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 for 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. See the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts Informational Pamphlet for more information.

Contact Information

• Individual Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts Homepages

• Map of Virginia's Judicial Circuits and Districts

Forms

• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Forms

Programs

• Foreign Language Services
• Guardians Ad Litem

Resources and Reference Materials

• 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 (click the box by "Juvenile" to restrict the search)