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VA HB528

VA HB528
Compromise of claim for death by wrongful act; approval without a hearing.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
02/02/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Compromise of claim for death by wrongful act; approval without a hearing. Allows the court to approve a proposed compromise of a claim for death by wrongful act if the parties in interest agree to and endorse an approval order relating to such proposed compromise. The bill further requires that the endorsement of any such approval order by a beneficiary shall be notarized unless the endorsement is made by an attorney acting as guardian ad litem for such beneficiary. This bill is a recommendation of the Boyd-Graves Conference.

AI Summary

This bill allows courts to approve settlements for wrongful death claims without a formal hearing if all parties involved, including any appointed guardian ad litem (a person appointed by the court to represent the interests of a minor or incapacitated person), agree to and sign an order approving the settlement. However, for any beneficiary (someone who stands to gain from the settlement) to endorse this approval order, their signature must be notarized, unless the endorsement is made by a licensed attorney acting as a guardian ad litem for that beneficiary. This change, recommended by the Boyd-Graves Conference, aims to streamline the process of settling wrongful death claims when all parties are in agreement.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice (on 02/04/2026)

bill text


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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB528
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB528) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1092534.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB528/text/HB528
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