Guardianship Lawyer Manassas, VA

Your sister has been deployed overseas, and her eight‑year‑old son is staying with you for an indefinite period. The school asks for proof that you can make decisions for him. You realize that a court‑approved guardianship is the trusted way to protect him and give you the legal authority you need. This scenario, or a similar one involving an aging parent or a minor relative, brings families to court in Manassas every day. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates part of its family‑law practice on guardianship matters in the Manassas area, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly before the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the Manassas Circuit Court. Whether you are seeking a permanent guardianship, a standby arrangement, or an emergency order, our firm works to guide you through the process and toward a resolution that serves the best interests of the child or the adult at issue. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Guardianship Means in Manassas, Virginia

A guardianship is a court‑appointed relationship in which an adult assumes legal responsibility for a minor or an incapacitated adult. In Manassas, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court—located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230—typically handles guardianship petitions for minors, while the Circuit Court at the same address may be involved when equitable distribution or other family‑law issues are present. The underlying authority is Virginia Code Title 64.2, particularly Chapter 20, which sets out the standards and procedures for appointing a guardian.

Because the Manassas courts serve both the City of Manassas and the adjacent Manassas Park community, the same courthouse and the same judicial expectations apply. The Thirty‑first Judicial District bench, led by the Hon. Che C. Rogers, regularly hears guardianship cases. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to these matters, helping families understand what the court will require—including the petition, the supporting affidavits, and the home‑study or interview process—so that the petition can move forward efficiently. Results may vary.

In Virginia, the guardian of a minor is responsible for the child’s personal needs: schooling, medical care, and daily welfare. A guardian of the estate manages any property or assets the child may own. Often both roles are pursued together, but the court can separate them when appropriate. The same statutory framework, found at Va. Code § 64.2‑2000 et seq., also covers temporary and emergency guardianships, standby guardianships that activate upon a triggering event, and kinship guardianships when a relative seeks appointment. Manassas families work with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to determine which type of petition fits their situation.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Guardianship Cases

Every guardianship case begins with a careful evaluation of the family’s circumstances. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, brings a keen understanding of courtroom procedure to guardianship petitions. His Of Counsel—all non‑employee attorneys engaged through Excella—assist in gathering the necessary documentation and preparing the petition. The team collaborates with the client to assemble the sworn statements, medical or school records, and any other evidence the court will review.

If the matter is uncontested—for example, a parent voluntarily supports the appointment of a grandparent as guardian—the petition can often be resolved without a protracted hearing. When disputes arise, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel advocate vigorously in the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or, if the case is consolidated with a divorce or custody proceeding, in the Manassas Circuit Court. Throughout the process, the firm’s focus remains on presenting a clear, fact‑supported case that meets the statutory requirements of Va. Code § 64.2‑2000 et seq.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he maintains a five‑jurisdiction practice that gives him a broad perspective on guardianship and family‑law issues. His Of Counsel bring additional experience in litigation, child‑welfare agency matters, and family‑court proceedings. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to guardianship cases in Manassas. Results may vary.

The firm’s Fairfax location—by appointment only—at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032—serves Manassas clients. Consultation is available by phone at (888) 437‑7747, and the firm has Spanish‑language capability for families who need it.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a guardianship petition in Manassas?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but a guardianship petition involves court filings, procedural rules, and a judge’s scrutiny, so legal guidance is highly advisable. The Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court expects the petition to meet specific requirements under Va. Code § 64.2‑2000 et seq., and errors can delay or derail the process. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help ensure the paperwork is complete, the evidence is properly presented, and your interests—and those of the child or incapacitated adult—are protected.

What is the difference between guardianship and custody in Virginia?

Custody is the right of a parent (or another individual) to make day‑to‑day decisions about a child, while a guardianship is a court‑ordered transfer of legal responsibility for a minor or an incapacitated adult to a non‑parent when the parent is unavailable or unable to serve. Custody determinations typically arise in divorce or paternity actions under Title 20 of the Virginia Code, whereas guardianships are governed by Title 64.2. The Manassas courts can handle both types of cases, but the procedures and the statutory factors the court considers are different.

Can I get an emergency guardianship in Manassas?

Yes, the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court can issue an emergency guardianship order when there is an immediate risk of harm or urgent need for decision‑making authority. An emergency petition requires a sworn statement detailing why the child or adult cannot wait for a full hearing. The court may grant temporary authority and schedule a quick follow‑up hearing to determine whether a longer‑term guardianship is appropriate. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 if you need to act quickly.

Who can be appointed as a guardian in Manassas?

Virginia law gives preference to a suitable relative, but the court will consider any competent adult who can meet the child’s or incapacitated adult’s needs. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and close family friends may petition. The court reviews the petitioner’s background, living situation, and ability to care for the ward. In contested cases, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can present evidence showing why a particular petitioner is the trusted choice under the statutory factors.

How long does a guardianship last?

A guardianship continues until the court terminates it—usually when the child reaches age 18 or the incapacitated adult regains capacity—unless it is a temporary or standby arrangement with a built‑in expiration. The guardian may also petition the court to resign, or an interested party may petition to modify or end the guardianship. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can assist with post‑appointment modifications when circumstances change.

What happens if a parent objects to a guardianship?

If a parent objects, the court will hold an evidentiary hearing where both sides present evidence, and the judge decides based on the child’s best interests and the requirements of Va. Code § 64.2‑2000 et seq. A parent’s objection does not automatically defeat a petition, but the burden is on the petitioner to show that the guardianship is necessary and that the parent is unable or unwilling to care for the child. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel advocate on behalf of the petitioner throughout such contested proceedings.

Additional Resources and Related Pages

For a full statutory breakdown of Virginia guardianship law, see our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com.

Outbound primary‑source resources:
Virginia Code Title 64.2,
Manassas Circuit Court.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.