(HB768) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION 1.
Virginia2026Enacted
HB768
Custody Evaluation for Minor Children
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This act allows courts to order custody evaluations in cases involving minor children's custody and visitation arrangements and requires the Board of Psychology, with help from the Board of Medicine, to study mental health professionals willing to serve as court-appointed experts.
What it does
- Allows circuit or district courts to order a custody evaluation when deciding on custody or visitation for minor children.
- Requires the Board of Psychology and the Board of Medicine to form an advisory group by July 1, 2026, to study mental health professionals willing to serve as court-appointed experts in family law cases.
Who it affects
- Courts dealing with custody or visitation cases involving minor children
- Mental health professionals who might serve as court-appointed experts in family law proceedings
Limits and unknowns
- The bill does not specify how the costs of custody evaluations will be covered.
- It is unclear what specific recommendations the advisory group might make regarding mental health professionals' willingness to serve as court-appointed experts.
Plain language
Terms to know
- custody evaluation
- A process where a professional assesses the best interests of a child to help courts decide on custody and visitation arrangements.
- court-appointed expert
- A mental health professional chosen by the court to provide an unbiased opinion in family law cases, such as custody evaluations.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Custody and visitation arrangements for minor; custody evaluation; report. Provides that a circuit or district court may order a custody evaluation to assist with determining the custody or visitation arrangements for a minor. Current law provides that such custody evaluations can be ordered in a proceeding for custody or visitation before a juvenile and domestic relations district court. The bill also directs the Board of Psychology, in consultation with the Board of Medicine, to convene a stakeholder advisory group to study the availability of qualified mental health professionals willing to serve as court-appointed experts in family law proceedings and to report its findings and any recommendations to the Chairs of the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice and House Committee on Health and Human Services no later than November 1, 2026.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 1116 (effective 7/1/2026)Governor
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1116)Governor
- Communicated to GovernorHouse
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- Passed by for the dayHouse
- Passed by for the dayHouse
- Governor's recommendation received by HouseGovernor
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB768)House
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledHouse
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB768ER)House
- Senate amendments agreed to by House (99-Y 0-N 0-A)House
- Read third timeSenate
Changes
Amendments
6 stored
1/28/2026 HB 768 SUBCOMMITTEE 1.
2/04/2026 HB 768 COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.
OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 3/05/2026 HB 768 COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.
3/09/2026 (HB768) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.
3/10/2026 (HB768) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.