Jurisdiction – All matters regarding the custody, visitation, support or parentage of a child.
Filing of Petitions – For parties not represented by an attorney an original petition (no existing order) for custody, visitation and support is filed with the Intake Department of the Court Service Unit. They may be reached at (804) 501-4693. For matters where there is an existing court order for custody, visitation and support, that is on file with this court, a Motion to Amend or Review Order (DC-630) or a Motion for Show Cause Summons (DC-635) shall be filed with the Clerk’s Office. These Motions may be filed Monday through Friday 8am-4pm.
Court Calendar – Matters regarding custody and visitation are initiated through a docket call beginning at 9:00 AM on Wednesday. If the matter is not disposed of at that time and is contested it will be set for a contested court date. Matters regarding support are heard on Tuesday beginning at 9:00 AM. Arraignments for Show Causes for support are held at 3:30 PM on Tuesday.
Right to Counsel – A person appearing in court has the right to legal representation and may choose to obtain their own counsel. The accused may also waive their right to legal representation. The right to be represented by a court appointed attorney is restricted by law to those individuals who are indigent and charged with an offense which may be punishable by incarceration. An indigent is defined as a person who, request legal counsel but, is unable to provide for full payment of a lawyer’s fee without causing undue financial hardship to himself or his family.
Right to appeal – If you wish to appeal your case you must do so within ten (10) calendar days of the entry of the final order in writing.
