{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/20-65.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/20-65.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/20-65.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/20-65.html"}],"law_id":353687,"edition_id":2,"section_id":353687,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-65","catch_line":"Summons or warrant; investigation and hearing","history":"1944, p. 211; Michie Suppl. 1946, \u00a7 1937; 1974, c. 464; 1975, c. 557.","full_text":"Upon the filing of such petition the court shall forthwith issue its summons or warrant against the spouse or parent and upon its execution may cause an investigation of the case to be made by a probation officer or other person designated for that purpose who shall report thereon to the court, and thereupon the court shall, upon the return date of the warrant or summons, proceed to determine and hear the case on its merits.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1317632,"text":"Upon the filing of such petition the court shall forthwith issue its summons or warrant against the spouse or parent and upon its execution may cause an investigation of the case to be made by a probation officer or other person designated for that purpose who shall report thereon to the court, and thereupon the court shall, upon the return date of the warrant or summons, proceed to determine and hear the case on its merits.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":50639,"edition_id":2,"name":"Desertion and Nonsupport","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":7,"parent_id":50619,"metadata":{"child_laws":40,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:30:33","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:50","permalink":{"id":1405423,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50639,"identifier":"5","token":"20\/5","url":"\/20\/5\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50619,"edition_id":2,"name":"Domestic Relations","identifier":"20","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":56,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":329,"child_structures":36},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:30:08","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:49","permalink":{"id":1405077,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50619,"identifier":"20","token":"20","url":"\/20\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":353683,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-61","catch_line":"Desertion or nonsupport of wife, husband or children in necessitous circumstances","url":"\/20-61\/","token":"20\/5\/20-61","metadata":false},{"id":353681,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-61.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-61.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-61.1","metadata":false},{"id":353682,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-61.3","catch_line":"Consequences of a putative father failing to appear","url":"\/20-61.3\/","token":"20\/5\/20-61.3","metadata":false},{"id":353684,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-62","catch_line":"Commitment to workhouse, city farm or work squad for such desertion","url":"\/20-62\/","token":"20\/5\/20-62","metadata":false},{"id":353685,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-63","catch_line":"Support payments by county or city","url":"\/20-63\/","token":"20\/5\/20-63","metadata":false},{"id":353686,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-64","catch_line":"Proceedings instituted by petition","url":"\/20-64\/","token":"20\/5\/20-64","metadata":false},{"id":353687,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-65","catch_line":"Summons or warrant; investigation and hearing","url":"\/20-65\/","token":"20\/5\/20-65","metadata":false},{"id":353688,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-66","catch_line":"Contempt proceedings; trial in absence of defendant","url":"\/20-66\/","token":"20\/5\/20-66","metadata":false},{"id":353689,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-67","catch_line":"Jurisdiction","url":"\/20-67\/","token":"20\/5\/20-67","metadata":false},{"id":353690,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-68","catch_line":"Appeal","url":"\/20-68\/","token":"20\/5\/20-68","metadata":false},{"id":353691,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-69","catch_line":"Fees of officers","url":"\/20-69\/","token":"20\/5\/20-69","metadata":false},{"id":353692,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-70","catch_line":"No warrant of arrest to issue","url":"\/20-70\/","token":"20\/5\/20-70","metadata":false},{"id":353694,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-71","catch_line":"Temporary orders for support","url":"\/20-71\/","token":"20\/5\/20-71","metadata":false},{"id":353693,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-71.1","catch_line":"Attorneys' fees in proceedings under \u00a7 20-71","url":"\/20-71.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-71.1","metadata":false},{"id":353695,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-72","catch_line":"Probation on order directing defendant to pay and enter recognizance","url":"\/20-72\/","token":"20\/5\/20-72","metadata":false},{"id":353696,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-73","catch_line":"Condition of the recognizance","url":"\/20-73\/","token":"20\/5\/20-73","metadata":false},{"id":353697,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-74","catch_line":"Support orders to remain in effect until annulled; modification","url":"\/20-74\/","token":"20\/5\/20-74","metadata":false},{"id":353698,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-75","catch_line":"Procedure when accused outside territorial jurisdiction","url":"\/20-75\/","token":"20\/5\/20-75","metadata":false},{"id":353699,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-76","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-76\/","token":"20\/5\/20-76","metadata":false},{"id":353700,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-77","catch_line":"When authority to suspend sentence may be exercised; deduction of certain time from sentence","url":"\/20-77\/","token":"20\/5\/20-77","metadata":false},{"id":353703,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-78","catch_line":"Continuance of failure to support after completion of sentence","url":"\/20-78\/","token":"20\/5\/20-78","metadata":{"court_decisions":{"0":{"name":"Lisa J. Wills v. W. Neil Wills","case_number":"0144204","citation":null,"date":"2021-02-09","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/4854921\/lisa-j-wills-v-w-neil-wills\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"<abbr title=\"Court of Appeals\">COA<\/abbr>"},"1":{"name":"Vinnedge v. Gibbs","case_number":"77-2248","citation":"571 F.2d 579","date":"1978-03-20","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/353542\/vinnedge-v-gibbs\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 571 F.2d 579 .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit"},"2":{"name":"Wills v. Wills (ORDER)","case_number":"210318","citation":null,"date":"2022-04-07","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/6459328\/wills-v-wills-order\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. VIRGINIA: .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"<abbr title=\"Supreme Court of Virginia\">SCV<\/abbr>"},"3":{"name":"W. Neil Wills v. Lisa J. Wills","case_number":"0117204","citation":null,"date":"2021-02-09","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/4854919\/w-neil-wills-v-lisa-j-wills\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"<abbr title=\"Court of Appeals\">COA<\/abbr>"},"4":{"name":"Arthur G. Kahn v. Eileen McNicholas","case_number":"0982164","citation":"67 Va. App. 215","date":"2017-01-31","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/4343925\/arthur-g-kahn-v-eileen-mcnicholas\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. *220 .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"<abbr title=\"Court of Appeals\">COA<\/abbr>"},"5":{"name":"Chattin v. Chattin","case_number":"Record 920653","citation":"427 S.E.2d 347","date":"1993-02-26","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1262965\/chattin-v-chattin\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 427 S.E.2d 347 (1993) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"<abbr title=\"Supreme Court of Virginia\">SCV<\/abbr>"},"6":{"name":"Butler v. Butler","case_number":"Record 790350","citation":"277 S.E.2d 180","date":"1981-04-24","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1309919\/butler-v-butler\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 277 S.E.2d 180 (1981) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"<abbr title=\"Supreme Court of Virginia\">SCV<\/abbr>"},"7":{"name":"Gregory Warren Beaver v. J.D. Netherland, Warden","case_number":"95-4003","citation":"101 F.3d 977","date":"1996-11-12","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/730846\/gregory-warren-beaver-v-jd-netherland-warden\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. *978AMENDED ORDER .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit"},"8":{"name":"Ford v. Purvis","case_number":"78-6321","citation":"584 F.2d 976","date":"1978-09-20","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/360041\/ford-v-purvis\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 584 F.2d 976 .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit"},"9":{"name":"Cogdell, in Re","case_number":"78-6586","citation":"588 F.2d 1347","date":"1978-12-20","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/361969\/cogdell-in-re\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. 588 F.2d 1347 .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit"}}}},{"id":353701,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-78.1","catch_line":"Effect of entry of support order in certain garnishment proceedings","url":"\/20-78.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-78.1","metadata":false},{"id":353702,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-78.2","catch_line":"Attorney fees and interest on support arrearage","url":"\/20-78.2\/","token":"20\/5\/20-78.2","metadata":false},{"id":353707,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-79","catch_line":"Effect of divorce proceedings","url":"\/20-79\/","token":"20\/5\/20-79","metadata":false},{"id":353704,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-79.1","catch_line":"Enforcement of support orders; income deduction; penalty for wrongful discharge","url":"\/20-79.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-79.1","metadata":false},{"id":353705,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-79.2","catch_line":"Immediate income deduction; income withholding","url":"\/20-79.2\/","token":"20\/5\/20-79.2","metadata":false},{"id":353706,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-79.3","catch_line":"Information required in income deduction order","url":"\/20-79.3\/","token":"20\/5\/20-79.3","metadata":false},{"id":353708,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-80","catch_line":"Violation of orders; trial; forfeiture of recognizance","url":"\/20-80\/","token":"20\/5\/20-80","metadata":false},{"id":353709,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-81","catch_line":"Presumptions as to desertion and abandonment","url":"\/20-81\/","token":"20\/5\/20-81","metadata":false},{"id":353710,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-82","catch_line":"Spouses competent as witnesses","url":"\/20-82\/","token":"20\/5\/20-82","metadata":false},{"id":353712,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-83","catch_line":"Venue of offense","url":"\/20-83\/","token":"20\/5\/20-83","metadata":false},{"id":353711,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-83.1","catch_line":"Transfer of cases between courts in certain instances","url":"\/20-83.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-83.1","metadata":false},{"id":353713,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-84","catch_line":"Extradition","url":"\/20-84\/","token":"20\/5\/20-84","metadata":false},{"id":353714,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-85","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-85\/","token":"20\/5\/20-85","metadata":false},{"id":353716,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-87","catch_line":"Arrest for violating directions, rules or regulations given by judge","url":"\/20-87\/","token":"20\/5\/20-87","metadata":false},{"id":353715,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-87.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-87.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-87.1","metadata":false},{"id":353799,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-88","catch_line":"Support of parents by children","url":"\/20-88\/","token":"20\/5\/20-88","metadata":false},{"id":353717,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-88.01","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-88.01\/","token":"20\/5\/20-88.01","metadata":false},{"id":353718,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-88.02","catch_line":"Transfer of assets to qualify for assistance; liability of transferees","url":"\/20-88.02\/","token":"20\/5\/20-88.02","metadata":false},{"id":353719,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-88.02:1","catch_line":"Limitations on spousal support orders resulting in eligibility for medical assistance services; definitions","url":"\/20-88.02_1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-88.02_1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":353686,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-64","catch_line":"Proceedings instituted by petition","url":"\/20-64\/","token":"20\/5\/20-64","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":353688,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-66","catch_line":"Contempt proceedings; trial in absence of defendant","url":"\/20-66\/","token":"20\/5\/20-66","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/20-65\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1974, chapter 464; in 1975, chapter 557.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1405449,"object_type":"law","relational_id":353687,"identifier":"20-65","token":"20\/5\/20-65","url":"\/20-65\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/20-65\/","token":"20\/5\/20-65","dublin_core":{"Title":"Summons or warrant; investigation and hearing","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 20-65","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Upon the filing of such <span class=\"dictionary\">petition<\/span> the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> shall forthwith <span class=\"dictionary\">issue<\/span> its <span class=\"dictionary\">summons<\/span> or warrant against the spouse or parent and upon its execution may cause an investigation of the case to be made by a <span class=\"dictionary\">probation officer<\/span> or other person designated for that purpose who shall report thereon to the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span>, and thereupon the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> shall, upon the return date of the warrant or <span class=\"dictionary\">summons<\/span>, proceed to determine and hear the case on its merits.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSUMMONS OR WARRANT; INVESTIGATION AND HEARING (\u00a7 20-65)\n\nUpon the filing of such petition the court shall forthwith issue its summons or\nwarrant against the spouse or parent and upon its execution may cause an\ninvestigation of the case to be made by a probation officer or other person\ndesignated for that purpose who shall report thereon to the court, and thereupon\nthe court shall, upon the return date of the warrant or summons, proceed to\ndetermine and hear the case on its merits.\n\nHISTORY: 1944, p. 211; Michie Suppl. 1946, \u00a7 1937; 1974, c. 464; 1975, c. 557.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}