                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

NATURAL GUARDIANS (§ 64.2-1700)

The parents of an unmarried minor child are the joint natural guardians of the
person of such child with equal legal powers and legal rights with regard to
such child, provided that the parents are living together, are respectively
competent to transact their own business, and are not otherwise unsuitable. Upon
the death of either parent, the survivor shall be the natural guardian of the
person of such child. If either parent has abandoned the family, the other
parent shall be the natural guardian of the person of such child.

HISTORY: Code 1919, § 5320; 1930, p. 687; Code 1950, § 31-1; 1999, c. 16;
2012, c. 614.