-104.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-104.1","metadata":false},{"id":86285,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-105","catch_line":"Permissible form for orders of publication","url":"\/20-105\/","token":"20\/6\/20-105","metadata":false},{"id":72909,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-105.1","catch_line":"Alternative procedures","url":"\/20-105.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-105.1","metadata":false},{"id":79519,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-106","catch_line":"Testimony may be required to be given orally; evidence by affidavit","url":"\/20-106\/","token":"20\/6\/20-106","metadata":false},{"id":66535,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-107\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107","metadata":false},{"id":72435,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.1","catch_line":"Court may decree as to maintenance and support of spouses","url":"\/20-107.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.1","metadata":false},{"id":60714,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.1:1","catch_line":"Court may decree as to maintenance of life insurance policy","url":"\/20-107.1_1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":59975,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.2","catch_line":"Court may decree as to custody and support of children","url":"\/20-107.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.2","metadata":false},{"id":69531,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.3","catch_line":"Court may decree as to property and debts of the parties","url":"\/20-107.3\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.3","metadata":false},{"id":75906,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108","catch_line":"Revision and alteration of such decrees","url":"\/20-108\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108","metadata":false},{"id":86162,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108.1","catch_line":"Determination of child or spousal support","url":"\/20-108.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108.1","metadata":false},{"id":78437,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108.2","catch_line":"Guideline for determination of child support; quadrennial review by Child Support Guidelines Review Panel; executive summary","url":"\/20-108.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108.2","metadata":false},{"id":53938,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-109","catch_line":"Changing maintenance and support for a spouse; effect of stipulations as to maintenance and support for a spouse; cessation upon cohabitation, remarriage, or death; effect of retirement","url":"\/20-109\/","token":"20\/6\/20-109","metadata":false},{"id":73881,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-109.1","catch_line":"Affirmation, ratification and incorporation by reference in decree of agreement between parties","url":"\/20-109.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-109.1","metadata":false},{"id":78343,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-110","catch_line":"Maintenance and support for a spouse to cease on remarriage","url":"\/20-110\/","token":"20\/6\/20-110","metadata":false},{"id":56256,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-111","catch_line":"Decree of divorce from bond of matrimony extinguishes contingent property rights","url":"\/20-111\/","token":"20\/6\/20-111","metadata":false},{"id":79932,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-111.1","catch_line":"Revocation of death benefits by divorce or annulment","url":"\/20-111.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-111.1","metadata":false},{"id":80489,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-112","catch_line":"Notice when proceedings reopened","url":"\/20-112\/","token":"20\/6\/20-112","metadata":false},{"id":66604,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-113","catch_line":"Procedure when respondent fails to perform order for support and maintenance of child or spouse or owes support and maintenance or additional support and maintenance","url":"\/20-113\/","token":"20\/6\/20-113","metadata":false},{"id":73222,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-114","catch_line":"Recognizance for compliance with order or decree","url":"\/20-114\/","token":"20\/6\/20-114","metadata":false},{"id":66046,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-115","catch_line":"Commitment and sentence for failure to comply with order or decree","url":"\/20-115\/","token":"20\/6\/20-115","metadata":false},{"id":54704,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-116","catch_line":"Effect of divorce from bed and board and what court may decree","url":"\/20-116\/","token":"20\/6\/20-116","metadata":false},{"id":82954,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-117","catch_line":"Divorce from bond of matrimony after divorce from bed and board","url":"\/20-117\/","token":"20\/6\/20-117","metadata":false},{"id":79255,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-118","catch_line":"Prohibition of remarriage pending appeal from divorce decree; certain marriages validated","url":"\/20-118\/","token":"20\/6\/20-118","metadata":false},{"id":84439,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-119","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-119\/","token":"20\/6\/20-119","metadata":false},{"id":83952,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-120","catch_line":"Revocation of decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-120\/","token":"20\/6\/20-120","metadata":false},{"id":82889,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121","catch_line":"Merger of decree for divorce from bed and board with decree for divorce from bond of matrimony","url":"\/20-121\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121","metadata":false},{"id":71713,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.01","catch_line":"Decree of divorce from bonds of matrimony without decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-121.01\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.01","metadata":false},{"id":86231,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.02","catch_line":"Decree of divorce without amended bill or amended cross-bill","url":"\/20-121.02\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.02","metadata":false},{"id":59482,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.03","catch_line":"Identifying information confidential; separate addendum","url":"\/20-121.03\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.03","metadata":false},{"id":72590,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.1","catch_line":"Reinstatement of suit","url":"\/20-121.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.1","metadata":false},{"id":80991,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.2","catch_line":"Validation of absolute divorce granted where no decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-121.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.2","metadata":false},{"id":82422,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.3","catch_line":"Validation of certain divorces granted prior to April 23, 1962","url":"\/20-121.3\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.3","metadata":false},{"id":62175,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.4","catch_line":"Restoration of former name","url":"\/20-121.4\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.4","metadata":false},{"id":68639,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-122","catch_line":"Advertising offer to obtain divorces","url":"\/20-122\/","token":"20\/6\/20-122","metadata":false},{"id":65664,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-123","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-123\/","token":"20\/6\/20-123","metadata":false},{"id":82012,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-124","catch_line":"Sequestration of record","url":"\/20-124\/","token":"20\/6\/20-124","metadata":false},{"id":72384,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-89","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-89\/","token":"20\/6\/20-89","metadata":false},{"id":78456,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-89.1","catch_line":"Suit to annul marriage","url":"\/20-89.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-89.1","metadata":false},{"id":77176,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-90","catch_line":"Suit to affirm marriage","url":"\/20-90\/","token":"20\/6\/20-90","metadata":false},{"id":82064,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-91","catch_line":"Grounds for divorce from bond of matrimony; contents of decree","url":"\/20-91\/","token":"20\/6\/20-91","metadata":false},{"id":72418,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-92","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-92\/","token":"20\/6\/20-92","metadata":false},{"id":70318,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-93","catch_line":"Insanity of guilty party after commencement of desertion no defense","url":"\/20-93\/","token":"20\/6\/20-93","metadata":false},{"id":54956,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-94","catch_line":"Effect of cohabitation after knowledge of adultery, sodomy or buggery; lapse of five years","url":"\/20-94\/","token":"20\/6\/20-94","metadata":false},{"id":84107,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-95","catch_line":"Grounds for divorces from bed and board","url":"\/20-95\/","token":"20\/6\/20-95","metadata":false},{"id":78621,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-96","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of suits for annulment, affirmance or divorce","url":"\/20-96\/","token":"20\/6\/20-96","metadata":false},{"id":71732,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-96.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-96.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-96.1","metadata":false},{"id":84801,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-97","catch_line":"Domicile and residential requirements for suits for annulment, affirmance, or divorce","url":"\/20-97\/","token":"20\/6\/20-97","metadata":false},{"id":87223,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-98","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-98\/","token":"20\/6\/20-98","metadata":false},{"id":58423,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99","catch_line":"How such suits instituted and conducted; costs","url":"\/20-99\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99","metadata":false},{"id":73767,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-99.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1","metadata":false},{"id":84506,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.1:1","catch_line":"How defendant may accept service; waive service","url":"\/20-99.1_1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":64766,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.2","catch_line":"Service in divorce and annulment cases","url":"\/20-99.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":73767,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-99.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":64766,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.2","catch_line":"Service in divorce and annulment cases","url":"\/20-99.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.2","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/20-99.1:1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1988. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 583 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 1988 \u201cActs\u201d aren\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 1989, chapter 562; in 1992, chapter 563; in 2019, chapters 133<\/a> and 237<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":73881,"section_number":"20-109.1","catch_line":"Affirmation, ratification and incorporation by reference in decree of agreement between parties","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-109.1\/"},{"id":83256,"section_number":"8.01-327","catch_line":"Acceptance of service of process","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-327\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":82064,"section_number":"20-91","catch_line":"Grounds for divorce from bond of matrimony; contents of decree","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-91\/"}],"permalink":{"id":179157,"object_type":"law","relational_id":84506,"identifier":"20-99.1:1","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1_1","url":"\/20-99.1_1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/20-99.1_1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1_1","dublin_core":{"Title":"How defendant may accept service; waive service","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 20-99.1:1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A defendant<\/span> in such suits may accept service of process<\/span> by signing the proof of service<\/span> before any officer authorized to administer oaths<\/span>. This proof of service<\/span> shall, when filed with the papers in the suit, have the same effect as if it had been served upon the defendant<\/span> by a person authorized to serve process. In addition, service of process<\/span> may be accepted or waived by any party<\/span>, upon voluntary execution of a notarized writing specifying an intent<\/span> to accept or waive<\/span> any particular process, or by a defendant<\/span> by filing an answer in the suit. Such notarized writing may be provided in the clerk’s office of any circuit<\/span> court<\/span> and may be signed by such party<\/span> to the proceedings before any clerk or deputy clerk of any circuit<\/span> court<\/span>, under oath<\/span>, or may be drafted and filed by counsel<\/span> or a pro se<\/span> party<\/span> in the proceeding, and shall, when filed with the papers in the suit, have the same effect as if the process specified had been personally served upon the defendant<\/span> by a person authorized to serve process. For a suit for a no-fault divorce under subdivision A (9) of § 20-91<\/a>, any such waiver<\/span> may occur within a reasonable time prior to or after the suit is filed, provided that a copy of the complaint is attached to such waiver<\/span>, or is otherwise provided to the defendant<\/span>, and the final decree<\/span> of divorce as proposed by the complainant is signed by the defendant<\/span>. The court<\/span> may enter any order<\/span> or decree<\/span> without further notice unless a defendant<\/span> has filed an answer in the suit. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> When service is accepted pursuant to this section by a nonresident person out of the Commonwealth, such service shall have the same effect as an order<\/span> of publication duly executed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any process served outside the Commonwealth executed in such manner as provided for in this section is validated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nHOW DEFENDANT MAY ACCEPT SERVICE; WAIVE SERVICE (\u00a7 20-99.1:1)\n\nA. A defendant in such suits may accept service of process by signing the proof\nof service before any officer authorized to administer oaths. This proof of\nservice shall, when filed with the papers in the suit, have the same effect as\nif it had been served upon the defendant by a person authorized to serve\nprocess. In addition, service of process may be accepted or waived by any party,\nupon voluntary execution of a notarized writing specifying an intent to accept\nor waive any particular process, or by a defendant by filing an answer in the\nsuit. Such notarized writing may be provided in the clerk’s office of any\ncircuit court and may be signed by such party to the proceedings before any\nclerk or deputy clerk of any circuit court, under oath, or may be drafted and\nfiled by counsel or a pro se party in the proceeding, and shall, when filed with\nthe papers in the suit, have the same effect as if the process specified had\nbeen personally served upon the defendant by a person authorized to serve\nprocess. For a suit for a no-fault divorce under subdivision A (9) of §\n20-91, any such waiver may occur within a reasonable time prior to or after the\nsuit is filed, provided that a copy of the complaint is attached to such waiver,\nor is otherwise provided to the defendant, and the final decree of divorce as\nproposed by the complainant is signed by the defendant. The court may enter any\norder or decree without further notice unless a defendant has filed an answer in\nthe suit.\n\nB. When service is accepted pursuant to this section by a nonresident person out\nof the Commonwealth, such service shall have the same effect as an order of\npublication duly executed.\n\nC. Any process served outside the Commonwealth executed in such manner as\nprovided for in this section is validated.\n\nHISTORY: 1988, c. 583; 1989, c. 562; 1992, c. 563; 2019, cc. 133, 237.","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}}