Further relief based on a declaratory judgment order or decree may be granted whenever necessary or proper. The application shall be by motion to a court having jurisdiction to grant the relief. If the application is deemed sufficient the court shall, on reasonable notice, require an adverse party whose rights have been adjudicated by the declaration of right to show cause why further relief should not be granted forthwith.
§ 8.01-186.Further relief.
Chapter 3. Actions · Article 17. Declaratory Judgments · Last amended 1977 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceA party may obtain further relief based on a declaratory judgment whenever necessary or proper, by motion to a court with jurisdiction to grant it, and if the motion appears sufficient, the court will require the adverse party to show cause why that further relief should not be granted.
Full Text of § 8.01-186
Plain-English Summary
Section 8.01-186 lets a declaratory judgment do more than settle the abstract question of who is right. Once a court has declared the parties’ rights, a party can come back and ask for further relief based on that declaration whenever it is necessary or proper — turning the declaration into something enforceable, rather than leaving the winning party to start an entirely new lawsuit to get practical results.
The mechanism is a motion, not a new complaint. The application for further relief goes by motion to a court that has jurisdiction to grant the relief sought. If the court finds the application sufficient, it does not rule outright — it requires the adverse party, on reasonable notice, to show cause why the further relief should not be granted, giving that party a chance to respond before the court acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a party ask for further relief after winning a declaratory judgment?
By motion to a court with jurisdiction to grant the relief sought.
Does the adverse party get a chance to respond to a request for further relief?
Yes, the court requires the adverse party, on reasonable notice, to show cause why the relief should not be granted.
When can further relief be requested under Section 8.01-186?
Whenever necessary or proper, based on the earlier declaratory judgment.
Does the court automatically grant further relief once requested?
No, the request must appear sufficient, and the adverse party is given a chance to show cause against it first.
Why does this section matter for someone who already has a declaratory judgment order?
It provides a path to convert an abstract declaration of rights into concrete, enforceable relief without filing an entirely new action.
Amendment History
Code 1950, § 8-581; 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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