The General Assembly, at its 1973 Session, passed House Joint Resolution No. 234 directing the Courts of Justice Committees of both the House and Senate to conduct a study of the present Virginia probate statutes and the Uniform Probate Code. It was determined that further study in this area was needed, therefore, at its 1974 Session, the General Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution No. 82 directing that the study be continued.

Pursuant to the study directive the Senate Courts of Justice Committee appointed Senators J. Harry Michael, Jr., Charlottesville; Herbert H . Bateman, Newport News; and Edward M. Holland, Arlington. The House Courts of Justice Committee appointed Delegates Richard W. Elliott, Rustburg; George E. Allen, Jr., Richmond; Joseph A Leafe, Norfolk; C. Hardaway Marks, Hopewell; A L. Philpott, Bassett; and Frank M. Slayton, South Boston.

The members of the Subcommittee elected Senator J. Harry Michael, Jr., Chairman and Delegate Richard W. Elliott, Vice-Chairman of the study.

The Division of Legislative Services, represented by G. William White, Jr., and Howard P. Anderson, Jr., provided counsel and facilities for the study.