VA HB839

Directs the Committee on Self-Represented Litigants and its Subcommittee on Domestic Violence Victims to convene a work group studying improvements to child custody proceedings involving family abuse allegations

Requires review of how power dynamics impact custody outcomes, including frequency of alleged abusers gaining custody and use of court proceedings as harassment instruments

Work group must consider actions including affordable legal representation for abuse survivors, mandatory judicial education on trauma and abuse, and improved guardian ad litem training

Mandates stakeholder representation including the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, Virginia Family Law Coalition, at least two judges, at least three family abuse survivors, and Court Appointed Special Advocate program representatives

Report with findings and recommendations due to House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice by November 1, 2026