Child and Spousal Support

The Juvenile Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court regarding matters of child and spousal support. Concurrent jurisdiction in this context means that either the Juvenile Court or the Circuit Court can hear a case regarding child or spousal support filed by a parent or spouse. However, under certain circumstances, if a support hearing is scheduled in the Juvenile Court and someone files a case in Circuit Court where the issue of support will be heard within 21 days, the Juvenile Court loses jurisdiction and can no longer hear that case until the Circuit Court enters an order sending the case back to the Juvenile Court for any further proceedings or hearing.

While the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement handles most child support matters administratively outside of the Court system, their counsel also bring those cases to the Juvenile Court for

• Determination of paternity of a child
• Establishment of support
• Modification of support - increase or decrease
• Enforcement of support

While parents are entitled to seek a court order for support of a child or children, in some instances the administrative process can be more effective and efficient. If a parent, however, desires to have a case heard by a judge, he/she must contact the Court Service Unit and appear before an Intake Officer to file a Petition for support. The parent may also hire an attorney who can file a Petition directly with the Clerk of Court.

Spousal Support can likewise be sought through the Juvenile Court. The Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement, however, will not assist a person who is seeking spousal support from the other spouse.

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