Code of Virginia
Chapter 7.1 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
§ 20-146.31. Hearing and order

A. Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to § 20-146.15, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent establishes that:
1. The child custody determination has not been registered under § 20-146.26 and that:
a. The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Article 2 (§ 20-146.12 et seq.);
b. The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2 (§ 20-146.12 et seq.); or
c. The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of § 20-146.7, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or
2. The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered under § 20-146.26, but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2 (§ 20-146.12 et seq.).
B. The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under § 20-146.33 and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law-enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.
C. If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.
D. A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship between spouses or between parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this article.
2001, c. 305; 2020, c. 900.

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