Family Law/ Domestic Violence Click the links below to get additional information on each topic Adoption Learn about the steps in adopting a child, the factors the judge will consider when deciding whether to grant the adoption and the legal effects of adoption. Back Child Support Getting behind in paying court-ordered child support results in "arrearages." What might happen when there are arrearages, and what can you do about it? Child Abuse, Foster Care and Court Termination of Parental Rights What happens when children are abused or neglected? The local Department of Social Services will receive complaints, investigate and take action. There are different steps that might be taken, including termination of parental rights in the most serious cases. Child Custody and Visitation The factors and legal procedures in deciding who should have custody and who should have visitation of children when families are separated. A court order is often necessary in order to provide some stability and certainty for the children. Child Support Who is obligated to pay child support and when? Is a court order required? How is child support determined and enforced? Divorce and Separation Divorce and Separation Divorce, Spousal Support, and Division of Marital Property and Debts The law and court procedures for divorce. Includes not only the legal grounds for divorce but other things that can be part of the divorce. Domestic Violence and Protective Orders How to get court-ordered legal protection against actual or threatened domestic abuse. These are called Protective Orders, which are enforced by law enforcement. Emancipation of Children Condition under which minors may be declared legally eligible to handle their own affairs. How to do this, and what it means. Establishing a Birth Record Getting a birth certificate when none was obtained at birth. Changing or replacing an existing birth certificate. Guardianship and Conservatorship Getting appointed by the court to take care of someone and their property when they become incapacitated to the point where they're not able to manage things for themselves. How to Respond to a Complaint for Divorce Very general information on things to consider when properly answering a Complaint for Divorce that's been served on you. Pay careful attention to deadlines to respond. Getting the assistance of an attorney is strongly recommended. Name Change: Adult Describes the legal proceeding by which an adult may seek a change of name. Name Change: Child This information describes ways that parents may change the name of their child under 18 years old. Paternity Proving someone is, or is not, the father of a child. How someone is presumed to be the father even without a court order. Self-Help Divorce You may be able to file for divorce without an attorney. See if you qualify and take a look at the website that will generate the forms for you. Spousal Support Getting financial support from your spouse when you're separated, even if you're not starting a divorce. Also called alimony. Termination of Parental Rights A person's legal rights and responsibilities as a parent can be terminated in situations of extreme abuse, neglect, or other danger to the child. Who can do this, how is it done, and what is the legal effect? Your Rights as a Parent when Dealing with Child Protection Services The child welfare system, through the Department of Social Services, is designed to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of the child. However, parents also have rights in the legal process that's used to protect the child. La custodia de los menores y las órdenes de visitas La custodia de los menores y las órdenes de visitas Manutencion de Menores Manutencion de Menores Reconocer, denunciar y evitar El maltrato y descuido infantil en Virginia Reconocer, denunciar y evitar El maltrato y descuido infantil en Virginia Los Servicios de proteccion para adultos Los Servicios de proteccion para adultos Updated 10/2024 Domestic violence support, legal help, free resources, legal help in Virginia, pro bono near me, child custody
