Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Bedford County — How Does a Felony Impact Your Divorce?
A felony conviction can be a fault ground for divorce in Virginia under Va. Code § 20-91, impacting custody, support, and property division. A felony conviction divorce lawyer Bedford County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides essential defense for your parental and financial rights. Our firm has 31 documented case results in Bedford County. We offer 24/7 consultations.
Virginia Law on Divorce After a Felony Conviction
Virginia law provides specific grounds for divorce, including a felony conviction. Under Va. Code § 20-91(A)(iv), a divorce may be granted when either party has been convicted of a felony, sentenced to confinement for more than one year, and has been confined after such conviction. This is a fault-based ground, meaning the innocent spouse does not have to wait through a separation period. The statute requires the convicted spouse to have been confined for at least one year, and the confinement must have occurred after the conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford 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 Bedford County court procedures, visit the Bedford County Circuit Court website.
How a Felony Conviction Affects Your Bedford County Divorce
In Bedford County Circuit Court, a felony conviction can significantly alter the trajectory of a divorce case. It provides the other spouse with a powerful fault ground, which the court may consider when making decisions about alimony and the equitable distribution of marital property. The conviction’s nature is also a critical factor in child custody determinations under Va. Code § 20-124.3, where the child’s best interests are paramount.
- Case Evaluation: Consult with a felony conviction divorce lawyer Bedford County to review the conviction details, sentence, and confinement facts against the statutory requirements.
- Filing Strategy: Determine whether to file first on another ground or prepare a defense if your spouse files using the felony conviction.
- Custody Defense: Develop a strategy to address the conviction in custody proceedings, potentially involving character witnesses or evidence of rehabilitation.
- Financial Protection: Work to isolate the conviction’s impact from property division and support calculations, arguing for a fair division based on all statutory factors.
- Court Representation: Your attorney will represent you at all hearings in Bedford County Circuit Court, advocating for your parental and financial rights.
Potential Consequences in a Divorce
In Bedford County, a felony conviction used as a divorce ground can affect custody decisions, spousal support awards, and the court’s discretion in dividing assets.
| Legal Issue | Potential Impact of a Felony Conviction |
|---|---|
| Custody & Visitation | The court must consider the conviction under the “best interests of the child” factors (Va. Code § 20-124.3), potentially limiting custody or ordering supervised visitation. |
| Spousal Support | A fault ground like a felony conviction can be a factor in awarding support and determining the amount and duration (Va. Code § 20-107.1). |
Property Division| While equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) focuses on marital property, fault can influence the court’s discretion in making an equitable (fair) division. | |
| Divorce Timeline | A fault-based divorce on felony grounds can proceed without a mandatory separation period, potentially finalizing faster than a no-fault divorce. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Divorce After a Felony Conviction
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), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping the laws that affect your case. Our approach in Bedford County is informed by direct knowledge of local court procedures and a commitment to vigorous advocacy.
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 achieving favorable outcomes for clients in Bedford County courts across various practice areas. For instance, we have successfully defended against serious charges in the Bedford County Circuit Court and secured dismissals in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters that may intersect with family law is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial details.
Contact Our Bedford County Divorce Lawyers
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.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Bedford County courts. We are a felony conviction divorce lawyer Bedford County near Bedford, Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. 24/7 phone consultations are available.
FAQs: Divorce After a Felony Conviction in Bedford County
Is a felony conviction an automatic ground for divorce in Virginia?
Yes, but with conditions. Under Va. Code § 20-91, the convicted spouse must have been sentenced to more than one year of confinement and actually confined for at least one year after the conviction.
Can I get a divorce after a felony conviction in Bedford County if my spouse is still incarcerated?
Yes. Incarceration itself can satisfy the confinement requirement for the fault ground. A divorce after felony lawyer Bedford County can file the necessary paperwork and arrange for service of process on your incarcerated spouse through the correctional facility.
How does a felony conviction affect child custody in Virginia?
It depends on the nature of the felony and its relation to parental fitness. Bedford County courts must consider the conviction as part of the “best interests of the child” analysis under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which may lead to restrictions on custody or visitation.
Should I hire a criminal conviction divorce lawyer Bedford County?
Yes. An attorney experienced with both criminal convictions and family law is critical to handle how the conviction impacts divorce, custody, and support, and to mount an effective defense in Bedford County Circuit Court.
What if my felony conviction was years ago?
It can still be used as a ground for divorce if it meets the statutory criteria. However, the passage of time and evidence of rehabilitation can be powerful factors your attorney can present to mitigate its impact on custody and support decisions.
Internal Resources: For more on Virginia divorce, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. For related legal help in Bedford County, consider a Bedford County criminal defense lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.