Desertion and Nonsupport

This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.

This is Chapter 5 of the Code of Virginia, titled “Desertion and Nonsupport.” It is part of Title 20 “Domestic Relations”. It contains 40 laws.

It’s comprised of the following 40 sections.

§ 20-61	Desertion or nonsupport of wife, husband or children in necessitous circumstances
§ 20-61.1	Repealed
§ 20-61.3	Consequences of a putative father failing to appear
§ 20-62	Commitment to workhouse, city farm or work squad for such desertion
§ 20-63	Support payments by county or city
§ 20-64	Proceedings instituted by petition
§ 20-65	Summons or warrant; investigation and hearing
§ 20-66	Contempt proceedings; trial in absence of defendant
§ 20-67	Jurisdiction
§ 20-68	Appeal
§ 20-69	Fees of officers
§ 20-70	No warrant of arrest to issue
§ 20-71	Temporary orders for support
§ 20-71.1	Attorneys' fees in proceedings under § 20-71
§ 20-72	Probation on order directing defendant to pay and enter recognizance
§ 20-73	Condition of the recognizance
§ 20-74	Support orders to remain in effect until annulled; modification
§ 20-75	Procedure when accused outside territorial jurisdiction
§ 20-76	Repealed
§ 20-77	When authority to suspend sentence may be exercised; deduction of certain time from sentence
§ 20-78	Continuance of failure to support after completion of sentence
§ 20-78.1	Effect of entry of support order in certain garnishment proceedings
§ 20-78.2	Attorney fees and interest on support arrearage
§ 20-79	Effect of divorce proceedings
§ 20-79.1	Enforcement of support orders; income deduction; penalty for wrongful discharge
§ 20-79.2	Immediate income deduction; income withholding
§ 20-79.3	Information required in income deduction order
§ 20-80	Violation of orders; trial; forfeiture of recognizance
§ 20-81	Presumptions as to desertion and abandonment
§ 20-82	Spouses competent as witnesses
§ 20-83	Venue of offense
§ 20-83.1	Transfer of cases between courts in certain instances
§ 20-84	Extradition
§ 20-85	Repealed
§ 20-87	Arrest for violating directions, rules or regulations given by judge
§ 20-87.1	Repealed
§ 20-88	Support of parents by children
§ 20-88.01	Repealed
§ 20-88.02	Transfer of assets to qualify for assistance; liability of transferees
§ 20-88.02:1	Limitations on spousal support orders resulting in eligibility for medical assistance services; definitions