{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/55.1-2405.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/55.1-2405.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/55.1-2405.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/55.1-2405.html"}],"law_id":78504,"edition_id":1,"section_id":78504,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2405","catch_line":"Escheator to hold inquest; notice of inquest","history":"Code 1919, \u00a7 493; Code 1950, \u00a7 55-172; 1977, c. 583; 1982, c. 486; 1984, c. 315; 1988, c. 377; 1996, c. 551; 2019, c. 712.","full_text":"On receiving a list compiled pursuant to \u00a7 55.1-2404, or upon information from any person, in writing and under oath, that any of the conditions described in \u00a7 55.1-2404 exists, the escheator shall proceed to hold his inquest to determine whether any land identified has escheated to the Commonwealth. He shall (i) post notice of the time of taking such inquest at the front door of the courthouse for 30 days prior to the inquest and (ii) advertise once in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or city at least seven but not more than 30 days prior to the inquest. Notice shall also be mailed to the last owner of record, if any, as it appears in the tax records of the local treasurer. The escheator shall send a copy of the newspaper advertisement to the State Treasurer prior to the date of the inquest. The inquest shall be held in the same calendar year in which the list or information is received by the escheator. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall act as attorney for this proceeding.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":281354,"text":"On receiving a list compiled pursuant to \u00a7 55.1-2404, or upon information from any person, in writing and under oath, that any of the conditions described in \u00a7 55.1-2404 exists, the escheator shall proceed to hold his inquest to determine whether any land identified has escheated to the Commonwealth. He shall (i) post notice of the time of taking such inquest at the front door of the courthouse for 30 days prior to the inquest and (ii) advertise once in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or city at least seven but not more than 30 days prior to the inquest. Notice shall also be mailed to the last owner of record, if any, as it appears in the tax records of the local treasurer. The escheator shall send a copy of the newspaper advertisement to the State Treasurer prior to the date of the inquest. The inquest shall be held in the same calendar year in which the list or information is received by the escheator. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall act as attorney for this proceeding.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13845,"edition_id":1,"name":"Escheats","identifier":"24","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12708,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:03","permalink":{"id":247773,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13845,"identifier":"24","token":"55.1\/V\/24","url":"\/55.1\/V\/24\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12708,"edition_id":1,"name":"Miscellaneous","identifier":"V","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12707,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":247771,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12708,"identifier":"V","token":"55.1\/V","url":"\/55.1\/V\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12707,"edition_id":1,"name":"Property and Conveyances","identifier":"55.1","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":244769,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12707,"identifier":"55.1","token":"55.1","url":"\/55.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":76052,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2400","catch_line":"Definition","url":"\/55.1-2400\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2400","metadata":false},{"id":56710,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2401","catch_line":"Appointment of escheators","url":"\/55.1-2401\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2401","metadata":false},{"id":69679,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2402","catch_line":"Bond of escheator","url":"\/55.1-2402\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2402","metadata":false},{"id":58339,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2403","catch_line":"Increase or reduction of penalty of escheator's bond; effect","url":"\/55.1-2403\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2403","metadata":false},{"id":77792,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2404","catch_line":"Annual report to escheator; lands not liable","url":"\/55.1-2404\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2404","metadata":false},{"id":78504,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2405","catch_line":"Escheator to hold inquest; notice of inquest","url":"\/55.1-2405\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2405","metadata":false},{"id":64508,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2406","catch_line":"Jury of inquest; presentation of evidence","url":"\/55.1-2406\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2406","metadata":false},{"id":67691,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2407","catch_line":"Attendance of jurors; compensation","url":"\/55.1-2407\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2407","metadata":false},{"id":80657,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2408","catch_line":"How verdict signed; where returned and recorded","url":"\/55.1-2408\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2408","metadata":false},{"id":75629,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2409","catch_line":"Proceedings to claim land escheated","url":"\/55.1-2409\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2409","metadata":false},{"id":67698,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2410","catch_line":"Trial by jury; judgment of court","url":"\/55.1-2410\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2410","metadata":false},{"id":75755,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2411","catch_line":"Facts or evidence to be certified","url":"\/55.1-2411\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2411","metadata":false},{"id":69951,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2412","catch_line":"Lands may be committed to claimant while claim pending","url":"\/55.1-2412\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2412","metadata":false},{"id":64880,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2413","catch_line":"Disposition of lands while claim is pending, if not committed to claimant","url":"\/55.1-2413\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2413","metadata":false},{"id":79488,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2414","catch_line":"Escheator to notify State Treasurer of claim and decision","url":"\/55.1-2414\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2414","metadata":false},{"id":83787,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2415","catch_line":"Escheators to certify lands escheated","url":"\/55.1-2415\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2415","metadata":false},{"id":74839,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2416","catch_line":"Removal of parcels from the certificate","url":"\/55.1-2416\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2416","metadata":false},{"id":64746,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2417","catch_line":"Escheat of property with hazardous materials","url":"\/55.1-2417\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2417","metadata":false},{"id":58743,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2418","catch_line":"Publication of escheator's certificate","url":"\/55.1-2418\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2418","metadata":false},{"id":72864,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2419","catch_line":"Order of sale by Governor","url":"\/55.1-2419\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2419","metadata":false},{"id":81462,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2420","catch_line":"Form of sale agreement; notice of right to refund","url":"\/55.1-2420\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2420","metadata":false},{"id":64619,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2421","catch_line":"When grant to issue to purchaser; reimbursable expenses","url":"\/55.1-2421\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2421","metadata":false},{"id":66352,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2422","catch_line":"Form of grant of escheated property","url":"\/55.1-2422\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2422","metadata":false},{"id":75826,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2423","catch_line":"Governor to sign and seal grant; Librarian of Virginia to record it; delivery to and by State Treasurer","url":"\/55.1-2423\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2423","metadata":false},{"id":72994,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2424","catch_line":"Recordation of certified copy of grant","url":"\/55.1-2424\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2424","metadata":false},{"id":63695,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2425","catch_line":"Resale in case of default","url":"\/55.1-2425\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2425","metadata":false},{"id":84685,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2426","catch_line":"Reports by escheators to State Treasurer","url":"\/55.1-2426\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2426","metadata":false},{"id":75386,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2427","catch_line":"Reports by State Treasurer to the Governor; penalty on escheators for failure of duty","url":"\/55.1-2427\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2427","metadata":false},{"id":81877,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2428","catch_line":"State Treasurer may examine records of any escheator, commissioner of the revenue, or treasurer","url":"\/55.1-2428\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2428","metadata":false},{"id":66825,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2429","catch_line":"When State Treasurer to issue grant to purchaser","url":"\/55.1-2429\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2429","metadata":false},{"id":65327,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2430","catch_line":"Escheator's pay","url":"\/55.1-2430\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2430","metadata":false},{"id":67261,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2431","catch_line":"Escheat of estates in trust and equitable titles","url":"\/55.1-2431\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2431","metadata":false},{"id":65255,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2432","catch_line":"Provision in favor of tenant of escheated land","url":"\/55.1-2432\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2432","metadata":false},{"id":70882,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2433","catch_line":"In favor of creditor of decedent","url":"\/55.1-2433\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2433","metadata":false},{"id":82338,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2434","catch_line":"Escheators to defend on behalf of Commonwealth","url":"\/55.1-2434\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2434","metadata":false},{"id":82750,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2435","catch_line":"Recovery by escheator of decedent's escheated residue and of property abandoned or derelict; fee","url":"\/55.1-2435\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2435","metadata":false},{"id":62613,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2436","catch_line":"Publication of action; what to state and require","url":"\/55.1-2436\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2436","metadata":false},{"id":54863,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2437","catch_line":"Order of the court","url":"\/55.1-2437\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2437","metadata":false},{"id":56856,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2438","catch_line":"How money paid into state treasury from escheats may be recovered","url":"\/55.1-2438\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2438","metadata":false},{"id":55519,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2439","catch_line":"Regulations of the State Treasurer","url":"\/55.1-2439\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2439","metadata":false},{"id":59192,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2440","catch_line":"Continuation of certain statutes","url":"\/55.1-2440\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2440","metadata":false},{"id":68978,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2441","catch_line":"Pendency of escheat proceedings no bar to condemnation proceedings","url":"\/55.1-2441\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2441","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":77792,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2404","catch_line":"Annual report to escheator; lands not liable","url":"\/55.1-2404\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2404","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":64508,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2406","catch_line":"Jury of inquest; presentation of evidence","url":"\/55.1-2406\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2406","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/55.1-2405\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 6 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 1977, chapter 583; in 1982, chapter 486; in 1984, chapter 315; in 1988, chapter 377; in 1996, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?961+ful+CHAP0551\">551<\/a>; in 2019, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?191+ful+CHAP0712\">712<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":67698,"section_number":"55.1-2410","catch_line":"Trial by jury; judgment of court","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2410\/"},{"id":65327,"section_number":"55.1-2430","catch_line":"Escheator's pay","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2430\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":77792,"section_number":"55.1-2404","catch_line":"Annual report to escheator; lands not liable","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2404\/"}],"permalink":{"id":247795,"object_type":"law","relational_id":78504,"identifier":"55.1-2405","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2405","url":"\/55.1-2405\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/55.1-2405\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2405","dublin_core":{"Title":"Escheator to hold inquest; notice of inquest","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 55.1-2405","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>On receiving a list compiled pursuant to \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Annual report to escheator; lands not liable\" href=\"\/55.1-2404\/\">55.1-2404<\/a>, or upon information from any person, in writing and under <span class=\"dictionary\">oath<\/span>, that any of the conditions described in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Annual report to escheator; lands not liable\" href=\"\/55.1-2404\/\">55.1-2404<\/a> exists, the escheator shall proceed to hold his inquest to determine whether any land identified has escheated to the Commonwealth. He shall (i) post notice of the time of taking such inquest at the front door of the courthouse for 30 days prior to the inquest and (ii) advertise once in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or city at least seven but not more than 30 days prior to the inquest. Notice shall also be mailed to the last owner of record, if any, as it appears in the tax records of the local treasurer. The escheator shall send a copy of the newspaper advertisement to the State Treasurer prior to the date of the inquest. The inquest shall be held in the same calendar year in which the list or information is received by the escheator. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall act as attorney for this proceeding.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nESCHEATOR TO HOLD INQUEST; NOTICE OF INQUEST (\u00a7 55.1-2405)\n\nOn receiving a list compiled pursuant to \u00a7 55.1-2404, or upon information from\nany person, in writing and under oath, that any of the conditions described in\n\u00a7 55.1-2404 exists, the escheator shall proceed to hold his inquest to\ndetermine whether any land identified has escheated to the Commonwealth. He\nshall (i) post notice of the time of taking such inquest at the front door of\nthe courthouse for 30 days prior to the inquest and (ii) advertise once in a\nnewspaper of general circulation within the county or city at least seven but\nnot more than 30 days prior to the inquest. Notice shall also be mailed to the\nlast owner of record, if any, as it appears in the tax records of the local\ntreasurer. The escheator shall send a copy of the newspaper advertisement to the\nState Treasurer prior to the date of the inquest. The inquest shall be held in\nthe same calendar year in which the list or information is received by the\nescheator. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall act as attorney for this\nproceeding.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1919, \u00a7 493; Code 1950, \u00a7 55-172; 1977, c. 583; 1982, c. 486;\n1984, c. 315; 1988, c. 377; 1996, c. 551; 2019, c. 712.","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}}