# Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2409: Proceedings to claim land escheated

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2409

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2409
- **Heading:** Proceedings to claim land escheated
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 55.1 / Subtitle V / Chapter 24 / Section 55.1-2409

## 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.

Code 1919, § 497; Code 1950, § 55-176; 1983, c. 482; 1990, c. 938; 2019, c. 712 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2400 Definition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2400.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2401 Appointment of escheators](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2401.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2402 Bond of escheator](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2402.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2403 Increase or reduction of penalty of escheator's bond; effect](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2403.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2404 Annual report to escheator; lands not liable](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2404.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2405 Escheator to hold inquest; notice of inquest](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2405.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2406 Jury of inquest; presentation of evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2406.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2407 Attendance of jurors; compensation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2407.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2408 How verdict signed; where returned and recorded](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2408.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2409 Proceedings to claim land escheated](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2409.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2410 Trial by jury; judgment of court](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2410.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2411 Facts or evidence to be certified](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2411.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2412 Lands may be committed to claimant while claim pending](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2412.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 55.1-2413 Disposition of lands while claim is pending, if not committed to claimant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2413.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T55.1_SV_C24_S55.1-2409. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.