In Virginia, a writ of fieri facias (or writ of Fi Fa) is a court-issued document that allows a judgment creditor to collect unpaid debts. It authorizes the sheriff to seize and sell a debtor’s non-exempt property to satisfy a monetary judgment. This legal tool is used when a debtor fails to pay voluntarily.

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Per Code of Virginia § 58.1-3919, the Treasurer is authorized to collect delinquent taxes by distress. The distress may be exercised without a court order. The treasurer, or the sheriff at the direction of the treasurer, may seize any property to satisfy a tax liability.

Per Code of Virginia § 8.01-474, the Sheriff is authorized to go to the debtor's residence and inventory and/or seize property for collection of the debt. This is usually referred to as either a Writ of FiFa or Levy. The Writ of Fieri Facias is good for ninety (90) days from the date of issuance. This means the Sheriff has ninety (90) days in which to execute the process.