Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights, Virginia
Under Va. Code § 20-91, a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more is a fault ground for divorce in Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas in Colonial Heights, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Virginia Law on Felony Conviction as Grounds for Divorce
Virginia Code § 20-91(9) provides that a divorce may be granted on the ground that a spouse has been convicted of a felony and has been imprisoned for at least one year. This is a fault-based ground, meaning no separation period is required. The conviction must be final, and the imprisonment must be continuous. The court at Colonial Heights Circuit Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) handles these matters. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Official Legal References
- Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) — Grounds for divorce, including felony conviction.
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) — Equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris.
Insider Knowledge: handling Felony Conviction Divorce in Colonial Heights
In Colonial Heights Circuit Court, prosecutors and judges are familiar with felony conviction divorce cases. We have observed that the court requires strict proof of the conviction and incarceration period. A certified copy of the judgment and sentencing order is essential. The court will also consider the impact of the felony on child custody and property division.
- Obtain a certified copy of the felony conviction judgment and sentencing order.
- Verify that the imprisonment lasted at least one continuous year.
- File a complaint for divorce at Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
- Serve the incarcerated spouse through the correctional facility’s legal mail system.
- Attend the hearing with all required documentation.
- Obtain the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Colonial Heights, a felony conviction divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 carries no criminal penalty but affects property division, spousal support, and child custody. The court considers the conviction as a fault ground, which may impact equitable distribution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony Conviction Divorce (Grounds) | Fault Ground (Va. Code § 20-91) | 1+ year imprisonment (required for grounds) | N/A | N/A | May affect equitable distribution, spousal support, and custody |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Felony Conviction Divorce?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This unique legislative credential sets the firm apart. The firm’s deep familiarity with Virginia family law ensures that your felony conviction divorce case is handled with the highest level of knowledge and strategic insight.
Your Legal Team
Case Results in Colonial Heights
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas in Colonial Heights, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from Colonial Heights Circuit Court, with access via I-95 and Route 1. We serve as a Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights and a divorce after felony lawyer Colonial Heights, providing representation for clients throughout the area.
We are a criminal conviction divorce lawyer Colonial Heights, serving the communities of Colonial Heights, Swift Creek, and the Petersburg border.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Conviction Divorce in Colonial Heights
How long does a divorce take in Colonial Heights (City), Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Colonial Heights (City) Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Colonial Heights (City) Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. For felony conviction grounds, no separation period is required, which may expedite the process.
Uncontested divorces resolve in 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases are filed at Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
Filing fee is approximately $86, with additional costs for service and mediation.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Colonial Heights Circuit Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state.
How is child custody decided in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Custody in Colonial Heights is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. A felony conviction may be a factor in custody determinations.
Custody is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Colonial Heights Circuit Court. The felony conviction ground is particularly relevant for a Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights.
Grounds include no-fault separation, adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felony conviction divorce charges?
Defense strategies for felony conviction divorce in Virginia may include challenging the validity of the conviction, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce) to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
What should I do if I am facing felony conviction divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing felony conviction divorce charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Contact a family law attorney immediately and preserve all evidence.
What are the penalties for felony conviction divorce in Virginia?
Penalties for felony conviction divorce in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for case-specific guidance.
Penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the case.
Related Legal Resources
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- Business Compliance Lawyer Colonial Heights — Business law services in Colonial Heights.
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Last verified: April 2026
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.