The court may appoint a surveyor and direct such surveys to be made as it deems necessary, and the costs thereof shall be assessed as the court may direct.
§ 8.01-181.Surveys.
Chapter 3. Actions · Article 16. Establishing Boundaries to Land · Last amended 1977 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceThe court in a boundary-line proceeding may appoint a surveyor, order whatever surveys it finds necessary, and assess the cost of those surveys as it directs.
Full Text of § 8.01-181
Plain-English Summary
Section 8.01-181 gives the court the practical tool it needs to resolve a boundary dispute on the ground, not just on paper. It may appoint a surveyor and direct that surveys be made, as the court deems necessary to determine where the true line falls.
The section also addresses who pays. Rather than fixing a rule for allocating survey costs, it leaves that assessment to the court’s direction, letting the judge apportion the expense between the parties in whatever way fits the circumstances of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the court order a survey in a boundary-line case?
Yes, the court may appoint a surveyor and direct necessary surveys.
Who decides how much survey work is needed?
The court, based on what it deems necessary.
Who pays for a court-ordered survey?
The costs are assessed as the court directs.
Does Section 8.01-181 require a survey in every boundary case?
No, it authorizes the court to order surveys it deems necessary, which implies discretion rather than a mandatory survey in every case.
Is the surveyor chosen by the parties or the court?
The court appoints the surveyor under this section.
Amendment History
Code 1950, § 8-838; 1954, c. 606; 1977, c. 617.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Code of Virginia, published by the
Code of Virginia, Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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