Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
A felony conviction can be used as a fault ground for divorce in Virginia under Va. Code § 20-91. This adds significant legal complexity to your case. A felony conviction divorce lawyer King William County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can defend your rights in King William County Circuit Court. We have 7 documented case results in this locality.
Virginia Law on Divorce After a Felony Conviction
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for divorce, including a spouse’s felony conviction. Under Va. Code § 20-91, you may file for divorce if your spouse has been convicted of a felony, sentenced to confinement for more than one year, and has been confined for that period after the conviction. This is a distinct legal path separate from no-fault separation.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court procedures, visit the King William County Courts website.
Handling a Divorce After Felony Lawyer Case in King William County
In King William County, a divorce based on a felony conviction is filed in Circuit Court. The process requires specific proof, including certified copies of the conviction and sentencing orders. The court will consider the conviction’s impact on equitable distribution, spousal support, and child custody under the best interests standard.
- Gather all certified legal documents related to the felony conviction and sentencing.
- File a Complaint for Divorce citing felony conviction as the ground at the King William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Serve the complaint and related pleadings on your spouse according to Virginia rules.
- Prepare for potential hearings on fault, which can influence financial and custody outcomes.
- Negotiate or litigate related issues of property division, support, and custody.
- Attend the final hearing to present evidence supporting the fault ground.
Potential Case Outcomes and Legal Standards
In King William County, a divorce based on a felony conviction is a fault-based proceeding that can affect financial and custody rulings, unlike a no-fault separation.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Impact of Felony Conviction |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Ground | Fault (Va. Code § 20-91) | Establishes grounds without a waiting period. |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Court may consider fault as a factor in dividing marital property. |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Fault, including felony conviction, is a statutory factor. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | The nature of the felony and its relation to parental fitness are considered. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in King William County Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving us deep insight into the laws that 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
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving criminal convictions and divorce. His background in accounting and information systems is an asset in cases involving financial analysis.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
In King William County, our firm has a documented record of 7 case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our King William County Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County. We are familiar with the King William County Courthouse at 351 Courthouse Lane.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett.
FAQs: Divorce After a Felony Conviction in King William County
Can a felony conviction be used as grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-91, a felony conviction with a sentence of more than one year of confinement, where the spouse has been confined, is a specific fault ground for divorce. This can be filed in King William County Circuit Court.
How does a felony conviction affect child custody in a Virginia divorce?
It depends. The court uses the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The nature of the felony, its relation to parental fitness, and the child’s safety are key factors considered by the King William County J&DR or Circuit Court.
Do I need a criminal conviction divorce lawyer for a family law case?
Yes. A lawyer experienced in both criminal law and family law is critical. They understand how to present or challenge the conviction’s relevance to divorce issues like property division and support, which is essential in King William County courts.
What is the difference between a fault and no-fault divorce in Virginia?
Virginia allows both. No-fault requires a separation period (6 months or 1 year). Fault grounds, like felony conviction or adultery, do not require a waiting period but require you to prove the specific fault to the court.
How long does a contested divorce based on felony conviction take?
A contested divorce in King William County typically takes 9 to 18 months. If the felony conviction is disputed or involves complex financial issues, it may take longer, potentially 12 to 24 months.
For more information, 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 legal guidance.