Do grandparents have visitation rights in VA?

Virginia law allows a court to award visitation between a child and any person with a legitimate interest. A grandparent may receive visitation if it serves the child’s best interests and doesn’t substantially interfere with the parent-child relationship.

How do I get visitation rights in Virginia?

Virginia custody law requires that the court provide the child with frequent and continuing contact with both parents. (Va. Code Ann. § 20-124.2 (B)) If the court awards one parent primary (sole) physical custody, the judge will create a parenting time (visitation) schedule for the child and the non-custodial parent.

Can an aunt get visitation rights in Virginia?

In Virginia, a petition for custody or visitation may be filed by either parent or by any “person with a legitimate interest.” Virginia law defines a person with a legitimate interest broadly to include grandparents, stepparents, former stepparents, blood relatives and family members such as aunts, uncles or adult …

Is va a mother State?

Virginia law gives no preference to either the mother or the father. Virginia law doesn’t assume shared physical custody of a child is favored. However, more and more often judges are granting shared physical custody, as well as joint legal custody.

Can a court order a parent to pay for visitation?

In any case or proceeding involving the custody or visitation of a child, as to a parent, the court may, in its discretion, use the phrase “parenting time” to be synonymous with the term “visitation.” C. The court may order that support be paid for any child of the parties.

What are the procedures for custody and visitation arrangements?

The procedures for determining custody and visitation arrangements shall insofar as practical, and consistent with the ends of justice, preserve the dignity and resources of family members. Mediation shall be used as an alternative to litigation where appropriate.

Can a service animal be allowed in the visitation area?

Specialized wheelchairs may be allowed after a reasonable search, including chairs that are medically required for a visitor without use of their extremities and/or those who are unable to stand. Service or guide animals may be permitted in the visitation area based on specific circumstances.

Can a parent of a minor visit an offender?

You can add more than one minor to your application. If you are not the parent or legal guardian of the accompanying minor, permission must be documented on a Notarized Statement – Minor Visitor form. You will only be able to visit multiple offenders if they are your immediate family.

Can a grandparent get visitation with a grandchild in Virginia?

In many cases, a grandparent who requests visitation with a grandchild will receive it. The primary question a judge will decide is how much visitation is appropriate. Virginia law allows a court to award visitation between a child and any person with a legitimate interest.

What is custody, visitation and support in Virginia?

The content of this page was provided by the Lynchburg Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and has been posted on Virginia’s Judicial System Web site as a courtesy to the Lynchburg Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. What is Custody? Custody is the care, control, and maintenance of a child.

How can a custody and visitation order be enforced?

Any order of the court–including-custody and visitation orders–can be enforced by filing a motion with the court requiring the other party to “Show Cause” why he or she should not be held in contempt of court for failing to follow the court’s order. A “Show Cause” proceeding may be either criminal or civil in nature.

When does a judge order a visitation schedule?

If the parents cannot agree to a visitation schedule, the judge will order a schedule. This can include general visitation days as well as holidays, school breaks, summer, vacations, and special occasions.