A person against whom the plaintiff is asserting the claim shall be made a defendant to the petition, and shall be known as a principal defendant. There shall also be made a defendant any person indebted to or having in his possession property, real or personal, belonging to a principal defendant, which is sought to be attached. There may also be made a defendant any person claiming title to, and interest in, or a lien upon the property sought to be attached. A defendant, other than a principal defendant, shall be known as a codefendant.

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Terms Used In Virginia Code 8.01-539

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
  • Person: shall include individuals, a trust, an estate, a partnership, an association, an order, a corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity;

    6. See Virginia Code 8.01-2

  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.

Code 1950, § 8-525; 1977, c. 617.