8.12 Pendente Lite Relief

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

8.12 PENDENTE LITE RELIEF

In child custody and visitation disputes, the trial court may enter an order pending trial as provided in section 20-103 of the Virginia Code. ¹¹⁷ Section 20-103 applies in suits for divorce, annulment, and separate maintenance as well as in child custody and visitation proceedings brought in the juvenile and domestic relations district court pursuant to section 16.1-241(A)(3) of the Virginia Code.

Notice should be given to the opposing party of any request for pendente lite relief. If the pendente lite relief is sought in the initial pleading, notice of the request for pendente lite relief should be served on the respondent

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or defendant along with the pleading and the process issued by the court. ¹¹⁸

In addition to the relief afforded by section 20-103, a juvenile and domestic relations district court may also enter a preliminary protective order pursuant to section...