Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

About

There is a juvenile and domestic relations district court in each Virginia city and county. In Virginia, a juvenile is any person under 18 years of age. The juvenile and domestic relations district court hears all matters involving juveniles such as criminal or traffic matters. Juvenile delinquency cases are cases involving a minor under the age of 18 who has been accused of committing an offense that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult. Other juvenile offenses may be referred to as status offenses. Status offenses are those acts that are unlawful only because they are committed by a minor.

In addition, this court handles other matters involving the family such as custody, support and visitation. The court also hears family abuse cases, cases where adults have been accused of child abuse or neglect, and criminal cases where the defendant and alleged victim are family or household members.

• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts Informational Pamphlet

Contact Information

• All District Courts
• Individual Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts Homepages
• Map of Virginia's Judicial Circuits and Districts

Forms

Pay Criminal and Other Cases in a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Manuals

• Court-Appointed Counsel Procedures & Guidelines Manual
• Court-Appointed Counsel Eligibility
• District Court Judges’ Benchbook
• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Manual

Programs

• Domestic Violence Programs and Services
• Court Improvement Program
• Recovery Courts
• Foreign Language Services
• Guardians Ad Litem
• Mediation
• Parent Education

Resources and Reference Materials

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  Provides basic information about the requirements of the ADA as they pertain to Virginia’s Judicial System, including how to request an accommodation.
• American Bar Association (ABA) Center on Children and the Law
• Code of Virginia
  • Title 16.1, Chapter 11 – Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts
• Commonwealth of Virginia Agency Websites
  • Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Youth and Families (CSA)
  • Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA)
  • Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
  • Department of Social Services (DSS)
    • Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE)
  • Indigent Defense Commission
    • Locate Certified Court-Appointed Counsel
    • Qualifications for Juvenile Trial Counsel
• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts Informational Pamphlet
• National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
• Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia
  • Note: Part 8 of the Rules specifically addresses proceedings in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts; however, additional sections of the Rules may also apply.
• Virginia Courthouse Facility Guidelines