Bill > HB839

This bill directs the Committee on Self-Represented Litigants and its Subcommittee on Domestic Violence Victims of the Access to Justice Commission to establish a work group to study how to improve child custody proceedings for victims of family abuse and their children. This work group will examine issues such as how power imbalances affect custody decisions, how alleged abusers might use court proceedings for harassment, and how survivors' perceptions can influence outcomes. They will also consider potential actions like providing affordable legal aid for abuse survivors, mandating judicial education on trauma and abuse, enhancing training for guardians ad litem (individuals appointed by the court to represent a child's best interests), increasing judicial oversight, and exploring whether custody should be limited for abusers in cases with credible abuse allegations. The work group will include representatives from various organizations, legal professionals, judges, child welfare practitioners, and survivors of family abuse, and must report its findings and recommendations to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice by November 1, 2026.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB839