Va. Code » Title 20. Domestic Relations » Chapter 7.1. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act » Article 3. Enforcement
Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 20-146.32 (2026)

Ex parte order to take physical custody of child

✓ current as of May 2026
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A. Upon the filing of a petition seeking enforcement of a child custody determination, the petitioner may request in the petition that the court issue an ex parte order that the child be taken into immediate physical custody if the child is imminently likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this Commonwealth. Any petition for an ex parte order shall include the statements required by subsection B of § 20-146.29.

B. If the court, upon the testimony of the petitioner or other witness, finds that the child is imminently likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this Commonwealth, it may issue an ex parte order to take immediate physical custody of the child. A petition filed to enforce a child custody determination which seeks an ex parte order shall be heard on the next judicial day after the ex parte order is issued the unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible.

C. An ex parte order to take physical custody of a child shall:

1. Recite the facts upon which a conclusion of imminent serious physical harm or removal from the jurisdiction is based;

2. Direct law-enforcement officers to take physical custody of the child immediately; and

3. Provide for the placement of the child with the petitioner, suitable relative, other suitable interested individual or the local department of social services pending final relief.

D. The respondent must be served with the petition and ex parte order immediately after the child is taken into physical custody.

E. An ex parte order to take physical custody of a child is enforceable throughout this Commonwealth. If the court finds on the basis of the testimony of the petitioner or other witness that a less intrusive remedy is not effective, it may authorize law-enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical custody of the child. If required by exigent circumstances of the case, the court may authorize law-enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.

F. The court may impose conditions upon placement of a child to ensure the appearance of the child and the child's custodian.

2001, c. 305.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 2008–2008 · leading case: Tyszcenko v. Donatelli, 670 S.E.2d 49 (Va. Ct. App. 2008).
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Tyszcenko v. Donatelli, 670 S.E.2d 49 (Va. Ct. App. 2008). · cites it 2× “27(A) (permitting Virginia courts to “grant any relief normally available under the law of this Commonwealth to enforce a registered child custody determination made by a court of another state”); Code § 20-146.32 (permitting Virginia courts, upon a finding “that the child is…”
Sasson v. Shenhar, 667 S.E.2d 555 (Va. 2008). · cites it 2× “29 for enforcement of a custody order entered in the Spanish court and a motion pursuant to Code § 20-146.32 to permit him to take physical custody of Ilan until the other matters were resolved.”
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