{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/34-4.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/34-4.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/34-4.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/34-4.html"}],"law_id":86197,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86197,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-4","catch_line":"Exemption created","history":"Code 1919, \u00a7 6531; 1918, p. 487; 1975, c. 466; 1977, c. 496; 1978, c. 231; 1990, c. 942; 1997, cc. 785, 861; 2009, c. 387; 2020, c. 328; 2024, c. 656.","full_text":"Every householder shall be entitled, in addition to the property or estate exempt under \u00a7\u00a7 23.1-707, 34-26, 34-27, 34-29, and 64.2-311, to hold exempt from creditor process arising out of a debt, real and personal property, or either, to be selected by the householder, including money and debts due the householder not exceeding $5,000 in value or, if the householder is 65 years of age or older, not exceeding $10,000 in value, and, in addition, real or personal property used as the principal residence of the householder or the householder’s dependents not exceeding $50,000 in value. In addition, upon a showing that a householder supports dependents, the householder shall be entitled to hold exempt from creditor process real and personal property, or either, selected by the householder, including money or monetary obligations or liabilities due the householder, not exceeding $500 in value for each dependent.\n\t\tFor the purposes of this section, “dependent” means an individual who derives support primarily from the householder and who does not have assets sufficient to support himself, but in no case shall an individual be the dependent of more than one householder.\n\t\tOn April 1, 2027, and at each three-year interval ending on April 1 thereafter, each monetary limit in effect under this section immediately before such April 1 shall be adjusted to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, for the most recent three-year period ending immediately before January 1 preceding such April 1, and rounded to the nearest $25, the dollar amount that represents such change. Adjustments made in this section shall not apply with respect to bankruptcy cases commenced before April 1, 2027.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":308751,"text":"Every householder shall be entitled, in addition to the property or estate exempt under \u00a7\u00a7 23.1-707, 34-26, 34-27, 34-29, and 64.2-311, to hold exempt from creditor process arising out of a debt, real and personal property, or either, to be selected by the householder, including money and debts due the householder not exceeding $5,000 in value or, if the householder is 65 years of age or older, not exceeding $10,000 in value, and, in addition, real or personal property used as the principal residence of the householder or the householder’s dependents not exceeding $50,000 in value. In addition, upon a showing that a householder supports dependents, the householder shall be entitled to hold exempt from creditor process real and personal property, or either, selected by the householder, including money or monetary obligations or liabilities due the householder, not exceeding $500 in value for each dependent.\n\t\tFor the purposes of this section, “dependent” means an individual who derives support primarily from the householder and who does not have assets sufficient to support himself, but in no case shall an individual be the dependent of more than one householder.\n\t\tOn April 1, 2027, and at each three-year interval ending on April 1 thereafter, each monetary limit in effect under this section immediately before such April 1 shall be adjusted to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, for the most recent three-year period ending immediately before January 1 preceding such April 1, and rounded to the nearest $25, the dollar amount that represents such change. Adjustments made in this section shall not apply with respect to bankruptcy cases commenced before April 1, 2027.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13372,"edition_id":1,"name":"Homestead Exemption of Householder","identifier":"2","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13371,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:43","permalink":{"id":207979,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13372,"identifier":"2","token":"34\/2","url":"\/34\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13371,"edition_id":1,"name":"Homestead and Other Exemptions","identifier":"34","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:43","permalink":{"id":207959,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13371,"identifier":"34","token":"34","url":"\/34\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":65931,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-10","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/34-10\/","token":"34\/2\/34-10","metadata":false},{"id":72684,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-13","catch_line":"Householder may set apart exemption in personal estate","url":"\/34-13\/","token":"34\/2\/34-13","metadata":false},{"id":57768,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-14","catch_line":"How set apart in personal estate; form to claim exemption of personal property","url":"\/34-14\/","token":"34\/2\/34-14","metadata":false},{"id":80341,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-15","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/34-15\/","token":"34\/2\/34-15","metadata":false},{"id":54949,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-17","catch_line":"When exemption may be set apart; garnished wages","url":"\/34-17\/","token":"34\/2\/34-17","metadata":false},{"id":72433,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-18","catch_line":"Rents and profits exempt; increase in value of estate set apart","url":"\/34-18\/","token":"34\/2\/34-18","metadata":false},{"id":65016,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-19","catch_line":"How excess in value set apart subjected to debts","url":"\/34-19\/","token":"34\/2\/34-19","metadata":false},{"id":69736,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-20","catch_line":"Proceeds of sale of estate exempt; how evidenced","url":"\/34-20\/","token":"34\/2\/34-20","metadata":false},{"id":73755,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-21","catch_line":"When householder's right to exemption is exhausted","url":"\/34-21\/","token":"34\/2\/34-21","metadata":false},{"id":82632,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-22","catch_line":"Waiver of exemption; its effect; form of waiver","url":"\/34-22\/","token":"34\/2\/34-22","metadata":false},{"id":76687,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-23","catch_line":"How claim enforced when exemption waived, etc","url":"\/34-23\/","token":"34\/2\/34-23","metadata":false},{"id":69764,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-24","catch_line":"When the exemption ceases; lien of judgment or decree against householder","url":"\/34-24\/","token":"34\/2\/34-24","metadata":false},{"id":68844,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-25","catch_line":"When homestead waived judgments and executions to so state","url":"\/34-25\/","token":"34\/2\/34-25","metadata":false},{"id":86197,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-4","catch_line":"Exemption created","url":"\/34-4\/","token":"34\/2\/34-4","metadata":false},{"id":54345,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-4.1","catch_line":"Additional exemption for certain veterans","url":"\/34-4.1\/","token":"34\/2\/34-4.1","metadata":false},{"id":86973,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-4.2","catch_line":"Additional exemption for parents of dependent children","url":"\/34-4.2\/","token":"34\/2\/34-4.2","metadata":false},{"id":65880,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-5","catch_line":"To what debts exemptions shall not apply","url":"\/34-5\/","token":"34\/2\/34-5","metadata":false},{"id":84819,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-6","catch_line":"How exemption of real estate secured; form to claim exemption of real property","url":"\/34-6\/","token":"34\/2\/34-6","metadata":false},{"id":75449,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-7","catch_line":"Real estate, subject to encumbrances, may be set apart; if sold, how surplus disposed of","url":"\/34-7\/","token":"34\/2\/34-7","metadata":false},{"id":79486,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-8","catch_line":"Partition or sale of real estate held as exempt by joint tenant, etc","url":"\/34-8\/","token":"34\/2\/34-8","metadata":false},{"id":61432,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-9","catch_line":"How real estate set apart as exempt may be encumbered or aliened","url":"\/34-9\/","token":"34\/2\/34-9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":68844,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-25","catch_line":"When homestead waived judgments and executions to so state","url":"\/34-25\/","token":"34\/2\/34-25","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":54345,"structure_id":13372,"section_number":"34-4.1","catch_line":"Additional exemption for certain veterans","url":"\/34-4.1\/","token":"34\/2\/34-4.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/34-4\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 8 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 1975, chapter 466; in 1977, chapter 496; in 1978, chapter 231; in 1990, chapter 942; in 1997, chapters 785<\/a> and 861<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 387<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 328<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 656<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":82516,"section_number":"34-1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-1\/"},{"id":72684,"section_number":"34-13","catch_line":"Householder may set apart exemption in personal estate","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-13\/"},{"id":57768,"section_number":"34-14","catch_line":"How set apart in personal estate; form to claim exemption of personal property","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-14\/"},{"id":73755,"section_number":"34-21","catch_line":"When householder's right to exemption is exhausted","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-21\/"},{"id":69764,"section_number":"34-24","catch_line":"When the exemption ceases; lien of judgment or decree against householder","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-24\/"},{"id":54766,"section_number":"34-26","catch_line":"Poor debtor's exemption; exempt articles enumerated","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-26\/"},{"id":61738,"section_number":"34-3","catch_line":"Articles not exempt from taxes or levies or for their purchase price","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-3\/"},{"id":54345,"section_number":"34-4.1","catch_line":"Additional exemption for certain veterans","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-4.1\/"},{"id":86973,"section_number":"34-4.2","catch_line":"Additional exemption for parents of dependent children","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-4.2\/"},{"id":84819,"section_number":"34-6","catch_line":"How exemption of real estate secured; form to claim exemption of real property","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-6\/"},{"id":75449,"section_number":"34-7","catch_line":"Real estate, subject to encumbrances, may be set apart; if sold, how surplus disposed of","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-7\/"},{"id":83628,"section_number":"55.1-2211","catch_line":"Time-share estate owners' association control liens","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2211\/"},{"id":68014,"section_number":"8.01-512.4","catch_line":"Notice of exemptions from garnishment and lien","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-512.4\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":57132,"section_number":"23.1-707","catch_line":"Prepaid tuition contracts and college and ABLE savings trust agreements","order_by":null,"url":"\/23.1-707\/"},{"id":54766,"section_number":"34-26","catch_line":"Poor debtor's exemption; exempt articles enumerated","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-26\/"},{"id":67771,"section_number":"34-27","catch_line":"Additional articles exempted to householder engaged in agriculture","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-27\/"},{"id":85697,"section_number":"34-29","catch_line":"Maximum portion of disposable earnings subject to garnishment","order_by":null,"url":"\/34-29\/"},{"id":58287,"section_number":"64.2-311","catch_line":"Homestead allowance","order_by":null,"url":"\/64.2-311\/"}],"permalink":{"id":208033,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86197,"identifier":"34-4","token":"34\/2\/34-4","url":"\/34-4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/34-4\/","token":"34\/2\/34-4","dublin_core":{"Title":"Exemption created","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 34-4","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Every householder<\/span> shall be entitled, in addition to the property or estate exempt<\/span> under \u00a7\u00a7 23.1-707<\/a>, 34-26<\/a>, 34-27<\/a>, 34-29<\/a>, and 64.2-311<\/a>, to hold exempt<\/span> from creditor process<\/span> arising out of a debt<\/span>, real and personal property, or either, to be selected by the householder<\/span>, including money and debts<\/span> due the householder<\/span> not exceeding $5,000 in value or, if the householder<\/span> is 65 years of age or older, not exceeding $10,000 in value, and, in addition, real or personal property used as the principal residence of the householder<\/span> or the householder<\/span>’s dependents<\/span> not exceeding $50,000 in value. In addition, upon a showing that a householder<\/span> supports dependents<\/span>, the householder<\/span> shall be entitled to hold exempt<\/span> from creditor process<\/span> real and personal property, or either, selected by the householder<\/span>, including money or monetary obligations or liabilities due the householder<\/span>, not exceeding $500 in value for each dependent<\/span>.\n\t\tFor the purposes of this section, “dependent<\/span>” means an individual who derives support primarily from the householder<\/span> and who does not have assets<\/span> sufficient to support himself, but in no case shall an individual be the dependent<\/span> of more than one householder<\/span>.\n\t\tOn April 1, 2027, and at each three-year interval ending on April 1 thereafter, each monetary limit in effect under this section immediately before such April 1 shall be adjusted to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, for the most recent three-year period ending immediately before January 1 preceding such April 1, and rounded to the nearest $25, the dollar amount that represents such change. Adjustments made in this section shall not apply with respect to bankruptcy<\/span> cases commenced before April 1, 2027.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nEXEMPTION CREATED (\u00a7 34-4)\n\nEvery householder shall be entitled, in addition to the property or estate\nexempt under \u00a7\u00a7 23.1-707, 34-26, 34-27, 34-29, and 64.2-311, to hold exempt\nfrom creditor process arising out of a debt, real and personal property, or\neither, to be selected by the householder, including money and debts due the\nhouseholder not exceeding $5,000 in value or, if the householder is 65 years of\nage or older, not exceeding $10,000 in value, and, in addition, real or personal\nproperty used as the principal residence of the householder or the\nhouseholder’s dependents not exceeding $50,000 in value. In addition, upon\na showing that a householder supports dependents, the householder shall be\nentitled to hold exempt from creditor process real and personal property, or\neither, selected by the householder, including money or monetary obligations or\nliabilities due the householder, not exceeding $500 in value for each dependent.\n\t\tFor the purposes of this section, “dependent” means an individual\nwho derives support primarily from the householder and who does not have assets\nsufficient to support himself, but in no case shall an individual be the\ndependent of more than one householder.\n\t\tOn April 1, 2027, and at each three-year interval ending on April 1\nthereafter, each monetary limit in effect under this section immediately before\nsuch April 1 shall be adjusted to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index\nfor all urban consumers (CPI-U), as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics\nof the U.S. Department of Labor, for the most recent three-year period ending\nimmediately before January 1 preceding such April 1, and rounded to the nearest\n$25, the dollar amount that represents such change. Adjustments made in this\nsection shall not apply with respect to bankruptcy cases commenced before April\n1, 2027.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1919, \u00a7 6531; 1918, p. 487; 1975, c. 466; 1977, c. 496; 1978, c.\n231; 1990, c. 942; 1997, cc. 785, 861; 2009, c. 387; 2020, c. 328; 2024, c. 656.","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}}