Rule 8:5.Court-Ordered Reports.
Part Eight: Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 16, 2026
Full Text of Rule 8:5
Plain-English Summary
Several statutes direct the preparation of studies and reports for the juvenile and domestic relations district courts — social histories, investigations and evaluations under Code §§ 16.1-269.2, 16.1-273, 16.1-274, 16.1-275 and 63.2-1524. When the court receives one, it must furnish copies to counsel of record, and on request must mail them.
The second half is the unusual part. Counsel of record must return the reports to the clerk when the hearing ends, and may not make copies of the report, any amended report, or any portion of either. The material is made available for the proceeding and then goes back.
That balance runs through the whole of juvenile practice: counsel cannot argue against a report they have not read, but the reports gather detail about children and families that the court keeps under its own control rather than releasing into circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who receives court-ordered reports under Rule 8:5?
Counsel of record. The court must furnish copies of studies and reports prepared under Code §§ 16.1-269.2, 16.1-273, 16.1-274, 16.1-275 and 63.2-1524, and must mail them on request.
Can counsel keep a copy of the report?
No. Counsel of record must return the reports to the clerk at the conclusion of the hearing, and may not make copies of the report, an amended report, or any portion of either.
When must the reports be returned?
Upon the conclusion of the hearing.
Does the rule apply to amended reports as well?
Yes. The prohibition on copying covers any amended report or any portion of either.
Does counsel have to ask for the report?
The court must furnish copies when it receives them; on request, they must also be mailed to counsel.
Amendment History
Last amended by Order dated March 1, 2011; effective May 2, 2011. Last amended by Order dated November 23, 2020; effective March 1, 2021.