Temporary Custody and Visitation Orders in Virginia

The status of child custody, when the parents of a child separate, is unsettled until an order for child custody is entered by a court. Until there is a court order, both parents have the ability to “assume” custody of the child at will. What this boils down to is that either parent can physically remove the child from the other and assert that the child will remain with them.

This leads on occasion to cases where a child is residing with one parent and the other parent refuses to return the child after visitation or after picking up the child from school or daycare without warning. Calling the police will not help the matter as they will inform the caller that they are powerless to help unless and until a court order is entered. This is obviously not the case where a child is in any physical danger but applies in all other circumstances.

An order for pendente lite relief, which is available pursuant to Virginia Code Sections 20-124.2 and 20-103, solves the problem. Such an order will provide a temporary custody and visitation arrangement until a final decision on custody is made by the court at trial or by agreement of the parties. A pendente lite order is just as enforceable as a final order and prevents any back and forth child-snatching. This type of tug-of-war is not in the best interest of the child and will most likely make a judge who hears about it at trial very unhappy.

It is best to get a pendente lite order in place as soon as possible so that custody and visitation is established for the child. This gives the custodial parent peace of mind and allows the child continuing and frequent contact with the non-custodial parent, which is required under Virginia Code Section 20-124.2.

Each jurisdiction in Virginia has different rules and regulations as to whether and/or when they will entertain a Motion for Pendente Lite Relief on child custody and visitation. It is important to retain a custody lawyer who is familiar with the local rules for your jurisdiction.

For much more information on how Virginia courts decide custody cases, see our Guide to Custody in Virginia.