CHAPTER 484

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 8-54, as amended, and 20-99, of the Code
of Virginia, relating to how notice served in annulment or divorce
cases; how divorce or annulment suits instituted and conducted, so as
to provide an alternative method for serving certain notices.

[S 24]

Approved April 4, 1968

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 8-54, as amended, and 20-99 of the Code of Virginia be
amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 8-54. Notice in annulment or divorce cases, how served.—In a
suit for annulling a marriage or for divorce the subpoena in chancery
to commence the suit and notices for the taking of depositions, or for any
other purpose, shall be served only by the sheriff of the county, or the
sheriff or sergeant of the city, or the deputies of either, in which the
service is sought to be had, except that, when, for any reason it is improper
for the sheriff or sergeant, or the deputies of either, to act, the service shall
be made as provided in § 15-512 [§ 15.1-77]; provided, however, that in
cases where such suits have been commenced and an appearance has been
made on behalf of the defendant by counsel, then notices to take dep-
ositions may be served by delivering or mailing a copy to counsel for
opposing party, the foot o f such notices bearing either acceptance of service
or a certificate of counsel in compliance with Rule 2:17 of the Rules of the
Supreme Court of Appeals.

§ 20-99. How such suits instituted and conducted; costs.—Such suit
shall be instituted and conducted as other suits in equity, except that the
bill shall not be taken for confessed, nor shall a divorce be granted on the
uncorroborated testimony of the parties or either of them; and, whether
the defendant answer or not, the cause shall be heard independently of the
admissions of either party in the pleadings or otherwise; and no process
or notice in such proceedings shall be served in this State, except by officers
authorized to serve the same; provided, however, that in cases where such
suits have been commenced and an appearance has been made on behalf
of the defendant by counsel, then notices to take depositions may be
served by delivering or mailing a copy to counsel for opposing party, the
foot of such notices bearing either acceptance of service or a certificate of
counsel in compliance with Rule 2:17 of the Rules of the Supreme Court

of Appeals. Costs may be awarded to either party as equity and justice
may require.