Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 501: Guardians ad litem; mandatory appointment in custody or visitation cases involving a minor.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 501 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Guardians ad litem; mandatory appointment in custody or visitation cases involving a minor. Primary sponsor: Danica Roem (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 4, 2026): Stricken at request of Patron in Courts of Justice (11-Y 0-N).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia; guardians ad litem; mandatory appointment in custody or visitation cases involving a minor. Requires the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia (OES) to evaluate the current discretionary appointment of a guardian ad litem in cases where the custody or visitation of a minor child is at issue. The bill requires OES to make a recommendation as to whether the appointment of a guardian ad litem shall be mandatory in all such cases, and to consider the potential impacts of making such an appointment mandatory, including possible delays in hearings if there is not an adequate number of qualified attorneys capable of assuming such duties for the increased number of cases, and any fiscal impacts. The bill directs OES to submit its evaluation, including any observations and recommendations, to the General Assembly no later than January 1, 2027.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danica Roem | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 30 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Stricken at request of Patron in Courts of Justice (11-Y 0-N)
- Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101042D