Custody Transfer

You can receive custody of the child through the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court or Circuit Court in Virginia. When a judge gives custody, it becomes a legal order and previous custody agreements no longer apply.

Custody gives you the ability and authority to care for the child, and make important decisions about their medical care and education. 

The court may give you:

• Sole legal custody, which means you make all major decisions.
• Sole physical custody, which means the child lives with you.
• Joint custody, which means you share responsibilities with someone else.

You can also ask for help from local or state programs to support the child’s needs, such as TANF, Medicaid, or WIC.

If you want to become a kinship caregiver, or if you have a child, you would like a family member or close family friend to care for, contact your  local department of social services.