55-401 - Definitions. - Virginia Statutes

§ 55-401. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

1. "Slayer" shall mean any person (i) who is convicted of the murder orvoluntary manslaughter of the decedent or, (ii) in the absence of suchconviction, who is determined, whether before or after his death, by a courtof appropriate jurisdiction by a preponderance of the evidence to havecommitted one of the offenses listed in subdivision (i) resulting in thedeath of the decedent. For the purposes of subdivision (ii), the partyseeking to establish that a decedent was slain by such person shall have theburden of proof.

2. "Decedent" shall mean any person whose life is so taken.

3. "Property" shall include any real and personal property and any right orinterest therein.

(1981, c. 469; 1987, c. 498; 2008, cc. 822, 830.)