Rule 8:3.Contents of Petitions in Certain Proceedings.
Part Eight: Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 16, 2026
Full Text of Rule 8:3
Plain-English Summary
Three proceedings get their own content checklists, and each checklist exists because the court cannot act sensibly without the listed facts.
Where a party asks the court to order a government officer, employee, agency or institution to provide information, assistance, services or cooperation under Code § 16.1-278, the motion or petition must say what is sought, identify the state or federal law, regulation or local ordinance that provides for it, and name the officer or body the order should be directed to. The target must be served under Code § 16.1-264 and is entitled to a hearing on the issues raised, held whenever the court thinks appropriate.
A petition for judicial consent to emergency surgical or medical treatment of a juvenile must carry seven items: the juvenile’s name, date of birth, residence and whether they have ever been married; the names and residence of parents, guardian or legal custodian; the nearest known relative if no parent or guardian can be found; the petitioning physician and the petitioning hospital or facility, with addresses; the diagnosis and the recommended medical, surgical and nursing care; and a statement that the physician and facility are willing to provide that care if consent is given.
A support petition — other than a temporary child support order under Code § 16.1-279.1 — must identify who seeks support, who it is sought from, and who it is for, along with whether the Division of Child Support Enforcement is involved, the marital and paternity history where child support is at issue, whether custody has been adjudicated, identifying and employment details for each parent or responsible person, the most recent support order as an attachment, and whether either parent holds a state-issued licence or authorisation. One protection cuts across all of it: where a protective order has issued or a party says they are at risk of physical or emotional harm, nothing but that party’s name is required on the petition — the rest goes to the court and may not be disclosed except by court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a petition seeking government services contain?
The information, assistance, services or cooperation sought; the state or federal law or regulation, or city, county or town ordinance, providing for it; and the officer, employee, agency or institution the order should be directed to.
Does the government agency get a hearing?
Yes. The officer, employee, agency or institution against whom an order is sought is entitled to a hearing on the issues raised by the petition or motion, held at such time as the court deems appropriate.
What goes in a petition for emergency medical treatment of a juvenile?
The juvenile’s name, date of birth, residence and marital history; the parents’, guardian’s or custodian’s names and residence; the nearest known relative if none can be found; the petitioning physician and facility with addresses; the diagnosis and recommended care; and a statement of willingness to provide that care if consent is given.
What if a support petitioner is at risk of harm from the other party?
Where a protective order has been issued, or a party asserts a risk of physical or emotional harm from the other party, no information other than the name of the party at risk may be required on the petition. The information still goes to the court, but may not be disclosed except by order of the court.
Does the support checklist apply to temporary child support orders?
No. Petitions for temporary child support orders issued under Code § 16.1-279.1 are excepted from the requirements in subdivision (c).
Amendment History
Last amended by Order dated November 23, 2020; effective March 1, 2021.