{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/55.1-2409.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/55.1-2409.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/55.1-2409.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/55.1-2409.html"}],"law_id":75629,"edition_id":1,"section_id":75629,"structure_id":13845,"section_number":"55.1-2409","catch_line":"Proceedings to claim land escheated","history":"Code 1919, \u00a7 497; Code 1950, \u00a7 55-176; 1983, c. 482; 1990, c. 938; 2019, c. 712.","full_text":"When the verdict on an inquest is for the Commonwealth, any person claiming any interest in the lands, whether legal or equitable, may, before the sale of such land, petition the circuit court for redress. The petition shall be accompanied by a bond with good security to pay the Commonwealth all past due real estate taxes, penalties, and interest on such lands. The escheator shall be the sole defendant on behalf of the Commonwealth, and may appear on his own behalf. The escheator shall file an answer stating the objections to the claim. The cause shall be heard, without any unnecessary delay, upon the petition and answer and the evidence. Upon a judgment in favor of the claimant, he shall pay all past due taxes, penalties, and interest. Upon entry of such judgment, the court may award attorney fees to the escheator. For real estate assessment purposes, the commissioner of the revenue or assessor shall continue to assess any escheated property.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":271641,"text":"When the verdict on an inquest is for the Commonwealth, any person claiming any interest in the lands, whether legal or equitable, may, before the sale of such land, petition the circuit court for redress. The petition shall be accompanied by a bond with good security to pay the Commonwealth all past due real estate taxes, penalties, and interest on such lands. The escheator shall be the sole defendant on behalf of the Commonwealth, and may appear on his own behalf. The escheator shall file an answer stating the objections to the claim. The cause shall be heard, without any unnecessary delay, upon the petition and answer and the evidence. Upon a judgment in favor of the claimant, he shall pay all past due taxes, penalties, and interest. Upon entry of such judgment, the court may award attorney fees to the escheator. For real estate assessment purposes, the commissioner of the revenue or assessor shall continue to assess any escheated property.","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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/55.1-2409\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\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 1983, chapter 482; in 1990, chapter 938; 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":79488,"section_number":"55.1-2414","catch_line":"Escheator to notify State Treasurer of claim and decision","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2414\/"},{"id":74839,"section_number":"55.1-2416","catch_line":"Removal of parcels from the certificate","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2416\/"},{"id":72864,"section_number":"55.1-2419","catch_line":"Order of sale by Governor","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2419\/"},{"id":82338,"section_number":"55.1-2434","catch_line":"Escheators to defend on behalf of Commonwealth","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2434\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":247811,"object_type":"law","relational_id":75629,"identifier":"55.1-2409","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2409","url":"\/55.1-2409\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/55.1-2409\/","token":"55.1\/V\/24\/55.1-2409","dublin_core":{"Title":"Proceedings to claim land escheated","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 55.1-2409","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>When the <span class=\"dictionary\">verdict<\/span> on an inquest is for the Commonwealth, any person claiming any interest in the lands, whether legal or <span class=\"dictionary\">equitable<\/span>, may, before the sale of such land, <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> the <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> for redress. The <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> shall be accompanied by a <span class=\"dictionary\">bond<\/span> with good security to pay the Commonwealth all past due real estate taxes, penalties, and interest on such lands. The escheator shall be the sole <span class=\"dictionary\">defendant<\/span> on behalf of the Commonwealth, and may appear on his own behalf. The escheator shall file an answer stating the objections to the claim. The cause shall be heard, without any unnecessary delay, upon the <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> and answer and the <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span>. Upon a <span class=\"dictionary\">judgment<\/span> in favor of the claimant, he shall pay all past due taxes, penalties, and interest. Upon entry of such <span class=\"dictionary\">judgment<\/span>, the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> may award attorney fees to the escheator. For real estate assessment purposes, the commissioner of the revenue or assessor shall continue to assess any escheated property.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPROCEEDINGS TO CLAIM LAND ESCHEATED (\u00a7 55.1-2409)\n\nWhen the verdict on an inquest is for the Commonwealth, any person claiming any\ninterest in the lands, whether legal or equitable, may, before the sale of such\nland, petition the circuit court for redress. The petition shall be accompanied\nby a bond with good security to pay the Commonwealth all past due real estate\ntaxes, penalties, and interest on such lands. The escheator shall be the sole\ndefendant on behalf of the Commonwealth, and may appear on his own behalf. The\nescheator shall file an answer stating the objections to the claim. The cause\nshall be heard, without any unnecessary delay, upon the petition and answer and\nthe evidence. Upon a judgment in favor of the claimant, he shall pay all past\ndue taxes, penalties, and interest. Upon entry of such judgment, the court may\naward attorney fees to the escheator. For real estate assessment purposes, the\ncommissioner of the revenue or assessor shall continue to assess any escheated\nproperty.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1919, \u00a7 497; Code 1950, \u00a7 55-176; 1983, c. 482; 1990, c. 938;\n2019, 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}}