Virginia § 57-39.22 - Certain representations unlawful; perpetual care trust fund required
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 57-39.22 — Certain representations unlawful; perpetual care trust fund required, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 57-39.22. Certain representations unlawful; perpetual care trust fund required
A. Effective July 1, 1996, it shall be unlawful to sell or offer for sale in the Commonwealth any burial right in a pet cemetery, and in connection therewith to represent to the public, in any manner, express or implied, that the entire pet cemetery or any burial or interment right therein will be perpetually cared for, unless adequate provision has been made for the perpetual care of the cemetery and all burials and interment rights therein as to which such representation has been made.
B. Each pet cemetery operator shall establish in a bank, savings and loan or other federally insured investment banking institution doing business in the Commonwealth an irrevocable trust fund in the amount of at least $12,000 before the first lot, parcel of land, burial or interment right is sold. This fund shall be designated the perpetual care fund.
C. The moneys of a perpetual care fund shall be invested as provided by § 2.2-4519, Article 9 (§ 64.2-780 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 64.2, and §§ 64.2-1502 through 64.2-1506, except as provided otherwise herein.
D. The income from the perpetual care fund shall be used only for the maintenance, supervision, improvement, and preservation of the grounds, lots, markers, memorials, buildings, equipment, statuary, and other real and personal property of the pet cemetery and for the payment of real property taxes. Annual reports of all the assets and investments of the perpetual care fund shall be prepared and maintained by the operator, and shall be available for inspection at reasonable times to any owner of a burial right in the pet cemetery. Such records shall be subject to examination by the commissioner of revenue.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 57-39.22
What does Code of Virginia § 57-39.22 cover?
Section 57-39.22 ("Certain representations unlawful; perpetual care trust fund required") 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 § 57-39.22?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 57-39.22" (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 § 57-39.22 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.