Virginia legal term
Standby guardian in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Standby guardian” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Standby guardian” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Standby guardian" means a person who, in accordance with this article, is designated in writing or approved by the court to temporarily assume the duties of guardian of the person or guardian of the property, or both, of a minor child on behalf of or in conjunction with a qualified parent upon the occurrence of a triggering event. (Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-349)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.