                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

PROCEEDINGS FOR DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS (§ 25.1-310)

A. Any person shown by a certificate to be entitled to funds deposited with the
court or represented by a certificate of deposit may petition the court for the
distribution of all or any part of the funds. Any costs of filing such petition
or otherwise withdrawing the funds shall be taxed against the condemnor.

B. A copy of such petition shall be served on either (i) the attorney of record
for the petitioner, if a condemnation proceeding is pending; or (ii) if such a
proceeding is not pending, an officer or agent of the authorized condemnor who
is authorized to accept service of process in any court proceeding on behalf of
the authorized condemnor.

C. The copy of the petition shall be served with a notice returnable to the
court not less than 21 days after such service, to show cause, if the authorized
condemnor can, why such amount should not be distributed in accordance with the
petition.

D. If the authorized condemnor does not, on or before the return day of the
petition, show such cause, and if the record in the proceeding does not disclose
any denial or dispute with respect thereto, the court shall enter an order
directing the distribution of such amount in accordance with the prayers of the
petition. However, in the case of a nonresident petitioner the court may in its
discretion require a bond before ordering the distribution.

E. If funds have been deposited with the court pursuant to subdivision A 1 of
&#xA7; 25.1-305, any interest that has accrued on the funds shall be payable to
the person or persons entitled to receive such funds.

F. If funds are not then on deposit with the court but are represented by a
certificate of deposit pursuant to subdivision A 2 of &#xA7; 25.1-305, a
certified copy of such order shall forthwith be sent to the authorized condemnor
by the clerk. The authorized condemnor shall deposit such funds with the court
within 30 days of the date of such order.

G. Interest shall be payable on funds represented by a certificate of deposit
from the date of filing of the certificate of deposit until the funds are paid
into court at no less than the judgment rate of interest as set forth in &#xA7;
8.01-382. However, interest shall not accrue if an injunction is filed against
the authorized condemnor that enjoins the taking of the property described in
the certificate.

H. If the authorized condemnor shows such cause, or if the record in the
proceeding discloses any denial or dispute as to the persons entitled to such
distribution or to any interest or share therein, the court shall direct such
proceedings as are provided by &#xA7; 25.1-241 for the distribution of awards.

I. All funds due and owing pursuant to this section shall be payable promptly to
the owner or, if the owner consents, to the owner&#8217;s attorney. Nothing in
this subsection shall be construed to alter the priority of liens or any
obligation to satisfy or release any outstanding liens on the property or the
funds.

HISTORY: 2003, c. 940; 2018, c. 842; 2020, c. 1245.