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Virginia · 2026 Regular Session
HB1517Mandatory sequestration of record; partial sealing, good cause shown exception.
Direction
Custody & supportcustody parenting timeAI label
=No change to rights of the paying or noncustodial parentmodel confidence 80%
Changes the default from discretionary ('may') to mandatory ('shall') court sealing of records in domestic relations suits upon a party's motion (except for good cause shown), making it easier to restrict public access to custody-related case files.
Except for good cause shown, upon motion of a party to any suit under this chapter, the court shall order the record thereof, including all motions and pleadings, or any agreement of the parties, filed therein, even if incorporated into a court order, to be sealed or partially sealed and withheld from public inspection
✓ Quote verified word for word in the bill text
Custody & supportotherAI label
=No change to rights of the paying or noncustodial parentmodel confidence 70%
Adds a specific rule that court rulings and orders in domestic relations suits shall be sealed only for good cause shown, limiting the prior broader discretion to seal such documents.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, rulings and orders of the court shall be sealed only for good cause shown.
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill amends a statute governing record sealing in domestic relations suits (which include custody, support, and related matters under Chapter 6.1 of Title 20). It shifts from permissive to mandatory sealing upon motion (with a good-cause exception) and clarifies that rulings/orders require good cause to seal. These are procedural changes to public access rather than substantive alterations to parental rights, obligations, custody standards, support calculations, or third-party visitation; thus neutral on the custody-support axis with no other qualifying topics.
Related bills
HB839Child custody proceedings; study, provisions to improve procedure for victims of family abuse, etc.↓Restricts rights of the paying or noncustodial parent↓Restricts rights of the paying or noncustodial parent Committee
HB1382Members of U.S. Armed Forces, etc.; domicile & residential requirements for annulment, etc.=No change to rights of the paying or noncustodial parent=No change to rights of the paying or noncustodial parent Law
HB1406Foreign divorce decrees; exercise of power by courts of the Commonwealth, non-domiciled party.=No change to rights of the paying or noncustodial parent=No change to rights of the paying or noncustodial parent Law
HB839Child custody proceedings; study, provisions to improve procedure for victims of family abuse, etc.↓Restricts rights of the paying or noncustodial parent↓Restricts rights of the paying or noncustodial parent Died (session ended)
Hearings and calendar
2026-02-09 00:00 · Hearing · House Courts of Justice: Civil Hearing House North Subcommittee Room - 200