Virginia Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Virginia Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

20 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

5 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

Post-Judgment Interest

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COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Virginia provides a generous 20-year judgment lien and a 6% post-judgment interest rate. Wage garnishment is available, and the homestead exemption of only $5,000 makes real property liens highly effective. Virginia also has strong debtor examination and interrogatory tools.

Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	5 years	`VA Code §8.01-246`
Open Account / Credit Card	5 years	`VA Code §8.01-246`
Oral Contract	3 years	`VA Code §8.01-246`
Promissory Note	6 years	`VA Code §8.01-246`
Judgment Lien	20 years	`VA Code §8.01-251`

Virginia’s 5-year SOL for written contracts is standard in the Mid-Atlantic. Judgments have a 20-year enforcement window, making long-term collection viable.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Virginia post-judgment interest accrues at 6% per annum under VA Code §6.2-302. Interest is simple and begins on the judgment date.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Virginia

Wage Garnishment yes

Virginia allows wage garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings under VA Code §34-29. Employer receives a garnishment summons and must withhold.

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank account garnishments are available after judgment under VA Code §8.01-511. Financial institutions must hold non-exempt funds.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Recording an abstract of judgment in the circuit court creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county or city (VA Code §8.01-458). Lien lasts 20 years.

Turnover Order yes

Virginia courts may issue judgment debtor interrogatories (VA Code §8.01-506) and orders to turn over non-exempt property or assets.

Writ of Execution yes

Writs of fieri facias (fi. fa.) allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property (VA Code §8.01-470).

Vehicle Levy yes

Virginia exempts one motor vehicle up to $6,000 in equity under VA Code §34-26(8). Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	$5,000 (or $10,000 age 65+)	`VA Code §34-4`
Motor Vehicle	$6,000 equity	`VA Code §34-26(8)`
Wages	75% of disposable earnings	`VA Code §34-29`
Personal Property	$5,000 general	`VA Code §34-26`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`VA Code §34-34`

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Virginia Resources

Virginia Courts – Case InformationCivil case records by circuit Virginia SCC – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookup Virginia Circuit Court Clerks – Lien RecordsReal property & judgment liens Virginia Code – LegislatureOfficial state statutes

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Virginia attorney before taking collection action.