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Annual Survey Of Virginia Law: Family Law, Elizabeth P. Coughter, Ronald R. Tweel
Annual Survey Of Virginia Law: Family Law, Elizabeth P. Coughter, Ronald R. Tweel
University of Richmond Law Review
The most significant case decisions regarding family law issues in Virginia this year are those cases involving the preemptive effect of federal law on equitable distribution issues. These cases held that federal law preempts state law when beneficiary provisions of certain insurance policies and retirement plans are being determined. Other important decisions struck down the self-executing provisions of property settlement agreements regarding the payment of child support. Additionally, a decision by the Court of Appeals of Virginia would have abrogated all property settlement agreements endorsed prior to 1998 were it not for a subsequent statutory modification.
The "Tender Years" Doctrine In Virginia, Deborah M. Russell
The "Tender Years" Doctrine In Virginia, Deborah M. Russell
University of Richmond Law Review
In several recent decisions in the domestic relations area, the Virginia Supreme Court has significantly altered the "tender years" doctrine to afford fathers more rights in custody of their young children. This aspect of child custody litigation is actually a corollary of the overall maternal preference rule in resolving custody disputes between natural parents. Specifically, the doctrine purports that the mother is the natural custodian of her children of "tender years," and that she should not be denied custody if she is a fit and proper person. This comment will focus primarily upon the evolution of this concept in Virginia. …