A Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, in Virginia, handles all cases involving juvenile crime, child abuse or child neglect, disputes involving custody and visitation, and other family-related matters, as well as cases in which a child or family member is an alleged victim (it can try misdemeanors, but only preliminary hearings in adult felonies). A judge hears all cases. Appeals from J&DR court go to Circuit Court.
The court also has authority to allow minors, under certain circumstances, to seek abortions. It may also emancipate a child.
References
Government The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court The Chesapeake JDR courts - The Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court The Chesapeake JDR courts Chesapeake Juvenile Court City of Chesapeake Government offices VA Virginia Chesapeake Judge...
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
