Lien for attorney fees; written notice requirements; validity and amount determinations. Provides that written notice of a lien for attorney fees shall be given either within 45 days of the end of representation or (i) in causes of action sounding in tort or for liquidated or unliquidated damages on contract, before settlement or adjustment or (ii) in cases of annulment or divorce, before final judgment is entered, whichever is earlier. The bill further provides that the validity and amount of such a lien may be determined either by motion in the case in which the lien is claimed or by separate action after final judgment has been entered therein or if no case has been filed. The bill specifies that the validity and amount of such a lien shall be determined by the court without a jury and directs the Office of the Executive Secretary to create a form to be filed with the clerk of the circuit court. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Boyd-Graves Conference.

Statutes affected:
Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/23 23100739D: 54.1-3932
Senate: Printed as engrossed 23100739D-E: 54.1-3932
Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB817ER): 54.1-3932
Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0234): 54.1-3932