Virginia Law

A. A default judgment in an action to which this chapter applies shall be entered only if the complaint or amended complaint complies with the provisions of this section and includes the notice required pursuant to § 8.01-465.29.

B. The complaint or amended complaint shall state:

1. Each name and address of the consumer in the records of the creditor at the time of charge off or, if the consumer debt was not charged off, at the time of default;

2. The name of the creditor, including any merchant brand, affinity brand, or facility name associated with the consumer debt;

3. At least the last four digits of the account number or other account identifier used in communicating with the consumer before charge off or, if the consumer debt was not charged off, before default;

4. The date and amount of the last payment;

5. The date of charge off or, if the consumer debt was not charged off, the date of default;

6. The amount of the outstanding balance;

7. The amount of the judgment sought by the plaintiff, itemizing the outstanding balance and any of the following amounts not included in the outstanding balance (i) total finance charges, (ii) total fees or costs, (iii) total attorney fees, and (iv) total credits and payments;

8. A statement as to whether the amount of the judgment may increase due to accrued interest, fees, or other charges;

9. The authority of the plaintiff to bring the action;

10. Facts sufficient to demonstrate that the action is being commenced in a proper venue;

11. Facts sufficient to demonstrate that the action is being commenced within the applicable statute of limitations; and

12. Unless the plaintiff is the creditor, (i) the name of each person that acquired ownership of the debt after charge off, or, if the consumer debt was not charged off, after default; and (ii) the date of each such acquisition of the consumer debt.

C. Subject to authentication as may be required by law or the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, the plaintiff shall attach to the complaint or amended complaint a copy of:

1. At least one of the following that is sufficient to demonstrate the existence of the consumer debt:

a. An agreement signed by the consumer;

b. A record of a purchase, payment, or use of an account; or

c. A record otherwise demonstrating that the consumer debt was incurred; and

2. If the plaintiff is not the creditor, documentation sufficient to demonstrate the authority of the plaintiff to collect the consumer debt.

2026, c. 395.