Virginia family law is changing: 4 key updates you should know in 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, several changes are scheduled to take effect in Virginia that may impact families going through separation, divorce or custody arrangements. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing — and what it might mean for you.
1. Expanded child support obligation guidelines
Virginia has updated and expanded its specific child support guidelines schedule to now cover combined gross monthly incomes up to $42,500.
What this means for you: Starting in July, the child support guidelines increase, meaning that the payer of child support will be paying more child support, and the recipient will be receiving more child support for each child subject to a child support order. Additionally, if you and your co-parent have a higher combined income, your child support amount will be specifically outlined by the Commonwealth’s guidelines.
2. Parents guaranteed online access to their child’s academic and health records
The General Assembly updated the section about a parent’s access to a minor’s records to include access to a secure website where records are contained or made available. The previous version of the law didn’t specifically address online records access.
What this means for you: If you’ve had trouble getting access to a secure portal to obtain your child’s school or health records, this change gives you clearer, enforceable access to stay informed.
3. Expanded access and duration of protective orders
Virginia now permits courts to issue protective orders for up to four years — doubling the previous maximum of two years — if the respondent was subject to a prior protective order within the past 10 years.
Additionally, the law now specifically addresses military protective orders; a military protective order issued can now be admissible or considered as evidence in a protective order hearing. Furthermore, the law now specifically states that law enforcement must now notify the military if a civil protective order is violated, if a military protective order exists against the same Defendant.
What this means for you: If safety is a concern, especially in repeat or military-involved cases, courts now have more tools to offer long-term protection and coordinate across systems.
4. Clarity on appeal deadline for court-ordered home sales in divorce
Under the updated law, if a court orders your home to be sold as part of a divorce, any challenge to the sale must be made through a timely appeal. Unlike other court-ordered sales, which may be challenged within 12 months of confirmation, divorce-related property sales now follow the standard appellate timeline, reinforcing the need for swift legal action.
What this means for you: You’ll need to act quickly if you want to contest an order of the Court during divorce. Waiting could mean losing your chance to appeal.
Whether you’re facing a custody dispute, seeking child support or responding to a protective order, it’s important to stay informed and consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney.
Emily Baker and Tofarati Oba are family law attorneys at Tucker PLLC. If you have questions about how these legal changes might affect you or your family, our experienced VA family law attorneys are here to help guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
