Virginia
How do I change a custody order in Virginia?
Quick answer
In a Virginia J&DR court, the J&DR District Court Manual says a motion to modify a custody order may be filed directly with the clerk on Form DC-630, Motion to Amend or Review Order, along with a completed DC-620 affidavit. The court applies the two-part test from Keel v. Keel, 225 Va. 606 (1983): has there been a change in circumstances since the most recent custody award, and would a change be in the child’s best interests.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
The test
In Keel, the Supreme Court of Virginia said the change in circumstances can involve either parent or the child, and can be positive as well as negative, and that the best interests prong is the most important part of the test. The best interests factors in Va. Code § 20-124.3 then apply.
Withheld visitation
The intentional withholding of visitation from the other parent without just cause may constitute a material change of circumstances justifying a change of custody, in the discretion of the court (§ 20-108).
Support changes
No support order may be retroactively modified. It may be modified for any period while a modification petition is pending, but only from the date notice of the petition was given to the responding party (§ 20-108).
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.