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1. I want to file for custody, visitation and support. What do I need to bring?

• As the petitioner, you cannot be named or a party to any existing custody, visitation or support order from this or any other jurisdiction.  
• If divorced from the other parent, you must bring in the decree and all other agreements incorporated into the divorce decree.  
• The child must reside in this jurisdiction.  
• You must supply the full name, date of birth, social security number, race and sex for the child, as well as the addresses where the child has resided for the past five years.  
• You must bring the address for the respondent and if at all possible,  his or her social security number, date of birth, employer and employer's address.  You as the petitioner must supply this information.

2. Is there a cost to file for custody, visitation and support?

Yes. The fees are paid to the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Clerk's Office. Their phone number is 804-748-1379. The associated fees are:

• There is a one-time $25 cost to file custody and visitation petitions.
• There is a $12 fee for filing a spousal support petition.
• There is no cost for filing child support petitions.

Please Note: The Court Services Unit does not collect the money.

3. I already have a custody, visitation and/ or support order from the Chesterfield Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court but I want to change it, what do I do?

You can contact the Chesterfield Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Clerk's Office and file a "motion to amend" the existing court order:
7000 Lucy Corr Boulevard
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: 804-748-1379

4. I just moved to Chesterfield and have a custody, visitation and/or support order from another jurisdiction and I want to change the order, what do I do?

• You can only request a change to a court order from the jurisdiction that issued the order.
• You can only request the order be transferred to Chesterfield from the original jurisdiction.

5. How do I get a protective order?

The Chesterfield Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court has the authority to issue protective orders to prevent further acts of violence or threats of violence from:

• Family members
• A person you have a child in common with
• A person you have resided with in the past 12 months

Process

• Come to the Court Services Unit and request a petition for a protective order (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Go the Magistrate's Office located at the Chesterfield County Jail and request an Emergency Protective Order after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, weekends and holidays.
  • If granted by the magistrate, the order is only for 72 hours
  • You must then come to the CSU to request a petition for a protective order

Please be advised: Just because an emergency protective order was issued by the magistrate does not guarantee a petition for a protective order will be issued. If there is probable cause to issue a petition, the intake officer will assist you with the next steps.