{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/8.01-261.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/8.01-261.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/8.01-261.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/8.01-261.html"}],"law_id":63400,"edition_id":1,"section_id":63400,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-261","catch_line":"Category A or preferred venue","history":"1977, c. 617; 1978, c. 334; 1979, c. 331; 1985, c. 433; 1987, c. 567; 1988, c. 766; 1989, c. 556; 1990, c. 831; 1993, c. 841.","full_text":"In the actions listed in this section, the forums enumerated shall be deemed preferred places of venue and may be referred to as “Category A” in this title. Venue laid in any other forum shall be subject to objection; however, if more than one preferred place of venue applies, any such place shall be a proper forum. The following forums are designated as places of preferred venue for the action specified:\n\n1\n\nIn actions for review of, appeal from, or enforcement of state administrative regulations, decisions, or other orders:\n\t\t\ta. If the moving or aggrieved party is other than the Commonwealth or an agency thereof, then the county or city wherein such party:1\n\nResides;2\n\nRegularly or systematically conducts affairs or business activity; or3\n\nWherein such party’s property affected by the administrative action is located.\n\t\t\t\tb. If the moving or aggrieved party is the Commonwealth or an agency thereof, then the county or city wherein the respondent or a party defendant:1\n\nResides;2\n\nRegularly or systematically conducts affairs or business activity; or3\n\nHas any property affected by the administrative action.\n\t\t\t\tc. If subdivisions 1 a and 1 b do not apply, then the county or city wherein the alleged violation of the administrative regulation, decision, or other order occurred.2\n\nExcept as provided in subdivision 1 of this section, where the action is against one or more officers of the Commonwealth in an official capacity, the county or city where any such person has his official office.3\n\nThe county or city wherein the subject land, or a part thereof, is situated in the following actions:\n\t\t\ta. To recover or partition land;\n\t\t\tb. To subject land to a debt;\n\t\t\tc. To sell, lease, or encumber the land of persons under disabilities;\n\t\t\td. [Repealed.]\n\t\t\te. To sell wastelands;\n\t\t\tf. To establish boundaries;\n\t\t\tg. For unlawful entry or detainer;\n\t\t\th. For ejectment; or\n\t\t\ti. To remove clouds on title.4\n\n[Reserved.]5\n\nIn actions for writs of mandamus, prohibition, or certiorari, except such as may be issued by the Supreme Court, the county or city wherein is the record or proceeding to which the writ relates.6\n\nIn actions on bonds required for public contract, the county or city in which the public project, or any part thereof, is situated.7\n\nIn actions to impeach or establish a will, the county or city wherein the will was probated, or, if not probated at the time of the action, where the will may be properly offered for probate.\n\t\t\t8., 9. [Repealed.]10\n\nIn actions on any contract between a transportation district and a component government, any county or city any part of which is within such transportation district.11\n\nIn attachments,\n\t\t\ta. With reference to the principal defendant and those liable with or to him, venue shall be determined as if the principal defendant were the sole defendant; or\n\t\t\tb. In the county or city in which the principal defendant has estate or has debts owing to him.12\n\n[Repealed.]13\n\na. In any action for the collection of state, county, or municipal taxes, any one of the following counties or cities shall be deemed preferred places of venue:1\n\nWherein the taxpayer resides;2\n\nWherein the taxpayer owns real or personal property;3\n\nWherein the taxpayer has a registered office, or regularly or systematically conducts business; or4\n\nIn case of withdrawal from the Commonwealth by a delinquent taxpayer, wherein venue was proper at the time the taxes in question were assessed or at the time of such withdrawal.\n\t\t\t\tb. In any action for the correction of an erroneous assessment of state taxes and tax refunds, any one of the following counties or cities shall be deemed preferred places of venue:1\n\nWherein the taxpayer resides;2\n\nWherein the taxpayer has a registered office or regularly or systematically conducts business;3\n\nWherein the taxpayer’s real or personal property involved in such a proceeding is located; or4\n\nThe Circuit Court of the City of Richmond.14\n\nIn proceedings by writ of quo warranto:\n\t\t\ta. The city or county wherein any of the defendants reside;\n\t\t\tb. If the defendant is a corporation, the city or county where its registered office is or where its mayor, rector, president, or other chief officer resides; or\n\t\t\tc. If there is no officer or none of the defendants reside in the Commonwealth, venue shall be in the City of Richmond.15\n\nIn proceedings to award an injunction:\n\t\t\ta. To any judgment or judicial proceeding of a circuit court, venue shall be in the court in the county or city in which the judgment was rendered or such proceeding is pending;\n\t\t\tb. To any judgment or judicial proceeding of a district court, venue shall be in the circuit court of the county or city in which the judgment was rendered or such proceeding is pending; or\n\t\t\tc. To any other act or proceeding, venue shall be in the circuit court of the county or city in which the act is to be done, or being done, or is apprehended to be done or the proceeding is pending.16\n\n[Repealed.]17\n\nIn disbarment or suspension proceedings against any attorney-at-law, in the county or city where the defendant:\n\t\t\ta. Resides;\n\t\t\tb. Has his principal office or place of practice when the proceeding is commenced;\n\t\t\tc. Resided or had such principal office or place of practice when any misconduct complained of occurred; or\n\t\t\td. Has any pending case as to which any misconduct took place.18\n\nIn actions under the Virginia Tort Claims Act, Article 18.1 (§ 8.01-195.1 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of this title:\n\t\t\ta. The county or city where the claimant resides;\n\t\t\tb. The county or city where the act or omission complained of occurred; or\n\t\t\tc. If the claimant resides outside the Commonwealth and the act or omission complained of occurred outside the Commonwealth, the City of Richmond.19\n\nIn suits for annulment, affirmance, or divorce, the county or city in which the parties last cohabited, or at the option of the plaintiff, in the county or city in which the defendant resides, if a resident of this Commonwealth, and in cases in which an order of publication may be issued against the defendant under § 8.01-316, venue may also be in the county or city in which the plaintiff resides.20\n\nIn distress actions, in the county or city when the premises yielding the rent, or some part thereof, may be or where goods liable to distress may be found.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":231022,"text":"In the actions listed in this section, the forums enumerated shall be deemed preferred places of venue and may be referred to as “Category A” in this title. Venue laid in any other forum shall be subject to objection; however, if more than one preferred place of venue applies, any such place shall be a proper forum. The following forums are designated as places of preferred venue for the action specified:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":231023,"text":"In actions for review of, appeal from, or enforcement of state administrative regulations, decisions, or other orders:\n\t\t\ta. If the moving or aggrieved party is other than the Commonwealth or an agency thereof, then the county or city wherein such party:","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"11"},"2":{"id":231024,"text":"Resides;","type":"section","prefixes":["1","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"12"},"3":{"id":231025,"text":"Regularly or systematically conducts affairs or business activity; or","type":"section","prefixes":["1","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"11","next_prefix":"13"},"4":{"id":231026,"text":"Wherein such party’s property affected by the administrative action is located.\n\t\t\t\tb. If the moving or aggrieved party is the Commonwealth or an agency thereof, then the county or city wherein the respondent or a party defendant:","type":"section","prefixes":["1","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"13","prefix_anchor":"13","level":2,"prior_prefix":"12","next_prefix":"11"},"5":{"id":231027,"text":"Resides;","type":"section","prefixes":["1","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"13","next_prefix":"12"},"6":{"id":231028,"text":"Regularly or systematically conducts affairs or business activity; or","type":"section","prefixes":["1","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"11","next_prefix":"13"},"7":{"id":231029,"text":"Has any property affected by the administrative action.\n\t\t\t\tc. If subdivisions 1 a and 1 b do not apply, then the county or city wherein the alleged violation of the administrative regulation, decision, or other order occurred.","type":"section","prefixes":["1","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"13","prefix_anchor":"13","level":2,"prior_prefix":"12","next_prefix":"2"},"8":{"id":231030,"text":"Except as provided in subdivision 1 of this section, where the action is against one or more officers of the Commonwealth in an official capacity, the county or city where any such person has his official office.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"13","next_prefix":"3"},"9":{"id":231031,"text":"The county or city wherein the subject land, or a part thereof, is situated in the following actions:\n\t\t\ta. To recover or partition land;\n\t\t\tb. To subject land to a debt;\n\t\t\tc. To sell, lease, or encumber the land of persons under disabilities;\n\t\t\td. [Repealed.]\n\t\t\te. To sell wastelands;\n\t\t\tf. To establish boundaries;\n\t\t\tg. For unlawful entry or detainer;\n\t\t\th. For ejectment; or\n\t\t\ti. To remove clouds on title.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"10":{"id":231032,"text":"[Reserved.]","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"11":{"id":231033,"text":"In actions for writs of mandamus, prohibition, or certiorari, except such as may be issued by the Supreme Court, the county or city wherein is the record or proceeding to which the writ relates.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"12":{"id":231034,"text":"In actions on bonds required for public contract, the county or city in which the public project, or any part thereof, is situated.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"13":{"id":231035,"text":"In actions to impeach or establish a will, the county or city wherein the will was probated, or, if not probated at the time of the action, where the will may be properly offered for probate.\n\t\t\t8., 9. [Repealed.]","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"10"},"14":{"id":231036,"text":"In actions on any contract between a transportation district and a component government, any county or city any part of which is within such transportation district.","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"11"},"15":{"id":231037,"text":"In attachments,\n\t\t\ta. With reference to the principal defendant and those liable with or to him, venue shall be determined as if the principal defendant were the sole defendant; or\n\t\t\tb. In the county or city in which the principal defendant has estate or has debts owing to him.","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10","next_prefix":"12"},"16":{"id":231038,"text":"[Repealed.]","type":"section","prefixes":["12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":1,"prior_prefix":"11","next_prefix":"13"},"17":{"id":231039,"text":"a. In any action for the collection of state, county, or municipal taxes, any one of the following counties or cities shall be deemed preferred places of venue:","type":"section","prefixes":["13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"13","prefix_anchor":"13","level":1,"prior_prefix":"12","next_prefix":"131"},"18":{"id":231040,"text":"Wherein the taxpayer resides;","type":"section","prefixes":["13","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"131","prefix_anchor":"131","level":2,"prior_prefix":"13","next_prefix":"132"},"19":{"id":231041,"text":"Wherein the taxpayer owns real or personal property;","type":"section","prefixes":["13","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"132","prefix_anchor":"132","level":2,"prior_prefix":"131","next_prefix":"133"},"20":{"id":231042,"text":"Wherein the taxpayer has a registered office, or regularly or systematically conducts business; or","type":"section","prefixes":["13","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"133","prefix_anchor":"133","level":2,"prior_prefix":"132","next_prefix":"134"},"21":{"id":231043,"text":"In case of withdrawal from the Commonwealth by a delinquent taxpayer, wherein venue was proper at the time the taxes in question were assessed or at the time of such withdrawal.\n\t\t\t\tb. In any action for the correction of an erroneous assessment of state taxes and tax refunds, any one of the following counties or cities shall be deemed preferred places of venue:","type":"section","prefixes":["13","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"134","prefix_anchor":"134","level":2,"prior_prefix":"133","next_prefix":"131"},"22":{"id":231044,"text":"Wherein the taxpayer resides;","type":"section","prefixes":["13","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"131","prefix_anchor":"131","level":2,"prior_prefix":"134","next_prefix":"132"},"23":{"id":231045,"text":"Wherein the taxpayer has a registered office or regularly or systematically conducts business;","type":"section","prefixes":["13","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"132","prefix_anchor":"132","level":2,"prior_prefix":"131","next_prefix":"133"},"24":{"id":231046,"text":"Wherein the taxpayer’s real or personal property involved in such a proceeding is located; or","type":"section","prefixes":["13","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"133","prefix_anchor":"133","level":2,"prior_prefix":"132","next_prefix":"134"},"25":{"id":231047,"text":"The Circuit Court of the City of Richmond.","type":"section","prefixes":["13","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"134","prefix_anchor":"134","level":2,"prior_prefix":"133","next_prefix":"14"},"26":{"id":231048,"text":"In proceedings by writ of quo warranto:\n\t\t\ta. The city or county wherein any of the defendants reside;\n\t\t\tb. If the defendant is a corporation, the city or county where its registered office is or where its mayor, rector, president, or other chief officer resides; or\n\t\t\tc. If there is no officer or none of the defendants reside in the Commonwealth, venue shall be in the City of Richmond.","type":"section","prefixes":["14"],"prefix":"14","entire_prefix":"14","prefix_anchor":"14","level":1,"prior_prefix":"134","next_prefix":"15"},"27":{"id":231049,"text":"In proceedings to award an injunction:\n\t\t\ta. To any judgment or judicial proceeding of a circuit court, venue shall be in the court in the county or city in which the judgment was rendered or such proceeding is pending;\n\t\t\tb. To any judgment or judicial proceeding of a district court, venue shall be in the circuit court of the county or city in which the judgment was rendered or such proceeding is pending; or\n\t\t\tc. To any other act or proceeding, venue shall be in the circuit court of the county or city in which the act is to be done, or being done, or is apprehended to be done or the proceeding is pending.","type":"section","prefixes":["15"],"prefix":"15","entire_prefix":"15","prefix_anchor":"15","level":1,"prior_prefix":"14","next_prefix":"16"},"28":{"id":231050,"text":"[Repealed.]","type":"section","prefixes":["16"],"prefix":"16","entire_prefix":"16","prefix_anchor":"16","level":1,"prior_prefix":"15","next_prefix":"17"},"29":{"id":231051,"text":"In disbarment or suspension proceedings against any attorney-at-law, in the county or city where the defendant:\n\t\t\ta. Resides;\n\t\t\tb. Has his principal office or place of practice when the proceeding is commenced;\n\t\t\tc. Resided or had such principal office or place of practice when any misconduct complained of occurred; or\n\t\t\td. Has any pending case as to which any misconduct took place.","type":"section","prefixes":["17"],"prefix":"17","entire_prefix":"17","prefix_anchor":"17","level":1,"prior_prefix":"16","next_prefix":"18"},"30":{"id":231052,"text":"In actions under the Virginia Tort Claims Act, Article 18.1 (§ 8.01-195.1 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of this title:\n\t\t\ta. The county or city where the claimant resides;\n\t\t\tb. The county or city where the act or omission complained of occurred; or\n\t\t\tc. If the claimant resides outside the Commonwealth and the act or omission complained of occurred outside the Commonwealth, the City of Richmond.","type":"section","prefixes":["18"],"prefix":"18","entire_prefix":"18","prefix_anchor":"18","level":1,"prior_prefix":"17","next_prefix":"19"},"31":{"id":231053,"text":"In suits for annulment, affirmance, or divorce, the county or city in which the parties last cohabited, or at the option of the plaintiff, in the county or city in which the defendant resides, if a resident of this Commonwealth, and in cases in which an order of publication may be issued against the defendant under § 8.01-316, venue may also be in the county or city in which the plaintiff resides.","type":"section","prefixes":["19"],"prefix":"19","entire_prefix":"19","prefix_anchor":"19","level":1,"prior_prefix":"18","next_prefix":"20"},"32":{"id":231054,"text":"In distress actions, in the county or city when the premises yielding the rent, or some part thereof, may be or where goods liable to distress may be found.","type":"section","prefixes":["20"],"prefix":"20","entire_prefix":"20","prefix_anchor":"20","level":1,"prior_prefix":"19"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14535,"edition_id":1,"name":"Venue","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12747,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:33","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:33","permalink":{"id":281283,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14535,"identifier":"5","token":"8.01\/5","url":"\/8.01\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12747,"edition_id":1,"name":"Civil Remedies and Procedure","identifier":"8.01","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":277029,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12747,"identifier":"8.01","token":"8.01","url":"\/8.01\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":77027,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-257","catch_line":"Venue generally","url":"\/8.01-257\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-257","metadata":false},{"id":84822,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-258","catch_line":"Venue not jurisdictional","url":"\/8.01-258\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-258","metadata":false},{"id":67040,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-259","catch_line":"Application","url":"\/8.01-259\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-259","metadata":false},{"id":63311,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-260","catch_line":"Proper venue; preferred forum in certain actions; permissible forums for other actions","url":"\/8.01-260\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-260","metadata":false},{"id":63400,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-261","catch_line":"Category A or preferred venue","url":"\/8.01-261\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-261","metadata":false},{"id":81233,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-262","catch_line":"Category B or permissible venue","url":"\/8.01-262\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-262","metadata":false},{"id":78305,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-262.1","catch_line":"Place for bringing action under a contract related to construction","url":"\/8.01-262.1\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-262.1","metadata":false},{"id":55983,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-263","catch_line":"Multiple parties","url":"\/8.01-263\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-263","metadata":false},{"id":86879,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-264","catch_line":"Venue improperly laid; objection","url":"\/8.01-264\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-264","metadata":false},{"id":76737,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-265","catch_line":"Change of venue by court","url":"\/8.01-265\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-265","metadata":false},{"id":72403,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-266","catch_line":"Costs","url":"\/8.01-266\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-266","metadata":false},{"id":60621,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-267","catch_line":"Discretion of judge","url":"\/8.01-267\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-267","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63311,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-260","catch_line":"Proper venue; preferred forum in certain actions; permissible forums for other actions","url":"\/8.01-260\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-260","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":81233,"structure_id":14535,"section_number":"8.01-262","catch_line":"Category B or permissible venue","url":"\/8.01-262\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-262","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/8.01-261\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1977. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 617 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 1977 \u201cActs\u201d aren\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 1978, chapter 334; in 1979, chapter 331; in 1985, chapter 433; in 1987, chapter 567; in 1988, chapter 766; in 1989, chapter 556; in 1990, chapter 831; in 1993, chapter 841.<\/p>","references":[{"id":65305,"section_number":"13.1-1066","catch_line":"Collection of unpaid bills for annual registration fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-1066\/"},{"id":77007,"section_number":"13.1-775.2","catch_line":"Collection of unpaid bills for registration fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-775.2\/"},{"id":66426,"section_number":"13.1-936.2","catch_line":"Collection of unpaid bills for registration fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-936.2\/"},{"id":74135,"section_number":"2.2-4003","catch_line":"Venue","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-4003\/"},{"id":70222,"section_number":"33.2-1923","catch_line":"Venue","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1923\/"},{"id":83727,"section_number":"41.1-16","catch_line":"Sale of wastelands; proceeding by citizen resident; motion and deposit for costs; parties; copy of plat","order_by":null,"url":"\/41.1-16\/"},{"id":81791,"section_number":"45.2-1620","catch_line":" Pooling of interests in drilling units","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1620\/"},{"id":78311,"section_number":"58.1-1806","catch_line":"Additional proceedings for the collection of taxes; jurisdiction and venue","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-1806\/"},{"id":72555,"section_number":"58.1-1825","catch_line":"Application to court for correction of erroneous or improper assessments of state taxes generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-1825\/"},{"id":57360,"section_number":"58.1-2022","catch_line":"Additional proceedings for the collection of taxes; jurisdiction and venue","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-2022\/"},{"id":55016,"section_number":"58.1-3953","catch_line":"Additional proceedings for the collection of taxes; jurisdiction and venue","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3953\/"},{"id":63311,"section_number":"8.01-260","catch_line":"Proper venue; preferred forum in certain actions; permissible forums for other actions","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-260\/"},{"id":81233,"section_number":"8.01-262","catch_line":"Category B or permissible venue","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-262\/"},{"id":86879,"section_number":"8.01-264","catch_line":"Venue improperly laid; objection","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-264\/"},{"id":76737,"section_number":"8.01-265","catch_line":"Change of venue by court","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-265\/"},{"id":77594,"section_number":"8.01-537","catch_line":"Petition for attachment; costs, fees and taxes","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-537\/"},{"id":59676,"section_number":"8.01-627","catch_line":"To what clerk order for injunction directed","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-627\/"},{"id":77190,"section_number":"8.01-74","catch_line":"Leases on behalf of persons under disability; new leases","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-74\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":86997,"section_number":"8.01-195.1","catch_line":"Short title","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-195.1\/"},{"id":66717,"section_number":"8.01-316","catch_line":"Service by publication; when available","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-316\/"}],"permalink":{"id":281301,"object_type":"law","relational_id":63400,"identifier":"8.01-261","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-261","url":"\/8.01-261\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/8.01-261\/","token":"8.01\/5\/8.01-261","dublin_core":{"Title":"Category A or preferred venue","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 8.01-261","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

In the actions<\/span> listed in this section, the forums enumerated shall be deemed preferred places of venue<\/span> and may be referred to as “Category A” in this title. Venue<\/span> laid in any other forum shall be subject to objection; however, if more than one preferred place of venue<\/span> applies, any such place shall be a proper forum. The following forums are designated as places of preferred venue<\/span> for the action<\/span> specified:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> In actions<\/span> for review of, appeal<\/span> from, or enforcement of state administrative regulations, decisions, or other orders<\/span>:\n\t\t\ta. If the moving or aggrieved party<\/span> is other than the Commonwealth or an agency thereof, then the county or city wherein such party: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Resides; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Regularly or systematically conducts affairs or business activity; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Wherein such party’s property affected by the administrative action<\/span> is located.\n\t\t\t\tb. If the moving or aggrieved party<\/span> is the Commonwealth or an agency thereof, then the county or city wherein the respondent or a party defendant<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Resides; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Regularly or systematically conducts affairs or business activity; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Has any property affected by the administrative action<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tc. If subdivisions 1 a and 1 b do not apply, then the county or city wherein the alleged violation of the administrative regulation, decision, or other order<\/span> occurred. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Except as provided in subdivision 1 of this section, where the action<\/span> is against one or more officers of the Commonwealth in an official capacity, the county or city where any such person<\/span> has his official office. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The county or city wherein the subject land, or a part thereof, is situated in the following actions<\/span>:\n\t\t\ta. To recover or partition<\/span> land;\n\t\t\tb. To subject land to a debt;\n\t\t\tc. To sell, lease, or encumber the land of persons<\/span> under disabilities;\n\t\t\td. [Repealed.]\n\t\t\te. To sell wastelands;\n\t\t\tf. To establish boundaries;\n\t\t\tg. For unlawful entry or detainer;\n\t\t\th. For ejectment; or\n\t\t\ti. To remove clouds on title. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> [Reserved.] <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> In actions<\/span> for writs<\/span> of mandamus, prohibition, or certiorari, except such as may be issued by the Supreme Court<\/span>, the county or city wherein is the record or proceeding to which the writ<\/span> relates. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> In actions<\/span> on bonds<\/span> required for public contract<\/span>, the county or city in which the public project, or any part thereof, is situated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> In actions<\/span> to impeach or establish a will, the county or city wherein the will was probated, or, if not probated at the time of the action<\/span>, where the will may be properly offered for probate.\n\t\t\t8., 9. [Repealed.] <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> In actions<\/span> on any contract<\/span> between a transportation district and a component government, any county or city any part of which is within such transportation district. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> In attachments<\/span>,\n\t\t\ta. With reference to the principal defendant<\/span> and those liable with or to him, venue<\/span> shall be determined as if the principal defendant<\/span> were the sole defendant<\/span>; or\n\t\t\tb. In the county or city in which the principal defendant<\/span> has estate or has debts owing to him. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> [Repealed.] <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> a. In any action<\/span> for the collection of state, county, or municipal taxes, any one of the following counties or cities shall be deemed preferred places of venue<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Wherein the taxpayer resides; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Wherein the taxpayer owns real or personal property; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Wherein the taxpayer has a registered office, or regularly or systematically conducts business; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> In case of withdrawal from the Commonwealth by a delinquent taxpayer, wherein venue<\/span> was proper at the time the taxes in question were assessed or at the time of such withdrawal.\n\t\t\t\tb. In any action<\/span> for the correction of an erroneous assessment of state taxes and tax refunds, any one of the following counties or cities shall be deemed preferred places of venue<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Wherein the taxpayer resides; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Wherein the taxpayer has a registered office or regularly or systematically conducts business; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Wherein the taxpayer’s real or personal property involved in such a proceeding is located; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The Circuit<\/span> Court<\/span> of the City of Richmond. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

14.<\/span> In proceedings by writ<\/span> of quo warranto:\n\t\t\ta. The city or county wherein any of the defendants<\/span> reside;\n\t\t\tb. If the defendant<\/span> is a corporation, the city or county where its registered office is or where its mayor, rector, president, or other chief officer resides; or\n\t\t\tc. If there is no officer or none of the defendants<\/span> reside in the Commonwealth, venue<\/span> shall be in the City of Richmond. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

15.<\/span> In proceedings to award an injunction<\/span>:\n\t\t\ta. To any judgment<\/span> or judicial proceeding of a circuit<\/span> court<\/span>, venue<\/span> shall be in the court<\/span> in the county or city in which the judgment<\/span> was rendered or such proceeding is pending;\n\t\t\tb. To any judgment<\/span> or judicial proceeding of a district court<\/span>, venue<\/span> shall be in the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> of the county or city in which the judgment<\/span> was rendered or such proceeding is pending; or\n\t\t\tc. To any other act or proceeding, venue<\/span> shall be in the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> of the county or city in which the act is to be done, or being done, or is apprehended to be done or the proceeding is pending. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

16.<\/span> [Repealed.] <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

17.<\/span> In disbarment or suspension proceedings against any attorney-at-law<\/span>, in the county or city where the defendant<\/span>:\n\t\t\ta. Resides;\n\t\t\tb. Has his principal office or place of practice when the proceeding is commenced;\n\t\t\tc. Resided or had such principal office or place of practice when any misconduct complained of occurred; or\n\t\t\td. Has any pending case as to which any misconduct took place. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

18.<\/span> In actions<\/span> under the Virginia Tort<\/span> Claims Act, Article 18.1 (§ 8.01-195.1<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 3 of this title:\n\t\t\ta. The county or city where the claimant resides;\n\t\t\tb. The county or city where the act or omission complained of occurred; or\n\t\t\tc. If the claimant resides outside the Commonwealth and the act or omission complained of occurred outside the Commonwealth, the City of Richmond. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

19.<\/span> In suits<\/span> for annulment<\/span>, affirmance, or divorce, the county or city in which the parties last cohabited, or at the option of the plaintiff<\/span>, in the county or city in which the defendant<\/span> resides, if a resident of this Commonwealth, and in cases in which an order<\/span> of publication may be issued against the defendant<\/span> under § 8.01-316<\/a>, venue<\/span> may also be in the county or city in which the plaintiff<\/span> resides. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

20.<\/span> In distress actions<\/span>, in the county or city when the premises yielding the rent, or some part thereof, may be or where goods liable to distress may be found. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCATEGORY A OR PREFERRED VENUE (\u00a7 8.01-261)\n\nIn the actions listed in this section, the forums enumerated shall be deemed\npreferred places of venue and may be referred to as “Category A” in\nthis title. Venue laid in any other forum shall be subject to objection;\nhowever, if more than one preferred place of venue applies, any such place shall\nbe a proper forum. The following forums are designated as places of preferred\nvenue for the action specified:\n\n1. In actions for review of, appeal from, or enforcement of state administrative\nregulations, decisions, or other orders:\n\t\t\ta. If the moving or aggrieved party is other than the Commonwealth or an\nagency thereof, then the county or city wherein such party:\n\n 1. Resides;\n\n 2. Regularly or systematically conducts affairs or business activity; or\n\n 3. Wherein such party’s property affected by the administrative action\n is located.\n \t\t\t\tb. If the moving or aggrieved party is the Commonwealth or an agency\n thereof, then the county or city wherein the respondent or a party defendant:\n\n 1. Resides;\n\n 2. Regularly or systematically conducts affairs or business activity; or\n\n 3. Has any property affected by the administrative action.\n \t\t\t\tc. If subdivisions 1 a and 1 b do not apply, then the county or city\n wherein the alleged violation of the administrative regulation, decision, or\n other order occurred.\n\n2. Except as provided in subdivision 1 of this section, where the action is\nagainst one or more officers of the Commonwealth in an official capacity, the\ncounty or city where any such person has his official office.\n\n3. The county or city wherein the subject land, or a part thereof, is situated\nin the following actions:\n\t\t\ta. To recover or partition land;\n\t\t\tb. To subject land to a debt;\n\t\t\tc. To sell, lease, or encumber the land of persons under disabilities;\n\t\t\td. [Repealed.]\n\t\t\te. To sell wastelands;\n\t\t\tf. To establish boundaries;\n\t\t\tg. For unlawful entry or detainer;\n\t\t\th. For ejectment; or\n\t\t\ti. To remove clouds on title.\n\n4. [Reserved.]\n\n5. In actions for writs of mandamus, prohibition, or certiorari, except such as\nmay be issued by the Supreme Court, the county or city wherein is the record or\nproceeding to which the writ relates.\n\n6. In actions on bonds required for public contract, the county or city in which\nthe public project, or any part thereof, is situated.\n\n7. In actions to impeach or establish a will, the county or city wherein the\nwill was probated, or, if not probated at the time of the action, where the will\nmay be properly offered for probate.\n\t\t\t8., 9. [Repealed.]\n\n10. In actions on any contract between a transportation district and a component\ngovernment, any county or city any part of which is within such transportation\ndistrict.\n\n11. In attachments,\n\t\t\ta. With reference to the principal defendant and those liable with or to him,\nvenue shall be determined as if the principal defendant were the sole defendant;\nor\n\t\t\tb. In the county or city in which the principal defendant has estate or has\ndebts owing to him.\n\n12. [Repealed.]\n\n13. a. In any action for the collection of state, county, or municipal taxes,\nany one of the following counties or cities shall be deemed preferred places of\nvenue:\n\n 1. Wherein the taxpayer resides;\n\n 2. Wherein the taxpayer owns real or personal property;\n\n 3. Wherein the taxpayer has a registered office, or regularly or\n systematically conducts business; or\n\n 4. In case of withdrawal from the Commonwealth by a delinquent taxpayer,\n wherein venue was proper at the time the taxes in question were assessed or at\n the time of such withdrawal.\n \t\t\t\tb. In any action for the correction of an erroneous assessment of state\n taxes and tax refunds, any one of the following counties or cities shall be\n deemed preferred places of venue:\n\n 1. Wherein the taxpayer resides;\n\n 2. Wherein the taxpayer has a registered office or regularly or systematically\n conducts business;\n\n 3. Wherein the taxpayer’s real or personal property involved in such a\n proceeding is located; or\n\n 4. The Circuit Court of the City of Richmond.\n\n14. In proceedings by writ of quo warranto:\n\t\t\ta. The city or county wherein any of the defendants reside;\n\t\t\tb. If the defendant is a corporation, the city or county where its registered\noffice is or where its mayor, rector, president, or other chief officer resides;\nor\n\t\t\tc. If there is no officer or none of the defendants reside in the\nCommonwealth, venue shall be in the City of Richmond.\n\n15. In proceedings to award an injunction:\n\t\t\ta. To any judgment or judicial proceeding of a circuit court, venue shall be\nin the court in the county or city in which the judgment was rendered or such\nproceeding is pending;\n\t\t\tb. To any judgment or judicial proceeding of a district court, venue shall be\nin the circuit court of the county or city in which the judgment was rendered or\nsuch proceeding is pending; or\n\t\t\tc. To any other act or proceeding, venue shall be in the circuit court of the\ncounty or city in which the act is to be done, or being done, or is apprehended\nto be done or the proceeding is pending.\n\n16. [Repealed.]\n\n17. In disbarment or suspension proceedings against any attorney-at-law, in the\ncounty or city where the defendant:\n\t\t\ta. Resides;\n\t\t\tb. Has his principal office or place of practice when the proceeding is\ncommenced;\n\t\t\tc. Resided or had such principal office or place of practice when any\nmisconduct complained of occurred; or\n\t\t\td. Has any pending case as to which any misconduct took place.\n\n18. In actions under the Virginia Tort Claims Act, Article 18.1 (§\n8.01-195.1 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of this title:\n\t\t\ta. The county or city where the claimant resides;\n\t\t\tb. The county or city where the act or omission complained of occurred; or\n\t\t\tc. If the claimant resides outside the Commonwealth and the act or omission\ncomplained of occurred outside the Commonwealth, the City of Richmond.\n\n19. In suits for annulment, affirmance, or divorce, the county or city in which\nthe parties last cohabited, or at the option of the plaintiff, in the county or\ncity in which the defendant resides, if a resident of this Commonwealth, and in\ncases in which an order of publication may be issued against the defendant under\n§ 8.01-316, venue may also be in the county or city in which the plaintiff\nresides.\n\n20. In distress actions, in the county or city when the premises yielding the\nrent, or some part thereof, may be or where goods liable to distress may be\nfound.\n\nHISTORY: 1977, c. 617; 1978, c. 334; 1979, c. 331; 1985, c. 433; 1987, c. 567;\n1988, c. 766; 1989, c. 556; 1990, c. 831; 1993, c. 841.","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}}