Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Bedford County — Protecting Your Rights
A felony conviction can be grounds for divorce in Virginia under Va. Code § 20-91. If you are facing a divorce after a felony conviction in Bedford County, you need a felony conviction divorce lawyer Bedford County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our firm has 31 documented results in Bedford County. We provide full representation to protect your parental rights, property interests, and future.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Divorce After a Felony Conviction in Virginia
In Virginia, a felony conviction is a fault-based ground for divorce. The statute, Va. Code § 20-91, allows a spouse to file for divorce if the other spouse has been convicted of a felony and sentenced to confinement for more than one year. This is a significant factor that can impact all aspects of the divorce, including custody, support, and property division. A criminal conviction divorce lawyer Bedford County understands how to handle these complex, intersecting legal issues.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. For local court procedures, refer to the Bedford County Circuit Court website.
How a Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Bedford County Can Help
The key local procedural fact is that Bedford County Circuit Court handles all divorce matters, including those based on felony convictions. The court will consider the conviction as part of the broader picture of the marriage when making decisions about equitable distribution, spousal support, and, most critically, child custody and visitation.
- Case Evaluation: We review the conviction, sentence, and its direct impact on your family law case.
- Filing Strategy: Determine whether to file based on the felony ground or pursue a no-fault separation divorce.
- Custody Defense: Build a strong case to protect your parental rights, focusing on current fitness as a parent.
- Negotiation & Litigation: Advocate for a fair property settlement and support arrangement, prepared to litigate if necessary.
Potential Impacts of a Felony on Your Divorce
In Bedford County, a felony conviction can significantly influence child custody decisions, spousal support awards, and the division of marital property under Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
| Issue | Potential Impact of Felony Conviction |
|---|---|
| Child Custody | Court must find it is in the child’s best interest; conviction is a major factor against custody. |
| Visitation | May be restricted or require supervised conditions. |
| Spousal Support | Conduct, including criminal conduct, is a factor a court may consider. |
| Property Division | Conviction itself does not directly affect division, but financial crimes or dissipation of assets related to the crime can. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Divorce After a Felony
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation in complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm deep, insider knowledge of Virginia family law.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Bedford County
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients in Bedford County courts across various practice areas. For instance, we have successfully defended against domestic assault charges in Bedford County J&DR Court, resulting in not-guilty findings. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving intersecting criminal and family law issues.
Contact Our Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyers
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Bedford County. We are accessible via Route 460, Route 122, and other major highways near the Bedford County Courthouse and National D-Day Memorial.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
FAQs: Divorce After a Felony Conviction in Bedford County
Is a felony conviction automatic grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-91, a felony conviction with a sentence of more than one year is a specific fault ground for divorce. The innocent spouse can file immediately after sentencing; no separation period is required.
Will I lose custody of my children because of a felony conviction?
It depends. The court’s sole focus is the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A felony conviction is a serious negative factor, but the court will also consider the nature of the crime, time since conviction, evidence of rehabilitation, and your current relationship with the child. A felony conviction divorce lawyer Bedford County is essential to present your case effectively.
How does a felony affect property division in a divorce?
The conviction itself does not directly change equitable distribution. However, if marital assets were used for legal fees or fines, or if the crime caused a financial loss to the marital estate, the court may consider this when dividing property. A divorce after felony lawyer Bedford County can analyze these financial details.
Can I get a divorce if I am the one who was convicted?
Yes. You cannot use your own felony conviction as a ground for divorce against your spouse. However, you can still file for a no-fault divorce based on a 6-month or 1-year separation, or your spouse could file using the felony ground. A criminal conviction divorce lawyer Bedford County can advise on the best strategic path.
What if my spouse was convicted but is already out of prison?
The ground for divorce still exists. The innocent spouse can file based on the past conviction and sentence. The key is proving the sentence was for more than one year, regardless of whether the full sentence was served.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Bedford County criminal defense and Virginia family law overview. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Shenandoah County.