4.4 Referral to Educational Programs

• Library: Virginia Family Law: A Systematic Approach (Virginia CLE) (2018 Ed.)

4.4 REFERRAL TO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

In cases where a child's custody, visitation, or support is contested, the parties must attend an educational program designed to help them appreciate their responsibilities and the likely effects of separation or divorce on their child. The court may require attendance in an uncontested case only if it finds good cause. This requirement can apply to circuit court suits for divorce, annulment, and separate maintenance and to juvenile and domestic relations district court cases if the cases involve child custody, visitation, or child support. ²¹ "Parties" include natural or adoptive parents of the child or any person with a legitimate interest as defined in section 20-124.1 of the Virginia Code. ²² The parties must show proof that they have attended an

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educational program approved by the court within the 12 months preceding their court appearance or within 45 days thereafter. The court may grant an exemption for good cause or if there is no program reasonably available. ²³ Lawyers can...