{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/20-71.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/20-71.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/20-71.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/20-71.1.html"}],"law_id":65803,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65803,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-71.1","catch_line":"Attorneys’ fees in proceedings under \u00a7 20-71","history":"1950, p. 741; 1974, c. 464; 1975, c. 644.","full_text":"In any proceeding by a spouse petitioning under \u00a7 20-71 before the juvenile and domestic relations district court or on appeal before a court of record, to be allowed support for himself or herself or the infant child or children of the defendant, the juvenile and domestic relations district court may direct the defendant, in addition to the allowance to the spouse and support and maintenance for the infant children, to pay to the spouse’s attorney, upon such terms and conditions and in such time as the court shall deem reasonable, an attorney’s fee deemed reasonable by the court for such services as said attorney before said court. Upon appeal of the matter to a court of record, the judge of the circuit court may direct that the defendant, in addition to the fees allowed to the spouse’s attorney by the juvenile and domestic relations district court, pay to the spouse’s attorney at such time and upon such terms and conditions as the judge deems reasonable, an attorney’s fee deemed reasonable by the court for such services of said attorney before said court of record, but in fixing said fee such court shall take into consideration the fee or fees directed to be paid by the court from which said appeal was taken.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":239169,"text":"In any proceeding by a spouse petitioning under \u00a7 20-71 before the juvenile and domestic relations district court or on appeal before a court of record, to be allowed support for himself or herself or the infant child or children of the defendant, the juvenile and domestic relations district court may direct the defendant, in addition to the allowance to the spouse and support and maintenance for the infant children, to pay to the spouse’s attorney, upon such terms and conditions and in such time as the court shall deem reasonable, an attorney’s fee deemed reasonable by the court for such services as said attorney before said court. Upon appeal of the matter to a court of record, the judge of the circuit court may direct that the defendant, in addition to the fees allowed to the spouse’s attorney by the juvenile and domestic relations district court, pay to the spouse’s attorney at such time and upon such terms and conditions as the judge deems reasonable, an attorney’s fee deemed reasonable by the court for such services of said attorney before said court of record, but in fixing said fee such court shall take into consideration the fee or fees directed to be paid by the court from which said appeal was taken.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13013,"edition_id":1,"name":"Desertion and Nonsupport","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12711,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","permalink":{"id":178421,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13013,"identifier":"5","token":"20\/5","url":"\/20\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12711,"edition_id":1,"name":"Domestic Relations","identifier":"20","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":178075,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12711,"identifier":"20","token":"20","url":"\/20\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":68962,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-61","catch_line":"Desertion or nonsupport of wife, husband or children in necessitous circumstances","url":"\/20-61\/","token":"20\/5\/20-61","metadata":false},{"id":87062,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-61.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-61.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-61.1","metadata":false},{"id":57689,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-61.3","catch_line":"Consequences of a putative father failing to appear","url":"\/20-61.3\/","token":"20\/5\/20-61.3","metadata":false},{"id":55172,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-62","catch_line":"Commitment to workhouse, city farm or work squad for such desertion","url":"\/20-62\/","token":"20\/5\/20-62","metadata":false},{"id":66099,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-63","catch_line":"Support payments by county or city","url":"\/20-63\/","token":"20\/5\/20-63","metadata":false},{"id":68667,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-64","catch_line":"Proceedings instituted by petition","url":"\/20-64\/","token":"20\/5\/20-64","metadata":false},{"id":65766,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-65","catch_line":"Summons or warrant; investigation and hearing","url":"\/20-65\/","token":"20\/5\/20-65","metadata":false},{"id":68728,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-66","catch_line":"Contempt proceedings; trial in absence of defendant","url":"\/20-66\/","token":"20\/5\/20-66","metadata":false},{"id":64821,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-67","catch_line":"Jurisdiction","url":"\/20-67\/","token":"20\/5\/20-67","metadata":false},{"id":83650,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-68","catch_line":"Appeal","url":"\/20-68\/","token":"20\/5\/20-68","metadata":false},{"id":63813,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-69","catch_line":"Fees of officers","url":"\/20-69\/","token":"20\/5\/20-69","metadata":false},{"id":56677,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-70","catch_line":"No warrant of arrest to issue","url":"\/20-70\/","token":"20\/5\/20-70","metadata":false},{"id":81017,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-71","catch_line":"Temporary orders for support","url":"\/20-71\/","token":"20\/5\/20-71","metadata":false},{"id":65803,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-71.1","catch_line":"Attorneys' fees in proceedings under \u00a7 20-71","url":"\/20-71.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-71.1","metadata":false},{"id":63723,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-72","catch_line":"Probation on order directing defendant to pay and enter recognizance","url":"\/20-72\/","token":"20\/5\/20-72","metadata":false},{"id":79282,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-73","catch_line":"Condition of the recognizance","url":"\/20-73\/","token":"20\/5\/20-73","metadata":false},{"id":55024,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-74","catch_line":"Support orders to remain in effect until annulled; modification","url":"\/20-74\/","token":"20\/5\/20-74","metadata":false},{"id":56901,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-75","catch_line":"Procedure when accused outside territorial jurisdiction","url":"\/20-75\/","token":"20\/5\/20-75","metadata":false},{"id":56591,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-76","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-76\/","token":"20\/5\/20-76","metadata":false},{"id":83903,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-77","catch_line":"When authority to suspend sentence may be exercised; deduction of certain time from sentence","url":"\/20-77\/","token":"20\/5\/20-77","metadata":false},{"id":85444,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-78","catch_line":"Continuance of failure to support after completion of sentence","url":"\/20-78\/","token":"20\/5\/20-78","metadata":false},{"id":56123,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-78.1","catch_line":"Effect of entry of support order in certain garnishment proceedings","url":"\/20-78.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-78.1","metadata":false},{"id":57756,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-78.2","catch_line":"Attorney fees and interest on support arrearage","url":"\/20-78.2\/","token":"20\/5\/20-78.2","metadata":false},{"id":78582,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-79","catch_line":"Effect of divorce proceedings","url":"\/20-79\/","token":"20\/5\/20-79","metadata":false},{"id":64307,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-79.1","catch_line":"Enforcement of support orders; income deduction; penalty for wrongful discharge","url":"\/20-79.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-79.1","metadata":false},{"id":58663,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-79.2","catch_line":"Immediate income deduction; income withholding","url":"\/20-79.2\/","token":"20\/5\/20-79.2","metadata":false},{"id":77212,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-79.3","catch_line":"Information required in income deduction order","url":"\/20-79.3\/","token":"20\/5\/20-79.3","metadata":false},{"id":54084,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-80","catch_line":"Violation of orders; trial; forfeiture of recognizance","url":"\/20-80\/","token":"20\/5\/20-80","metadata":false},{"id":78344,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-81","catch_line":"Presumptions as to desertion and abandonment","url":"\/20-81\/","token":"20\/5\/20-81","metadata":false},{"id":71297,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-82","catch_line":"Spouses competent as witnesses","url":"\/20-82\/","token":"20\/5\/20-82","metadata":false},{"id":62002,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-83","catch_line":"Venue of offense","url":"\/20-83\/","token":"20\/5\/20-83","metadata":false},{"id":78671,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-83.1","catch_line":"Transfer of cases between courts in certain instances","url":"\/20-83.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-83.1","metadata":false},{"id":54200,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-84","catch_line":"Extradition","url":"\/20-84\/","token":"20\/5\/20-84","metadata":false},{"id":87005,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-85","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-85\/","token":"20\/5\/20-85","metadata":false},{"id":56884,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-87","catch_line":"Arrest for violating directions, rules or regulations given by judge","url":"\/20-87\/","token":"20\/5\/20-87","metadata":false},{"id":73883,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-87.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-87.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-87.1","metadata":false},{"id":60261,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-88","catch_line":"Support of parents by children","url":"\/20-88\/","token":"20\/5\/20-88","metadata":false},{"id":66481,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-88.01","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-88.01\/","token":"20\/5\/20-88.01","metadata":false},{"id":79708,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-88.02","catch_line":"Transfer of assets to qualify for assistance; liability of transferees","url":"\/20-88.02\/","token":"20\/5\/20-88.02","metadata":false},{"id":80205,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-88.02:1","catch_line":"Limitations on spousal support orders resulting in eligibility for medical assistance services; definitions","url":"\/20-88.02_1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-88.02_1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81017,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-71","catch_line":"Temporary orders for support","url":"\/20-71\/","token":"20\/5\/20-71","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":63723,"structure_id":13013,"section_number":"20-72","catch_line":"Probation on order directing defendant to pay and enter recognizance","url":"\/20-72\/","token":"20\/5\/20-72","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/20-71.1\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1974, chapter 464; in 1975, chapter 644.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":81017,"section_number":"20-71","catch_line":"Temporary orders for support","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-71\/"}],"permalink":{"id":178475,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65803,"identifier":"20-71.1","token":"20\/5\/20-71.1","url":"\/20-71.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/20-71.1\/","token":"20\/5\/20-71.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Attorneys’ fees in proceedings under \u00a7 20-71","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 20-71.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

In any proceeding by a spouse petitioning under \u00a7 20-71<\/a> before the juvenile and domestic relations district court<\/span> or on appeal<\/span> before a court<\/span> of record, to be allowed support for himself or herself or the infant child or children of the defendant<\/span>, the juvenile and domestic relations district court<\/span> may direct the defendant<\/span>, in addition to the allowance to the spouse and support and maintenance for the infant children, to pay to the spouse’s attorney, upon such terms and conditions and in such time as the court<\/span> shall deem reasonable, an attorney’s fee deemed reasonable by the court<\/span> for such services as said attorney before said court<\/span>. Upon appeal<\/span> of the matter to a court<\/span> of record, the judge<\/span> of the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> may direct that the defendant<\/span>, in addition to the fees allowed to the spouse’s attorney by the juvenile and domestic relations district court<\/span>, pay to the spouse’s attorney at such time and upon such terms and conditions as the judge<\/span> deems reasonable, an attorney’s fee deemed reasonable by the court<\/span> for such services of said attorney before said court<\/span> of record, but in fixing said fee such court<\/span> shall take into consideration the fee or fees directed to be paid by the court<\/span> from which said appeal<\/span> was taken.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nATTORNEYS’ FEES IN PROCEEDINGS UNDER \u00a7 20-71 (\u00a7 20-71.1)\n\nIn any proceeding by a spouse petitioning under \u00a7 20-71 before the juvenile and\ndomestic relations district court or on appeal before a court of record, to be\nallowed support for himself or herself or the infant child or children of the\ndefendant, the juvenile and domestic relations district court may direct the\ndefendant, in addition to the allowance to the spouse and support and\nmaintenance for the infant children, to pay to the spouse’s attorney, upon\nsuch terms and conditions and in such time as the court shall deem reasonable,\nan attorney’s fee deemed reasonable by the court for such services as said\nattorney before said court. Upon appeal of the matter to a court of record, the\njudge of the circuit court may direct that the defendant, in addition to the\nfees allowed to the spouse’s attorney by the juvenile and domestic\nrelations district court, pay to the spouse’s attorney at such time and\nupon such terms and conditions as the judge deems reasonable, an\nattorney’s fee deemed reasonable by the court for such services of said\nattorney before said court of record, but in fixing said fee such court shall\ntake into consideration the fee or fees directed to be paid by the court from\nwhich said appeal was taken.\n\nHISTORY: 1950, p. 741; 1974, c. 464; 1975, c. 644.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}