Virginia § 41.1-8 - When grant invalid; when Commonwealth's right relinquished to land settled on
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 41.1-8 — When grant invalid; when Commonwealth's right relinquished to land settled on, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 41.1-8. When grant invalid; when Commonwealth's right relinquished to land settled on
No grant of any land which shall have been settled continuously for five years previously, upon which taxes shall have been paid at any time within such five years by the person having settled the same, or any person claiming under him, shall be valid; and any title which the Commonwealth may have to such land shall be relinquished to the person in possession of the land claiming the same under such settlement and payment to the extent of the boundary line enclosing the same. But such boundary line shall not include more than 1,500 acres; and any person who has made such settlement and paid such taxes, or anyone claiming under him, may have the land surveyed, and prove the settlement and payment before the circuit court of the county where the land, or a greater part thereof, lies, whereupon such court shall order the plat and certificate of survey to be recorded. Such record shall be conclusive evidence in any controversy between the claimant thereunder and any person claiming under a location of the land made after the date of such order. This section shall relate as well to land forfeited for nonpayment of taxes, or for the failure to have the same entered on the commissioner's books, or both those causes, and to land escheated or escheatable, as to waste and unappropriated lands.
Code 1950, § 41-39; 1970, c. 291.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 41.1-8
What does Code of Virginia § 41.1-8 cover?
Section 41.1-8 ("When grant invalid; when Commonwealth's right relinquished to land settled on") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 41.1-8?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 41.1-8" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 41.1-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.