Goochland County Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer — Protecting Your Rights
A felony conviction can drastically impact your divorce case in Goochland County, affecting child custody, property division, and spousal support under Virginia law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal defense for individuals handling divorce after a felony conviction. Our felony conviction divorce lawyer Goochland County team understands the unique challenges a criminal record presents in family court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Goochland 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 under Va. Code § 20-91. This means your spouse can file for divorce if you have been convicted of a felony and sentenced to confinement for more than one year, provided the conviction occurred after the marriage. The court will consider the conviction when making decisions about equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, and, most critically, child custody and visitation. A felony conviction divorce lawyer Goochland County is essential to argue against the conviction being used unfairly against you in these determinations.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Goochland County Circuit Court website.
- Consult a Specialized Attorney: Immediately seek counsel from a criminal conviction divorce lawyer Goochland County who understands both family and criminal law implications.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all court documents related to the felony, sentencing, probation terms, and evidence of rehabilitation.
- Prepare for Custody Evaluation: If children are involved, be prepared for a potential custody evaluation or Guardian ad Litem investigation focused on safety and parenting fitness.
- Negotiate a Settlement: Your attorney will work to negotiate a property settlement and parenting plan that mitigates the impact of your record, potentially avoiding a contentious trial.
- Court Representation: If a trial is necessary, your lawyer will present evidence of your rehabilitation and argue for a fair division of assets and parental rights.
How a Felony Affects Your Divorce Case
In Goochland County, a felony conviction can influence every major aspect of your divorce, from asset division to parental rights, making experienced legal guidance critical.
| Divorce Aspect | Potential Impact of Felony Conviction | Legal Standard / Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Grounds for Divorce | Provides a fault ground for your spouse to file. | Va. Code § 20-91(4) |
| Child Custody & Visitation | Court must find it is in the child’s best interest; conviction is a major factor considered. | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | May be considered if marital funds were used for legal defense, affecting the marital estate. | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Spousal Support | Conduct of the parties is a factor; a felony related to marital misconduct can affect awards. | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Complex Family Law Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm deep, firsthand knowledge of the law’s intricacies. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in challenging cases. Our approach is to provide a strong, case-specific defense that addresses both the legal and personal details of divorce after a criminal conviction.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in family law cases. While specific results are unique to each case, our team works diligently to protect client rights in difficult situations. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters, ensuring every angle is considered.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Goochland County Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Goochland County and is accessible via I-64 and Route 6. We are your local felony conviction divorce lawyer Goochland County resource.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones answered 24/7/365. In-person meetings by appointment only.
Serving: Goochland, Crozier, Oilville, and surrounding Central Virginia communities.
FAQs: Divorce After a Felony in Goochland County
Can my spouse get a divorce because of my felony conviction?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-91, a felony conviction with a sentence of more than one year is a specific fault ground for divorce in Virginia.
Will I lose custody of my children because of a felony?
It depends. The court’s sole focus is the child’s best interest under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A felony is a significant factor, but the court will also consider the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, evidence of rehabilitation, and your current ability to provide a safe, stable home. A skilled criminal conviction divorce lawyer Goochland County can present this mitigating evidence effectively.
How does a felony affect property division?
A felony conviction itself does not automatically change property division, which is governed by equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3). However, if marital assets were depleted to pay for legal fees or fines, that can affect the value of the marital estate to be divided. The court may also consider marital misconduct in rare cases.
What should I do first if I’m facing divorce after a conviction?
Contact a felony conviction divorce lawyer Goochland County immediately. Gather all documents related to your criminal case (indictment, sentencing order, probation terms) and any evidence of rehabilitation (completion certificates, employment records, character references). Do not discuss the case with your spouse without your attorney present.
Can I get spousal support if I have a felony?
It depends. A felony conviction can be considered as “conduct of the parties” under the spousal support factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1, especially if it negatively impacted the family’s finances or well-being. The court weighs this against other factors like need, ability to pay, and the marriage’s duration.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Virginia Family Law, Henrico County Divorce Lawyer, and Goochland County Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.