§ 20-81 Presumptions as to desertion and abandonment
Proof of desertion or of neglect of spouse, child or children by any person shall be prima facie evidence that such desertion or neglect is willful; and proof that a person has left his or her spouse, or his or her child or children in destitute or necessitous circumstances, or has contributed nothing to their support for a period of thirty days prior or subsequent either or both to his or her departure, shall constitute prima facie evidence of an intention to abandon such family.
History
The record of this law’s original creation isn’t available online. The oldest record of it is its appearance in the Code of Virginia of 1919, as § 1941. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1918, at page 761; in 1922, at page 846; in 1974, chapter 464.
Code 1919, § 1941; 1918, p. 761; 1922, p. 846; 1974, c. 464.