Domestic Violence and Virginia Family Court
How DV concerns may affect child custody and visitation in Virginia.
Custody and Domestic Violence Concerns
Custody Standards
Custody decisions prioritize the best interests of the child. Courts generally assess factors such as the child’s safety, emotional and physical well-being, and the ability of each parent or guardian to provide stable care.
Presenting Domestic Violence Concerns
If there are concerns about domestic violence, these may be brought to the court's attention during custody proceedings. It is common for courts to consider evidence or reports related to abuse when determining custody arrangements.
Safety-Focused Visitation
Visitation plans can be designed to prioritize safety for everyone involved. This might mean supervised visits, exchanges in neutral locations, or scheduling visits at specific times to reduce risk.
Use of Protective Orders
Protective orders may impact custody and visitation arrangements by legally limiting contact between parties. Courts often take existing protective orders into account to help form custody decisions that support safety.
Additional support options can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.