Virginia Lawyers Weekly VA Lawyers Weekly

Where a mother failed to substantially comply with goals set out for her in a foster care plan, did not secure independent housing or find employment, the court’s termination of her parental rights was upheld. Background In March 2015, child ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Judge Randolph A. Beales Virginia Court of Appeals

A husband presented no evidence or legal authority to prove his wife’s 1987 divorce in Peru was not final when he married her in 1988. The Virginia court did not err in granting the wife a divorce. Background Wife’s previous ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Judge Mary Grace O'Brien Virginia Court of Appeals

It was in a child’s best interests to terminate the parental rights of the father who did not comply during the child’s 29 months in foster care with conditions of the foster care plan, and who failed to complete substance ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Judge Randolph A. Beales Virginia Court of Appeals

Where the record contained extensive evidence of the horrific child abuse suffered by the child at the hands of the defendant, the trial court did not err in terminating his parental rights. Background On Jan. 27, 2017, Y.Y., a four-year ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Judge Robert J. Humphreys Virginia Court of Appeals

Where the record amply supported the trial court’s conclusion that the defendant subjected her stepson to “aggravated circumstances,” including not seeking immediate medical treatment for injuries inflicted by his father or addressing the father’s abuse, the court did not err ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Per Curiam Opinion Virginia Court of Appeals

Grandparents’ objections to an order terminating a father’s parental rights and an adoption order came too late, and their motion for permission to review the adoption file was properly denied by the court for confidentiality reasons. Background The Middlesex Department ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Judge Wesley G. Russell Jr. Virginia Court of Appeals

A father’s assault and battery of his child’s mother constituted a material change of circumstance that justified review of a custody and visitation order, even though the charges could be dismissed if he complied with certain conditions. Background Prior to ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Judge Teresa M. Chafin Virginia Court of Appeals

A mother released from prison who tried to establish a relationship with her daughter will get a new trial because the court focused on the length of their separation and did not properly consider other visitation and custody factors in ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Per Curiam Opinion Virginia Court of Appeals

Because neither parent consented to an adoption, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations court did not have subject matter jurisdiction to address whether the father’s consent was withheld contrary to the best interests of the child. Any adoption must therefore originate ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Judge William G. Petty Virginia Court of Appeals

Where a husband failed to establish that there was “gross disparity” in the distribution of marital assets, that his wife exerted oppressive influence over the process, or that the judge acted improperly, the court found the couple’s separation agreement was ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. Virginia Court of Appeals