Guardianship Lawyer Fauquier County, VA

Your granddaughter has been living with you in Warrenton for months. Her parents can no longer provide stable care, and you are the only constant in her life. But when you try to enroll her in school, the registrar asks for proof of legal authority. When she needs a medical procedure, the clinic says you cannot sign the consent forms. You need a court order establishing guardianship — and you need it to hold up in Fauquier County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Guardianship matters in Virginia are governed by Title 64.2 of the Virginia Code, which sets out the procedures for appointing a guardian of a minor or an incapacitated adult. The Fauquier County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court both handle these petitions depending on the circumstances. Our firm represents families throughout Fauquier County — from Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, The Plains, and other communities — guiding them through the process with thorough preparation and a clear understanding of local court expectations. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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What Guardianship Means in Fauquier County, Virginia

Under Va. Code § 64.2-2000 et seq., a guardianship is a legal relationship created by a court order that gives one person the authority to make decisions for another — either a minor child or an incapacitated adult. In a guardianship of the person, the guardian is responsible for the individual’s physical well-being, including housing, schooling, and medical care. A guardianship of the estate (often called conservatorship in other states) gives the guardian authority over the individual’s financial affairs.

In Fauquier County, most guardianship cases are heard in the Circuit Court. The Fauquier County Circuit Court, located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton, has jurisdiction over adult guardianship matters and many minor guardianship cases. Standalone custody and guardianship petitions involving a child may also be filed in the Fauquier County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The court will appoint a guardian ad litem — an attorney who investigates the circumstances and makes a recommendation to the judge — to ensure the proposed guardianship serves the best interests of the person needing protection. Guardianship proceedings require careful documentation and often involve testimony from family members, medical providers, and social workers. Our firm handles the entire process, from preparing the petition to representing you at the hearing, so you can focus on the person who depends on you.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Guardianship Cases

When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., your matter will be handled by Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team, who bring extensive combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He works collaboratively with Of Counsel attorneys who have backgrounds in trial advocacy, family law, and child welfare matters. Together they review the details of your situation, identify the right court for your petition, and guide you step by step.

The team prepares all necessary pleadings, collects and organizes evidence, and appears with you at every hearing. They understand the local procedures in Fauquier County courts and can anticipate potential objections from other parties. If the guardianship is contested — for example, if a parent objects to a relative’s petition — they use their litigation experience to present a compelling case. The firm’s approach is thorough and detail-oriented, but always focused on achieving a practical solution for the client and the individual in need of protection. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has built his practice around direct, personal involvement in each client’s case. 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). His firm has represented clients in Fauquier County courts for many years, and the firm’s documented case results across all practice areas include a 97% favorable outcome rate in the county. Results may vary.

The Of Counsel attorneys who may work on your guardianship matter bring a depth of experience in family law and litigation. Each attorney is admitted in Virginia and other jurisdictions, and all work collaboratively under Mr. Sris’s guidance. The firm’s Fairfax location serves clients throughout Fauquier County, including Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a guardianship and when is it needed in Virginia?

A guardianship is a court-appointed legal relationship that gives an adult the authority to make decisions for a minor child or an incapacitated adult. It is needed when a child’s parents are unable to provide care — due to illness, death, or unfitness — or when an adult can no longer manage their own personal or financial affairs. The court must find that the appointment serves the best interests of the child or the incapacitated person. Guardianships can be temporary or permanent depending on the situation.

Who can file for guardianship in Fauquier County?

Any interested person, including a relative, a close family friend, or a social services agency, may file a petition for guardianship in Fauquier County. The petitioner must show that the proposed ward needs a guardian and that the petitioner is suitable. The court will consider the existing relationship, the petitioner’s ability to care for the ward, and any objections from family members. A guardian ad litem is appointed to investigate and report to the judge.

What is the difference between guardianship of the person and guardianship of the estate?

Guardianship of the person covers personal decision-making such as healthcare, education, and living arrangements, while guardianship of the estate involves managing the ward’s finances and property. One person can serve as both, or the court may appoint separate guardians. In Virginia, a guardian of the estate is also called a conservator under Va. Code § 64.2-2000 et seq. The petition must specify which type of guardianship is requested and why it is necessary.

How long does the guardianship process take in Fauquier County?

The timeline varies based on whether the petition is contested and the court’s docket, but an uncontested guardianship may be resolved within a few months. If there is opposition or the need for a detailed investigation by a guardian ad litem, the case can take longer. The court gives priority to situations involving immediate danger to the ward. Our firm works to move the case forward efficiently while ensuring all procedural requirements are met.

Can a guardianship be challenged or modified after it is established?

Yes, an interested party may ask the court to modify or terminate a guardianship if circumstances change. For example, a parent may seek to regain custody of a child, or a ward’s condition may improve. The court will hold a hearing and consider the best interests of the ward. Modifications are common when temporary guardianships are extended or when a guardian becomes unable to serve. A new guardian may be appointed if necessary.

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

While no law requires an attorney, guardianship proceedings involve detailed legal requirements that are difficult to handle without experienced counsel. Errors in the petition or failure to provide proper notice to all interested parties can delay or derail the case. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, prepare you for testimony, and present a strong argument to the judge. To discuss your situation with a guardianship lawyer serving Fauquier County, call (888) 437-7747.

Virginia primary legal resources:
Virginia Code § 64.2-2000 et seq. (Guardianship and Conservatorship) |
Fauquier County Circuit Court

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

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.