§ 16.1-353 Further proceedings to determine permanent guardianship, custody
A. If the triggering event was death of the qualified parent, within 90 days following the occurrence of the triggering event or, if later, commencement of the standby guardian’s authority, the standby guardian shall (i) petition for appointment of a guardian for the child as otherwise provided by law or (ii) initiate other proceedings to determine custody of the child pursuant to Chapter 6.1 (§ 20-124.1 et seq.) of Title 20, or both.
B. In all other cases a standby guardian shall promptly after occurrence of the triggering event initiate such proceedings to determine permanent custody, absent objection by the qualified parent. The petition shall be accompanied by:
1. The court order approving or written designation of a standby guardian; and
2. The attending physician’s written determination of incompetence or debilitation; a verification of death; or evidence of the parent’s detention, incarceration, or deportation in connection with an immigration action.
History
This law was first created in 1998. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 829 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.
1998, c. 829; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 241.