Region: Richmond

Stand With Parents Demanding Custody Enforcement Reform in Virginia

Petition is addressed to
State Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner

73 signatures

15 %
500 for collection target

73 signatures

15 %
500 for collection target
  1. Launched 22/08/2025
  2. Time remaining > 4 months
  3. Submission
  4. Dialog with recipient
  5. Decision
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Petition is addressed to: State Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner

*Recipient change request submitted*

My name is Amanda Jones, a mother from Henrico County, and I’m calling on lawmakers to reform the way custody orders are enforced in our state. Despite having a court-approved joint custody agreement, I’ve been left powerless when the other parent repeatedly withholds my child—without consequence or accountability.

Right now, custody violations are dismissed as “civil matters,” and law enforcement refuses to intervene. Instead, parents are often told to file a Show Cause or request an emergency custody hearing—lengthy processes that delay justice and allow the continued alienation of children from their parent. These steps also require a valid address to serve the other parent, but in many cases, that information is unavailable or the parent is deliberately avoiding service to stall the process. This loophole is not just a legal technicality—it’s a crisis impacting children and families across Virginia.

We urgently need laws that ensure custody orders are enforceable, protect children from emotional abuse and manipulation, and hold parents accountable when they weaponize the system.
Please sign this petition to support legal reform that protects the rights of parents and the well-being of children. No parent should have to fight alone for the right to see their child.

Reason

This is incredibly important because families across Virginia are being torn apart by a legal system that simply fails to enforce custody orders. When one parent refuses to follow a court order and there’s no real accountability, children suffer the most—emotionally, mentally, and developmentally. Families need laws that protect parental rights and prioritize the well-being of children.

Enforcing custody agreements fairly and consistently is not just a legal issue—it’s a matter of protecting families and preventing long-term harm.

Thank you for your support, Amanda Jones, 23223
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Petition details

Petition started: 08/22/2025
Collection ends: 02/22/2026
Region: Richmond
Topic: Family

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Why people sign

This petition is important to me because I’ve seen how unfair custody enforcement can be, especially in our communities. Too many parents often fathers are pushed out of their children’s lives even when they’re trying to do right. As a Black man, I know how the system can overlook us, dismiss us, or treat us like we don’t matter. I stand with the parents calling for reform because kids deserve stability, fairness, and the love of both parents without bias or broken systems getting in the way.

The system needs to be fair and hold parents who don’t adhere to the custodial agreements accountable.

I am familiar with custodial issues as I am the result of a very horrible one. Simply just supporting a friend who just wants to be a mom.

To lessen children getting hurt in a divorce or used for leverage in custody situations

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