2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26100742D

SENATE BILL NO. 463

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to direct the Judicial Council of Virginia, Virginia State Bar, and Virginia Bar Association to convene a work group to evaluate representation by guardians ad litem in child custody cases; report.

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Patron—Roem

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Referred to Committee on Rules

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. That the Judicial Council of Virginia, in conjunction with the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia Bar Association, shall convene a work group composed of relevant stakeholders to study the appointment of guardians ad litem in cases involving the custody of a child. The work group shall evaluate and study the ratio of the number of reasonably available attorneys who are qualified to serve as guardians ad litem in accordance with § 16.1-266.1 of the Code of Virginia to the number of cases involving the custody of a child, including such cases where the court is (i) required by law to appoint a guardian ad litem and (ii) permitted to appoint a guardian ad litem and exercises such discretion. The work group shall report its findings and recommendations, including the identification of particular jurisdictions or other areas for which additional support relating to the appointment of or representation by guardians ad litem in cases involving the custody of a child may be required, to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice by November 30, 2026.