Bill > HB768

This bill expands the authority of circuit and district courts to order custody evaluations, which are assessments to help judges decide on custody and visitation arrangements for children, by adding this option to existing law. Currently, only juvenile and domestic relations district courts can order these evaluations. Additionally, the bill directs the Board of Psychology, working with the Board of Medicine, to create a group of experts by July 1, 2026, to study why there aren't enough qualified mental health professionals willing to act as court-appointed experts in family law cases, such as custody evaluations. This group will examine factors like licensing board complaints, look at what other states are doing, and determine if Virginia needs new rules or laws to protect these professionals while ensuring accountability. Their findings and recommendations on how to increase the number of available evaluators and improve access to expert testimony will be reported to legislative committees by November 1, 2026.