VA BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield VA BAR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the right to a speedy trial? → The Sixth Amendment right to be tried without unnecessary delay after being charged
2. When are Miranda warnings required? → During custodial interrogation by law enforcement
3. What is a testamentary trust? → A trust created by the terms of a will that takes effect upon the testator's death
4. What is an agency's enabling statute? → The law enacted by Congress that creates the agency and defines its authority and powers
5. What is specific performance as a contract remedy? → A court order requiring the breaching party to perform their contractual obligations
6. Under Virginia Code § 20-89.1, which of the following is a statutory ground for annulment of a voidable marriage? → A party's prior undisclosed conviction of a felony before the marriage
7. When may character evidence be used to prove conduct? → In criminal cases, the defendant may offer evidence of pertinent good character traits
8. Under Virginia's Uniform Trust Code, the trustee's duty of loyalty requires the trustee to: → Act solely in the interests of the beneficiaries
9. According to Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, which of the following scenarios requires a lawyer to withdraw from representing a client? → The client demands that the lawyer take an unethical action.
10. Under Virginia's venue rules, a civil plaintiff may properly file suit in the county or city where: → The defendant resides, has a principal office, or where the cause of action arose
11. What is the best evidence rule? → Original documents must be produced to prove their contents unless an exception applies
12. Under Va. Code § 8.01-243, the statute of limitations for a personal injury action in Virginia is: → 2 years from the date of injury
13. What is a material breach of contract? → A breach so substantial that it excuses the non-breaching party from further performance
14. Under Virginia law, which of the following is NOT a requirement for a valid will to transfer real property? → The will must be notarized.
15. What is the exclusionary rule? → Evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights is inadmissible at trial
16. Virginia recognizes which of the following as a fault-based ground for an absolute divorce? → Adultery
17. Under Virginia law, which of the following actions can a creditor take to collect a debt if the debtor has a bank account? → File a motion for a writ of garnishment.
18. Under Virginia Code § 20-107.1(B), which divorce ground acts as a bar to the offending spouse receiving spousal support? → Adultery
19. What are the grounds for contesting a will? → Lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution
20. Which clause in the U.S. Constitution is often cited in cases involving conflicts between state and federal law? → Supremacy Clause
21. What is consideration in contract formation? → A bargained-for exchange of legal value between the parties
22. Under Virginia law, which of the following is a requirement for a creditor to enforce a judgment lien on real property? → The creditor must record the judgment in the local land records office.
23. Under Virginia law, what is a “homestead exemption” and how does it affect creditors? → It allows debtors to exempt a portion of their home equity from creditors’ claims.
24. What is the purpose of a debtor’s examination in Virginia collections law? → To assess the debtor’s ability to repay the debt and disclose assets.
25. Under Virginia law, which of the following is required for the creation of a valid fee simple absolute interest in real property? → A deed executed and delivered by the grantor
26. What is the double jeopardy clause? → The Fifth Amendment prohibition against being tried twice for the same offense
27. Under Virginia's prudent investor rule, a trustee investing trust assets must: → Consider the portfolio as a whole and diversify
28. Which of the following creditors CAN reach a beneficiary's interest in a spendthrift trust in Virginia? → A beneficiary's ex-spouse seeking court-ordered child support
29. In Virginia, what is the primary purpose of the rule requiring lawyers to maintain client confidentiality? → To encourage full and frank communication between clients and their lawyers
30. Under Virginia law, what is the minimum separation period required for a no-fault absolute divorce when the parties have minor children? → 1 year of continuous separation