2006 Code of Virginia § 20-49.2 - Commencement of action; parties; jurisdiction

20-49.2. Commencement of action; parties; jurisdiction.

Proceedings under this chapter may be instituted upon petition, verified byoath or affirmation, filed by a child, a parent, a person claiming parentage,a person standing in loco parentis to the child or having legal custody ofthe child or a representative of the Department of Social Services or theDepartment of Juvenile Justice.

The child may be made a party to the action, and if he is a minor and is madea party, he shall be represented by a guardian ad litem appointed by thecourt in accordance with the procedures specified in 16.1-266 or 8.01-9.The child's mother or father may not represent the child as guardian orotherwise. The determination of the court under the provisions of thischapter shall not be binding on any person who is not a party.

The circuit courts and the juvenile and domestic relations district courtsshall have concurrent original jurisdiction of cases arising under thischapter. The determination of parentage, when raised in any proceeding, shallbe governed by this chapter.

(1988, cc. 866, 878; 1989, c. 368.)