{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/20-67.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/20-67.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/20-67.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/20-67.html"}],"law_id":353689,"edition_id":2,"section_id":353689,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-67","catch_line":"Jurisdiction","history":"1944, p. 212; Michie Suppl. 1946, \u00a7 1937c; 1974, c. 464; 1975, c. 644.","full_text":"Proceedings under this chapter shall be had in the juvenile and domestic relations district courts, which shall have exclusive original jurisdiction in all cases arising under this chapter, except that any grand jury of any circuit court may indict for desertion and nonsupport in any case wherein the defendant is a fugitive from the Commonwealth, and any defendant so indicted or presented and apprehended may be tried by the court in which the indictment or presentment is found or, in the discretion of the court, referred to the juvenile and domestic relations district court.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1317635,"text":"Proceedings under this chapter shall be had in the juvenile and domestic relations district courts, which shall have exclusive original jurisdiction in all cases arising under this chapter, except that any grand jury of any circuit court may indict for desertion and nonsupport in any case wherein the defendant is a fugitive from the Commonwealth, and any defendant so indicted or presented and apprehended may be tried by the court in which the indictment or presentment is found or, in the discretion of the court, referred to the juvenile and domestic relations district court.","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":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},"next_section":{"id":353690,"structure_id":50639,"section_number":"20-68","catch_line":"Appeal","url":"\/20-68\/","token":"20\/5\/20-68","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/20-67\/","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 644.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1405457,"object_type":"law","relational_id":353689,"identifier":"20-67","token":"20\/5\/20-67","url":"\/20-67\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/20-67\/","token":"20\/5\/20-67","dublin_core":{"Title":"Jurisdiction","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 20-67","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Proceedings under this chapter shall be had in the juvenile and domestic relations district <span class=\"dictionary\">courts<\/span>, which shall have exclusive <span class=\"dictionary\">original jurisdiction<\/span> in all cases arising under this chapter, except that any <span class=\"dictionary\">grand jury<\/span> of any <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> may indict for desertion and nonsupport in any case wherein the <span class=\"dictionary\">defendant<\/span> is a fugitive from the Commonwealth, and any <span class=\"dictionary\">defendant<\/span> so indicted or presented and apprehended may be tried by the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> in which the <span class=\"dictionary\">indictment<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">presentment<\/span> is found or, in the discretion of the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span>, referred to the juvenile and domestic relations district <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nJURISDICTION (\u00a7 20-67)\n\nProceedings under this chapter shall be had in the juvenile and domestic\nrelations district courts, which shall have exclusive original jurisdiction in\nall cases arising under this chapter, except that any grand jury of any circuit\ncourt may indict for desertion and nonsupport in any case wherein the defendant\nis a fugitive from the Commonwealth, and any defendant so indicted or presented\nand apprehended may be tried by the court in which the indictment or presentment\nis found or, in the discretion of the court, referred to the juvenile and\ndomestic relations district court.\n\nHISTORY: 1944, p. 212; Michie Suppl. 1946, \u00a7 1937c; 1974, c. 464; 1975, c. 644.","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"}}