Restraining Order Lawyer Manassas, VA

When a family member, household member, or intimate partner makes you fear for your safety, a restraining order—called a protective order in Virginia—can be a critical legal shield. If you are served with a protective order petition, you have the right to contest the allegations. Whether you need to file for protection or defend against a protective order, having an experienced lawyer on your side matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in the Manassas Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the Manassas Circuit Court, both located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. We represent clients throughout the Manassas and Manassas Park communities. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

How Protective Orders Work in Manassas, Virginia

Virginia courts can issue three types of protective orders in cases of alleged family abuse. An emergency protective order (EPO) is available immediately, often at the request of law enforcement, when a person is in immediate danger. It lasts up to three days and can be extended by the court. A preliminary protective order is issued after a brief hearing where the petitioner need only show the likelihood of abuse; it remains in effect until a full hearing, usually within 15 days. After a full evidentiary hearing, the court may enter a permanent protective order that can remain in force for up to two years. The applicable statutes are Va. Code § 16.1-253.1 and § 16.1-279.1. The process moves quickly, and understanding the procedural requirements at the Manassas J&DR Court can be the difference between an order being granted or dismissed.

In Manassas, standalone protective order petitions are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. If a divorce or custody case is already pending, the Circuit Court may also handle protective orders as part of the broader domestic relations matter. The courthouse at 9311 Lee Avenue serves both the City of Manassas and Manassas Park. Because protective orders carry serious consequences—including restrictions on firearm possession, contact with your children, and your right to remain in your home—having counsel who is familiar with the local court’s practices is essential. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have experience navigating both sides of these proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a protective order in Virginia?

A protective order is a court order that prohibits an abuser from contacting, harassing, or coming near the victim and can grant temporary possession of a shared residence or vehicle. In Virginia, protective orders are issued under Va. Code § 16.1-253.1 (preliminary) and § 16.1-279.1 (permanent). They are available when a person has been subjected to an act of family abuse. The order can include stay-away provisions, no-contact directives, and temporary child custody or support orders. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense.

Who can file for a protective order in Manassas?

Any person who has been the victim of family abuse by a family or household member can file a petition for a protective order. Under Virginia law, family abuse means any act involving violence, force, or threat that results in physical injury or reasonable apprehension of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury. The relationship must be a family or household member: a spouse, former spouse, parent, child, stepchild, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, in-law, or person who cohabits or has cohabited with the alleged abuser, among others.

What are the grounds for a protective order in Virginia?

A protective order may be granted if the petitioner proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent committed an act of family abuse. Family abuse includes physical assault, battery, stalking, criminal sexual assault, or any criminal offense that results in physical injury to a person. The court can also consider credible threats of violence that place the petitioner in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury. The standard of proof is lower than in criminal trials, so an attorney’s ability to present or challenge evidence is crucial.

How long does a protective order last in Virginia?

An emergency protective order lasts up to three days; a preliminary protective order lasts until the full hearing, typically within 15 days; a final protective order can last up to two years. Under Va. Code § 16.1-279.1(D), the court may issue a permanent protective order for a fixed period not to exceed two years. The order can be extended by motion if the petitioner still fears abuse, but the extension must be requested before the current order expires. In some cases involving aggravated circumstances, the order may be extended for an additional period.

Can I defend against a protective order petition?

Yes, respondents have the right to contest a protective order petition at the preliminary and final hearing stages. You can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue that the alleged abuse did not occur or that the relationship does not qualify under the statute. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can help gather evidence, identify inconsistencies in the petitioner’s claims, and present a thorough defense. Because protective orders can affect child custody, employment clearance, and firearm rights, contesting the order is important even if you intend to stay away from the petitioner.

What happens at the final protective order hearing?

The final hearing is a formal evidentiary proceeding where both sides present testimony, documents, and other evidence before a judge decides whether to issue a permanent protective order. In Manassas, these hearings are held at the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The petitioner must prove the abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. Each side may have witnesses and exhibits. The judge will consider the nature of the alleged abuse, any prior history, and whether the petitioner remains in reasonable fear. Having an attorney at this stage is particularly important because the outcome determines the length and scope of the order.

What are the penalties for violating a protective order in Virginia?

Violating a protective order is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A second or subsequent violation within five years of a prior conviction, when the violation involves an act of violence or threat, becomes a Class 6 felony, carrying one to five years imprisonment. Even unintentional contact—such as sending a text message or showing up at a shared child’s school event—can result in arrest. Strict compliance is essential, and anyone facing a violation charge should contact an attorney immediately.

Can a protective order be modified or dissolved?

Yes, either party may petition the court to modify or dissolve a protective order before its expiration date. Changes in circumstances—such as the petitioner no longer fearing abuse or both parties agreeing to terminate the order—can support a motion to dissolve. The court will hold a hearing and decide based on the current situation. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can assist in filing the motion and presenting the reasons for modification or dissolution.

Do I need a lawyer for a protective order case in Manassas?

While you are not required to have an attorney, protective order proceedings involve complex procedural and evidentiary rules that can seriously affect your rights. An attorney can help you file the correct paperwork, gather and present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and ensure your side of the story is heard. Whether you are seeking protection or defending against an order, the stakes—your safety, home, custody, and criminal record—are too high to navigate alone.

How soon can I get a protective order in an emergency?

An emergency protective order can be obtained immediately through law enforcement or a magistrate if you are in immediate danger. Police officers responding to a domestic incident can request an emergency order by phone, and magistrates are available during business hours. The emergency order takes effect as soon as it is issued and typically lasts 72 hours. To get a longer-term preliminary and then permanent order, you must file a petition with the court on the next business day. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can guide you through the full process.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in family law and protective order litigation and appear regularly in the Manassas courts. To speak with us about your protective order matter, call (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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