Greene County kinship guardianship cases fall under Va. Code § 20-124.2 (best interests of the child). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Greene County. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Greene County helps relatives secure legal custody without terminating parental rights.
Kinship Guardianship Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Kinship guardianship in Virginia allows a relative or family member to obtain legal custody of a child when the parents cannot provide proper care. Under Va. Code § 20-124.2, the court considers 10 factors to determine the best interests of the child. A relative guardianship lawyer Greene County can guide you through this process. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and brings former prosecutor insight to family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For kinship guardianship specifically, Va. Code § 20-124.2 governs custody determinations, while Va. Code § 20-107.2 addresses guardianship appointments. A family member guardian lawyer Greene County must demonstrate that placement with a relative serves the child’s best interests, considering factors such as the child’s relationship with the relative and the relative’s ability to provide a stable home.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-124.2 (best interests factors) and the Greene County General District Court website for local procedures.
Greene County Circuit Court handles guardianship petitions. The court typically appoints a Guardian ad Litem for the child. Mediation is available but not mandatory. Forensic evaluations may be ordered in contested cases.
- File a petition for guardianship at Greene County Circuit Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973).
- Attend the initial hearing where the court appoints a Guardian ad Litem for the child.
- Complete a home study and background check as ordered by the court.
- Participate in mediation if the parents contest the guardianship.
- Attend the final hearing where the court issues the guardianship order.
In Greene County, kinship guardianship carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs and legal fees. The Circuit Court filing fee for a guardianship petition is approximately $86.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to comply with guardianship order | Civil contempt | None | Up to $250 | None | Possible modification of guardianship |
| Interference with guardianship | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep family law experience. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas in Greene County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Greene County via Route 29 and Route 33, approximately 45 minutes from the Greene County Courthouse.
Looking for a kinship guardianship lawyer near Greene County or near Stanardsville? We serve Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and all of Greene County.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How long does a kinship guardianship take in Greene County?
Yes. Uncontested cases typically take 2-4 months from filing to final order. Contested cases with hearings and evaluations can take 6-12 months. The initial hearing is usually set within 21-60 days of filing the petition.
Do I need a lawyer for kinship guardianship in Greene County?
Yes. Virginia law requires legal representation for guardianship petitions in Circuit Court. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Greene County ensures all paperwork is properly filed and represents you at hearings.
Can a grandparent get custody in Greene County?
Yes. Grandparents and other relatives can petition for custody or guardianship. The court applies the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.2, considering the child’s relationship with the grandparent and the grandparent’s ability to provide care.
What is the difference between custody and guardianship in Virginia?
Custody grants decision-making authority over the child. Guardianship grants legal authority to care for the child without terminating parental rights. Guardianship is often used when parents are temporarily unable to care for the child.
How much does a kinship guardianship cost in Greene County?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Guardian ad Litem fees: $500-$2,500+. Attorney fees vary. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Total costs typically range from $1,500 to $5,000+ for uncontested cases.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.