Virginia Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources: Walk In Prepared
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Custody in Virginia is decided in the Circuit Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.
The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Virginia documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.
Official Virginia custody resources
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Virginia family law forms (official index) (Virginia judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Virginia family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.vacourts.gov/forms/home
Virginia court self-help resources (Virginia courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Virginia family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov
Virginia mediation and dispute resolution (Virginia judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Virginia family case without a trial. https://www.vacourts.gov/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/drs/mediation/home
VJEFS (Supreme Court of Virginia): Virginia's VJEFS e-filing is restricted to Virginia attorneys and their staff. If you are representing yourself, file your papers on paper with the clerk. https://www.vacourts.gov/online/vjefs/home
Virginia rules of procedure (Virginia judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Virginia. https://www.vacourts.gov/directories/rule115
Verified official Virginia custody documents
These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.
Order for Custody / Parenting Time / Visitation (DC-573), form DC-573 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.vacourts.gov/forms/district/dc573.pdf
UCCJEA Affidavit (DC-620), form DC-620 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.vacourts.gov/forms/district/dc620.pdf
Official link data for Virginia was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Which court hears family cases in Virginia?
Family cases in Virginia are heard in the Circuit Court. A DIVORCE is filed in the Circuit Court. Virginia organizes Circuit Courts into circuits and J&DR courts into districts, by city and county.
Does Virginia favor one parent over the other?
Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Virginia forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.
Do we have to go to mediation first?
Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Virginia mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.
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