Family courts—also known as domestic relations courts—are usually trial courts with the authority to hear only matters relating to family or domestic matters—such as divorce, child custody, and child support—and modification of related orders—as well as dating and domestic violence matters. Courts dedicated to family or domestic relations matters are usually located in populous counties and are said to have exclusive jurisdiction of domestic relations matters within the county.
In Virginia, family courts, often referred to as domestic relations courts, are specialized courts that handle cases pertaining to family law issues. These courts typically have exclusive jurisdiction over matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, and modifications of existing family law orders. Additionally, they address issues related to dating and domestic violence. Virginia's family courts are structured within the circuit court system, with each circuit serving one or more counties or cities. The jurisdiction of these courts is generally determined by the location of the parties involved. In more populous counties, there may be specific judges or court divisions dedicated exclusively to handling family law matters, ensuring that these sensitive cases are managed by judges with specialized knowledge and experience in family law.