VIRGINIA Part 73

Step 3: Appear in front of the judge.

Your case will be assigned to a particular judge after the petition is filed.  All of your court dates will generally be scheduled with your assigned judge.            You may appear in front of the judge on the date you file if you are asking for immediate temporary custody.  Otherwise, you may be given a date to return to court to appear in fronf of the judge.  The abuser will also be able to appear in court on that date as well.