Virginia § 55.1-3104 - Liability for execution, filing, recording wrongful or erroneous certificate

Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 55.1-3104 — Liability for execution, filing, recording wrongful or erroneous certificate, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 55.1-3104. Liability for execution, filing, recording wrongful or erroneous certificate

A. A certificate of release executed and filed or recorded wrongfully or erroneously by a settlement agent shall not relieve a party or his successor, assignee, or representative from obligation or liability for the debt or other obligations secured by the judgment lien.

B. A settlement agent who negligently executes and files or records an erroneous certificate of release shall be liable to the lien creditor for actual damages sustained due to the recording of such certificate of release. The minimum amount of such actual damages shall be the amount received by the owner of the property in the settlement and shall not exceed the outstanding balance of the unpaid judgment at the time of the sale of the property, plus attorney fees.

C. The procedure authorized by this chapter for the release of a judgment lien shall constitute an optional method of accomplishing a release of a judgment lien secured by property in the Commonwealth. The nonuse of the procedure authorized by this subsection for the release of a judgment lien shall not give rise to any liability or any cause of action whatsoever against a settlement agent by any obligated party or anyone succeeding to or assuming the interest of the obligated party.

2023, c. 550.

Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 55.1-3104

What does Code of Virginia § 55.1-3104 cover?

Section 55.1-3104 ("Liability for execution, filing, recording wrongful or erroneous certificate") 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 § 55.1-3104?

A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 55.1-3104" (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 § 55.1-3104 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.