Va. Code » Title 20. Domestic Relations » Chapter 7.1. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act » Article 1. General Provisions
Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 20-146.8 (2026)

Appearance and limited immunity

✓ current as of May 2026
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A. A party to a child custody proceeding, including a modification proceeding, or a petitioner or respondent in a proceeding to enforce or register a child custody determination is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this Commonwealth for another proceeding or purpose solely by reason of having participated, or having been physically present for the purpose of participating, in the proceeding.

B. A person who is subject to personal jurisdiction in this Commonwealth on a basis other than physical presence is not immune from service of process in this Commonwealth. A party present in this Commonwealth who is subject to the jurisdiction of another state is not immune from service of process allowable under the laws of that state.

C. The immunity granted by subsection A does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to the participation in a proceeding under this act committed by an individual while present in this Commonwealth.

2001, c. 305.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 1 case, 2011–2011 · leading case: Harrison v. Harrison, 706 S.E.2d 905 (Va. Ct. App. 2011).
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Harrison v. Harrison, 706 S.E.2d 905 (Va. Ct. App. 2011). · cites it 26× “On appeal, husband asserts that the trial court erred by: 1) denying in personam jurisdiction over wife based upon Code § 20-146.8; 2) denying in personam jurisdiction over wife based upon Code § 8.”
Va. Code Ann. § 20-146.8(A): 1 case
Harrison v. Harrison, 706 S.E.2d 905 (Va. Ct. App. 2011). “On appeal, husband asserts that the trial court erred by: 1) denying in personam jurisdiction over wife based upon Code § 20-146.8; 2) denying in personam jurisdiction over wife based upon Code § 8.”
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