Virginia AO-440 Summons in a Civil Action is a legal document used in the state of Virginia to notify a defendant that they are being sued in a civil case. This summons ensures that the defendant is aware of the action filed against them and provides them with an opportunity to respond to the allegations made by the plaintiff. In Virginia, there are several types of AO-440 Summons in a Civil Action that can be issued based on the nature of the case: 1. Virginia AO-440 (General) Summons: This type of summons is commonly used in civil cases where a defendant is sued for various reasons such as breach of contract, personal injury claims, property disputes, or other legal matters. It outlines the basic details of the case, including the court where it is filed, the plaintiff's claims, and the required response time for the defendant. 2. Virginia AO-440 (Warrant in Debt) Summons: This specific summons is used in cases where a creditor seeks repayment of a debt owed by the defendant. It provides information about the debt amount, the due date, and the legal consequences if the defendant fails to respond or appear in court. 3. Virginia AO-440 (Unlawful Detained) Summons: This summons is employed in cases related to eviction or unlawful detained, where a landlord seeks to regain possession of a rental property due to non-payment of rent, lease violations, or other contractual breaches. It specifies the grounds for eviction and the response timeframe for the tenant. 4. Virginia AO-440 (Garnishment Summons): This summons is used when a plaintiff seeks to collect a debt from a third party who owes money to the defendant. It notifies the third party, also known as the garnishee, about their obligation to withhold funds from the defendant and deliver them to the plaintiff. Regardless of the specific type, a Virginia AO-440 Summons in a Civil Action typically contains the court's name, the case number, the names of both parties involved, the nature of the claims, the response deadline, and the consequences of not responding. It is crucial for defendants to carefully review and understand the allegations made against them and seek legal counsel if needed to prepare an appropriate response.