Virginia family law resources
Free guides for parents in Virginia custody and support cases, with links to the official statewide forms
What do you need help with?
I want to file for custody or visitation
The intake office, the DC-511 petition, the DC-620 affidavit, and the $25 filing fee
I was served with a custody petition
No written answer is required under Rule 8:8, but the summons requires you to appear
I want to change a custody order
The DC-630 Motion to Amend or Review Order and the two-part test from Keel v. Keel
I need child support or want it changed
The gross income guideline in § 20-108.2 and the 90-day shared custody formula
The court sent us to mediation or a parenting class
The orientation session, the 14-day objection, and the four-hour parent education seminar
I want to move with my child
The 30-day advance written notice in § 20-124.5
The other parent is not following the order
Show cause and contempt, and collecting unpaid support
I need an emergency or temporary order
Emergency, preliminary, and full protective orders, and orders pending the case
The Family Court Playbook: Virginia Edition
11 guides from start to finish
Step 1
How Custody Court Works in Virginia
The J&DR district court, the circuit court, the intake office, and when a divorce moves custody
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Step 2
Custody Types and the Best Interest Factors in Virginia
Joint and sole custody, parenting time, and the ten best interests factors in § 20-124.3
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Step 3
How to File a Custody or Visitation Petition in Virginia
Venue, the verified petition, the DC-620 affidavit, the $25 fee, and the summons
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Step 4
How to Modify a Custody or Visitation Order in Virginia
The DC-630 motion, the Keel v. Keel test, withheld visitation, and deployment
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Step 5
Affidavits, Oaths, and Sworn Statements in Virginia Family Court
Verified petitions, the DC-620 and DC-699 affidavits, and § 8.01-4.3 declarations
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Step 6
How to Prepare Evidence for a Virginia Custody Case
Discovery only by court order, subpoena timing, hearsay, and business records
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Step 7
How Child Support Is Calculated in Virginia
Gross income, the schedule, added costs, shared and split custody, and deviations
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Step 8
Income Information and Support Worksheets in Virginia
What a support petition must say, the DC-603 notice, and statements of gross income
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Step 9
How Custody Papers Are Served in Virginia
Personal and substituted service, out-of-state parties, publication, and later papers
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Step 10
Mediation and Parent Education Seminars in Virginia
The orientation session, opting out, confidentiality, and the parent education seminar
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Step 11
What to Expect at a Virginia Custody Hearing and Appeal
Continuances, court reporters, the decision, and the 10-day de novo appeal
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More guides
Specific topics and situations
Relocation
The 30-day notice and how a move is raised with the court
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EnforcementEnforcing an order
Show cause and contempt for custody orders and collecting unpaid support
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EmergencyEmergency relief
Emergency, preliminary, and full protective orders for family abuse
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Official Virginia sources
Custody, visitation and support self-help
Virginia Judicial System court self-help page for parents
J&DR domestic relations forms
Statewide district court forms for custody, support, and related motions
Parent education
Supreme Court of Virginia parent education program and approved providers
Division of Child Support Enforcement
Virginia Department of Social Services child support services
Custody schedule builder
Lay out a custody schedule on a real calendar and count each parent’s overnights
Build a schedule →
Onbello is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These guides are general legal information about Virginia law and court rules, with sources listed on each page. Each juvenile and domestic relations district court and circuit court has its own local practices, so check with your local court as well.