Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
A felony conviction is a fault ground for divorce in Virginia under Va. Code § 20-91, requiring the spouse to be sentenced to confinement for one year or more. This adds significant complexity to property division, custody, and support matters in King William County Circuit Court. A felony conviction divorce lawyer King William County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Divorce After a Felony Conviction in Virginia
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for divorce, including a felony conviction where the spouse is sentenced to confinement for one year or more and the confinement has actually begun. This is distinct from no-fault separation grounds and can impact the court’s decisions on alimony, equitable distribution, and even child custody under the “best interests of the child” standard. The process is initiated in the King William County Circuit Court, located at 351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s key equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep legislative experience provides a unique advantage in handling how a felony conviction may influence the division of marital property and debts in your case.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6. For local court procedures and forms, visit the King William County Courts website.
King William County Procedural Insights for Divorce After Felony
Filing for divorce on the grounds of a felony conviction in King William County requires specific proof. You must provide documentation of the final conviction and sentencing order showing a term of confinement of one year or more. The Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Given the fault-based nature, these cases often involve heightened contention, making skilled representation critical.
- Gather Documentation: Obtain certified copies of the criminal conviction and sentencing order.
- File the Complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce citing felony conviction under Va. Code § 20-91(4) with the King William County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Serve Your Spouse: Ensure proper legal service of the divorce papers is completed.
- Address Related Issues: Prepare to litigate or negotiate related issues of property division, spousal support, and child custody.
- Attend Hearings: Participate in all required court hearings, including any pendente lite (temporary) hearings.
- Final Decree: Obtain the Final Decree of Divorce from the court.
Potential Impacts in a Divorce
In King William County, a divorce based on a felony conviction can significantly influence spousal support awards and the equitable division of marital property, as the court may consider the misconduct as a factor.
| Legal Issue | Potential Impact of Felony Conviction |
|---|---|
| Spousal Support | The convicted spouse’s ability to pay may be impaired; the innocent spouse may have a stronger claim for support. |
| Equitable Distribution | The court may consider the negative financial impact of the crime (e.g., legal fees, restitution) on the marital estate. |
| Child Custody | The conviction is a factor under the child’s “best interests,” potentially limiting the convicted parent’s custody or visitation. |
| Filing Timeline | Can be filed immediately after sentencing and confinement begins, unlike no-fault which requires a waiting period. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris’s unique background includes personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving us significant insight into the legislative intent behind the laws that will govern your case.
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
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes. In King William County, we have 7 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including managing attorney Mr. Sris, leverages deep legal knowledge. Mr. Sris’s hands-on experience with Virginia family law statutes provides a foundational advantage in building strong arguments for our clients facing divorce after a criminal conviction.
Contact Our King William County Divorce Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County. We are accessible from Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. We are your local resource for a divorce after felony lawyer King William County.
Neighborhoods Served: King William, West Point, Aylett.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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
By appointment only.
FAQs: Felony Conviction and Divorce in King William County
Is a felony conviction grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-91(4), a felony conviction where the spouse is sentenced to confinement for one year or more and confinement has begun is a specific fault ground for divorce. This can be filed in King William County Circuit Court without the waiting period required for a no-fault separation.
How does a felony conviction affect child custody in a divorce?
It depends. The court determines custody based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A felony conviction, especially for a violent crime or one involving moral turpitude, is a significant factor the judge will consider regarding a parent’s fitness and the child’s safety, potentially limiting custody or visitation rights.
Can I get spousal support if my spouse has a felony conviction?
Yes, potentially. A felony conviction that impairs the spouse’s earning capacity or dissipated marital assets can strengthen the other spouse’s claim for support. The court considers all statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the circumstances that led to the divorce.
Do I need a special lawyer for a divorce after a felony?
It is highly recommended. A criminal conviction divorce lawyer King William County understands the interplay between criminal and family law. They can effectively present or challenge how the conviction impacts property division, support, and custody, which requires specific strategic knowledge.
What proof do I need for a felony conviction divorce?
You need certified copies of the final judgment order and sentencing order from the criminal case, proving the conviction for a felony and a sentence of confinement for one year or more. Your attorney will file these with the divorce complaint in King William County Circuit Court.
Internal Resources: For more on Virginia divorce law, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in King William County and DUI defense.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.