In Arlington County, kinship guardianship allows a relative to care for a child without terminating parental rights, governed by Va. Code § 20-124.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Arlington County helps you handle this process efficiently.
Kinship guardianship in Virginia is a legal arrangement where a relative or family friend (the “kinship guardian”) is granted custody and care of a child without terminating the biological parents’ rights. This is governed primarily by Va. Code § 20-124.2, which outlines the best interests of the child standard. Unlike adoption, kinship guardianship preserves the parent-child legal relationship while giving the guardian decision-making authority. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. A relative guardianship lawyer Arlington County can explain how this differs from support care or adoption.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Va. Code § 20-124.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Arlington County General District Court (official court website)
In Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, judges often prioritize keeping children with family members. The process requires filing a petition, providing notice to parents, and attending a hearing. A family member guardian lawyer Arlington County can help prepare the required home study and background checks.
- File a petition for kinship guardianship at Arlington County J&DR Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).
- Provide notice to all biological parents and any other legal guardians.
- Complete a home study and background check through Arlington County Department of Human Services.
- Attend the hearing where the judge determines if guardianship serves the child’s best interests.
- Obtain the order of guardianship, which grants you legal authority for care and decisions.
- File annual reports with the court as required by Virginia law.
In Arlington County, kinship guardianship carries no criminal penalty but failure to comply with court orders can result in contempt proceedings.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (failure to comply with guardianship order) | Civil/ Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible loss of guardianship |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, 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 Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Arlington County serves clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris).
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody in Arlington County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment).
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.