In Loudoun County, kinship guardianship allows a relative to care for a child without terminating parental rights under Va. Code § 20-107.3. A Kinship Guardianship Lawyer Loudoun County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you file at the Loudoun County J&DR Court. Our firm has 158 documented case results in this locality.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Kinship guardianship in Virginia is a legal arrangement where a relative or family member becomes the guardian of a child. This is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Unlike adoption, kinship guardianship does not terminate the parents’ legal rights. The relative guardian assumes responsibility for the child’s care, custody, and decision-making. This option is often used when parents are unable to care for the child due to incarceration, illness, or other circumstances. The Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles these cases.
For more information, review the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and the Loudoun County General District Court website.
- Determine if you meet the definition of a “relative” under Virginia law (grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, or other family member).
- File a petition for kinship guardianship at the Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, 18 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176.
- Attend a hearing where the court evaluates the child’s best interests, including the relative’s ability to provide a stable home.
- Obtain a court order granting guardianship, which gives you legal authority to make decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and welfare.
- File annual reports with the court to maintain guardianship status and address any changes in circumstances.
In Loudoun County, kinship guardianship does not carry criminal penalties but requires court approval and ongoing compliance with reporting requirements.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to file annual report | Civil contempt | None | Up to $250 | None | Possible removal as guardian |
| Misuse of guardianship funds | Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
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 firm-wide 4,739+ total case results across all practice areas. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. Our firm has 158 documented case results in Loudoun County with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Samantha Rae Powers — VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Ms. Powers handles family law matters in Virginia and Florida, providing additional depth to our Loudoun County family law practice.
In Loudoun County, our firm has 158 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals and not guilty verdicts in assault and domestic violence cases at the Loudoun County General District Court and J&DR Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Ashburn Location serves clients at Loudoun County courts (18 East Market Street). We are accessible via major highways. Our family member guardian lawyer Loudoun County team serves Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Suite 400, Room No. 403, Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Loudoun County, Virginia?
Yes. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation: 12-24 months. Loudoun County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Loudoun County, Virginia?
It depends. 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). Loudoun County Circuit Court handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in Loudoun County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody 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. Loudoun County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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). Filed at Loudoun County Circuit Court.
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.