In Executive Order 55, Governor Northam issued a stay-at-home order for all non-essential purposes and limited social gatherings to less than 10 people in Virginia. The order specifically addressed child custody and visitation, stating that individuals may “leave their residence for purposes of … traveling required by court order or to facilitate custody, visitation, or …
If a child’s health or safety is at risk in their current environment, parents or other interested parties can petition the court for emergency child custody. There are specific rules that apply to emergency custody. At any time, parents, step-parents, or others can petition the court for custody of the child and must demonstrate their …
In Virginia, custody of a child may be awarded to any non-parent with a legitimate interest. The statute provides a presumption for the “primacy of the parent-child relationship.” Va Code 20-124.2(B). Anyone who wishes to overcome this presumption must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the best interest of the child would be better …
