In addition to the definitions in § 59.1-435, the following terms in this chapter shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

Terms Used In Virginia Code 59.1-441.1

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
  • Person: includes any individual, corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, government, political subdivision, or any other legal or commercial entity and any successor, representative, agent, agency, or instrumentality thereof. See Virginia Code 1-230

“Contract holder” means a person entering into a subscription contract with an organization;

“Department” means the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;

“Legal services organization” or “organization” means a person subject to regulation and licensing under Chapter 44 of Title 38.2 who operates, conducts, or administers a legal services plan;

“Legal services plan” or “plan” means a contractual obligation or an arrangement whereby legal services are provided in consideration of a specified payment consisting in whole or in part of prepaid or periodic charges, regardless of whether the payment is made by the subscribers individually or by a third person for them;

“Legal services plan seller” means a person subject to registration and regulation under this chapter who offers to a subscriber the opportunity to enter into a subscription contract. Home office salaried officers whose principal duties and responsibilities do not include the negotiation or solicitation of subscription contracts shall not be required to register under this chapter;

“Subscriber” means any person entitled to benefits under the terms and conditions of a subscription contract; and

“Subscription contract” means a written contract that is issued to a subscriber by an organization and that provides legal services or benefits for legal services.

2004, c. 784.