{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/8.01-277.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/8.01-277.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/8.01-277.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/8.01-277.1.html"}],"law_id":73896,"edition_id":1,"section_id":73896,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-277.1","catch_line":"Objections to personal jurisdiction or defective process; what constitutes waiver","history":"2011, c. 710.","full_text":"A\n\nExcept as provided in \u00a7 8.01-277, a person waives any objection to personal jurisdiction or defective process if he engages in conduct related to adjudicating the merits of the case, including, but not limited to:1\n\nFiling a demurrer, plea in bar, answer, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim;2\n\nConducting discovery, except as provided in subsection B;3\n\nSeeking a ruling on the merits of the case; or4\n\nActively participating in proceedings related to determining the merits of the case.B\n\nA person does not waive any objection to personal jurisdiction or defective process if he engages in conduct unrelated to adjudicating the merits of the case, including, but not limited to:1\n\nRequesting or agreeing to an extension of time;2\n\nAgreeing to a scheduling order;3\n\nConducting discovery authorized by the court related to adjudicating the objection;4\n\nObserving or attending proceedings in the case;5\n\nFiling a motion to transfer venue pursuant to &#xA7; 8.01-264 when such motion is filed contemporaneously with the objection; or6\n\nRemoving the case to federal court.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":265717,"text":"Except as provided in \u00a7 8.01-277, a person waives any objection to personal jurisdiction or defective process if he engages in conduct related to adjudicating the merits of the case, including, but not limited to:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":265718,"text":"Filing a demurrer, plea in bar, answer, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":265719,"text":"Conducting discovery, except as provided in subsection B;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":265720,"text":"Seeking a ruling on the merits of the case; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":265721,"text":"Actively participating in proceedings related to determining the merits of the case.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":265722,"text":"A person does not waive any objection to personal jurisdiction or defective process if he engages in conduct unrelated to adjudicating the merits of the case, including, but not limited to:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"B1"},"6":{"id":265723,"text":"Requesting or agreeing to an extension of time;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"7":{"id":265724,"text":"Agreeing to a scheduling order;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"8":{"id":265725,"text":"Conducting discovery authorized by the court related to adjudicating the objection;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"9":{"id":265726,"text":"Observing or attending proceedings in the case;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"10":{"id":265727,"text":"Filing a motion to transfer venue pursuant to &#xA7; 8.01-264 when such motion is filed contemporaneously with the objection; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"11":{"id":265728,"text":"Removing the case to federal court.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14084,"edition_id":1,"name":"Pleadings Generally","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13379,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:49","permalink":{"id":281389,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14084,"identifier":"2","token":"8.01\/7\/2","url":"\/8.01\/7\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13379,"edition_id":1,"name":"Civil Actions; Commencement, Pleadings, and Motions","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12747,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:45","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:45","permalink":{"id":281381,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13379,"identifier":"7","token":"8.01\/7","url":"\/8.01\/7\/","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":74024,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-271","catch_line":"Compliance with Rules of Supreme Court","url":"\/8.01-271\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-271","metadata":false},{"id":62884,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-271.01","catch_line":"Electronic filings in civil actions in circuit court","url":"\/8.01-271.01\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-271.01","metadata":false},{"id":85673,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-271.1","catch_line":"Signing of pleadings, motions, and other papers; oral motions; sanctions","url":"\/8.01-271.1\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-271.1","metadata":false},{"id":65320,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-272","catch_line":"Pleading several matters; joining tort and contract claims; separate trial in discretion of court; counterclaims","url":"\/8.01-272\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-272","metadata":false},{"id":75731,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-273","catch_line":"Demurrer; form; grounds to be stated; amendment","url":"\/8.01-273\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-273","metadata":false},{"id":83214,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-273.1","catch_line":"Motion for judgment; motion to refer; Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Act","url":"\/8.01-273.1\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-273.1","metadata":false},{"id":70583,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-274","catch_line":"Motion to strike defensive pleading in equity and at law; exceptions abolished","url":"\/8.01-274\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-274","metadata":false},{"id":58728,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-274.1","catch_line":"Motion or petition for rule to show cause for violation of court order","url":"\/8.01-274.1\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-274.1","metadata":false},{"id":63756,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-275","catch_line":"When action or suit not to abate for want of form; what defects not to be regarded","url":"\/8.01-275\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-275","metadata":false},{"id":73252,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-275.1","catch_line":"When service of process is timely","url":"\/8.01-275.1\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-275.1","metadata":false},{"id":82322,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-276","catch_line":"Demurrer to evidence and plea in abatement abolished; motion to strike evidence and written motion, respectively, to be used in lieu thereof","url":"\/8.01-276\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-276","metadata":false},{"id":55206,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-277","catch_line":"Defective process; motion to quash; untimely service; motion to dismiss","url":"\/8.01-277\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-277","metadata":false},{"id":73896,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-277.1","catch_line":"Objections to personal jurisdiction or defective process; what constitutes waiver","url":"\/8.01-277.1\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-277.1","metadata":false},{"id":81024,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-278","catch_line":"When plea of infancy not allowed; liability of infants for debts as traders; liability of infants on loans to defray expenses of education","url":"\/8.01-278\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-278","metadata":false},{"id":72991,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-279","catch_line":"When proof is unnecessary unless affidavit filed; handwriting; ownership; partnership or incorporation","url":"\/8.01-279\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-279","metadata":false},{"id":73198,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-280","catch_line":"Pleadings may be sworn to before clerk; affidavit of belief sufficient","url":"\/8.01-280\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-280","metadata":false},{"id":55936,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-281","catch_line":"Pleading in alternative; separate trial on motion of party","url":"\/8.01-281\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-281","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":55206,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-277","catch_line":"Defective process; motion to quash; untimely service; motion to dismiss","url":"\/8.01-277\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-277","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":81024,"structure_id":14084,"section_number":"8.01-278","catch_line":"When plea of infancy not allowed; liability of infants for debts as traders; liability of infants on loans to defray expenses of education","url":"\/8.01-278\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-278","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/8.01-277.1\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 2011. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?111+ful+CHAP0710\">710<\/a> 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.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":86879,"section_number":"8.01-264","catch_line":"Venue improperly laid; objection","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-264\/"},{"id":55206,"section_number":"8.01-277","catch_line":"Defective process; motion to quash; untimely service; motion to dismiss","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-277\/"}],"permalink":{"id":281439,"object_type":"law","relational_id":73896,"identifier":"8.01-277.1","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-277.1","url":"\/8.01-277.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/8.01-277.1\/","token":"8.01\/7\/2\/8.01-277.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Objections to personal jurisdiction or defective process; what constitutes waiver","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 8.01-277.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> Except as provided in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Defective process; motion to quash; untimely service; motion to dismiss\" href=\"\/8.01-277\/\">8.01-277<\/a>, a <span class=\"dictionary\">person<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">waives<\/span> any objection to personal <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> or defective process if he engages in conduct related to adjudicating the merits of the case, including, but not limited to: <a id=\"paragraph-265717\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Filing a <span class=\"dictionary\">demurrer<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">plea<\/span> in bar, answer, <span class=\"dictionary\">counterclaim<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">cross-claim<\/span>, or third-<span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span> claim; <a id=\"paragraph-265718\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#A1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Conducting <span class=\"dictionary\">discovery<\/span>, except as provided in subsection B; <a id=\"paragraph-265719\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#A2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Seeking a ruling on the merits of the case; or <a id=\"paragraph-265720\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#A3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A4\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Actively participating in proceedings related to determining the merits of the case. <a id=\"paragraph-265721\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#A4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> A <span class=\"dictionary\">person<\/span> does not <span class=\"dictionary\">waive<\/span> any objection to personal <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> or defective process if he engages in conduct unrelated to adjudicating the merits of the case, including, but not limited to: <a id=\"paragraph-265722\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Requesting or agreeing to an extension of time; <a id=\"paragraph-265723\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#B1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Agreeing to a scheduling <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-265724\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#B2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Conducting <span class=\"dictionary\">discovery<\/span> authorized by the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> related to adjudicating the objection; <a id=\"paragraph-265725\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#B3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B4\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Observing or attending proceedings in the case; <a id=\"paragraph-265726\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#B4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B5\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">5.<\/span> Filing a <span class=\"dictionary\">motion<\/span> to transfer <span class=\"dictionary\">venue<\/span> pursuant to &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Venue improperly laid; objection\" href=\"\/8.01-264\/\">8.01-264<\/a> when such <span class=\"dictionary\">motion<\/span> is filed contemporaneously with the objection; or <a id=\"paragraph-265727\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#B5\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B6\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">6.<\/span> Removing the case to federal <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-265728\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/8.01-277.1\/#B6\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nOBJECTIONS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION OR DEFECTIVE PROCESS; WHAT CONSTITUTES\nWAIVER (\u00a7 8.01-277.1)\n\nA. Except as provided in \u00a7 8.01-277, a person waives any objection to personal\njurisdiction or defective process if he engages in conduct related to\nadjudicating the merits of the case, including, but not limited to:\n\n   1. Filing a demurrer, plea in bar, answer, counterclaim, cross-claim, or\n   third-party claim;\n\n   2. Conducting discovery, except as provided in subsection B;\n\n   3. Seeking a ruling on the merits of the case; or\n\n   4. Actively participating in proceedings related to determining the merits of\n   the case.\n\nB. A person does not waive any objection to personal jurisdiction or defective\nprocess if he engages in conduct unrelated to adjudicating the merits of the\ncase, including, but not limited to:\n\n   1. Requesting or agreeing to an extension of time;\n\n   2. Agreeing to a scheduling order;\n\n   3. Conducting discovery authorized by the court related to adjudicating the\n   objection;\n\n   4. Observing or attending proceedings in the case;\n\n   5. Filing a motion to transfer venue pursuant to &#xA7; 8.01-264 when such\n   motion is filed contemporaneously with the objection; or\n\n   6. Removing the case to federal court.\n\nHISTORY: 2011, c. 710.","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}}