Simultaneous proceedings in another state
Va. Code Ann. § 20-88.38
in effectA. A tribunal of the Commonwealth may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed after a pleading is filed in another state or foreign country only if:
1. The petition or comparable pleading in the Commonwealth is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state or the foreign country for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state or the foreign country;
2. The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state or the foreign country; and
3. If relevant, the Commonwealth is the home state of the child.
B. A tribunal of the Commonwealth may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed before a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state or foreign country if:
1. The petition or comparable pleading in the other state or foreign country is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the Commonwealth for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the Commonwealth;
2. The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the Commonwealth; and
3. If relevant, the other state or foreign country is the home state of the child.
1994, c. 673 ; 2015, c. 727 .
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/20-88.38/Fetched: 10/16/2026