# Va. Code Ann. § 57-17: Conveyance of church land held in adverse possession

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-17

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 57-17
- **Heading:** Conveyance of church land held in adverse possession
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 57 / Chapter 2 / Article 2 / Section 57-17

## Text

Whenever any church in the Commonwealth has been in the undisputed possession, for a period of 25 years or more, of any real estate, and for which there is no deed of record, the church, after giving notice once a week for four successive weeks in some newspaper published in, or having general circulation in, the county or city in which such real estate is, may file a petition in the circuit court of such county, or any court of record of such city, duly sworn to, which petition shall set forth the fact that the real estate mentioned therein has been in the undisputed possession of such church for a period of 25 years or more and shall give the true boundaries of such real estate. Upon the hearing of such petition, if the court shall be satisfied that the real estate mentioned has been in the undisputed possession of such church for a period of 25 years or more; that the boundaries mentioned in the petition are the true boundaries of such real estate; and that such petition has been filed by the proper party, it may appoint a special commissioner to make conveyance of such real estate to the church, with covenant of special warranty.

1918, p. 94; 1924, p. 498; Michie Code 1942, § 46a; 2005, c. 772 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-7 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-7.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-7.1 What transfers for religious purposes valid](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-7.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-8 Appointment of trustees to effect the purposes of conveyances, etc.; validation of certain appointments](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-8.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-9 How property rights determined on division of church or society](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-9.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-10 How trustees to hold personal property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-10.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-11 Suits by and against trustees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-11.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-12 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-12.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-13 Suits by members against trustees to compel proper application of property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-13.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-14 Suits by members to have land sold or mortgaged](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-14.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-15 Proceedings by trustees or members for similar purposes, exception for certain transfers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-15.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-15.1 Order may provide that fiscal officer may sign instrument without personal liability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-15.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-16 Property held, etc., by ecclesiastical officers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-16.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-16.1 Property of unincorporated church held by corporation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-16.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 57-17 Conveyance of church land held in adverse possession](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-17.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T57_C2_A2_S57-17. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.