When a protective order is issued in a Virginia family law case, the first concern is safety. But for parents, a protective order can also affect something just as important: time with their children. If you are dealing with a protective order or a related custody dispute, a Stafford, VA, protective order attorney can help you understand what these orders mean for your parenting rights in 2026 and what steps you can take next.
Can a Virginia Protective Order Give One Parent Temporary Custody of the Children?
A protective order in Virginia does more than tell someone to stay away. Under Virginia Code § 16.1-279.1, a judge who issues a protective order in a family abuse case has the power to include terms that directly affect your children. The order can: