Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Under Virginia law, a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more is a fault ground for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights and extensive criminal defense experience firm-wide. A Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights can guide you through this process.
Virginia Divorce Grounds for Felony Conviction
Virginia Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce in the Commonwealth. One fault ground is a felony conviction where the spouse has been imprisoned for one year or more. This provision allows the innocent spouse to seek a divorce without waiting for the mandatory separation periods required for no-fault divorces. The divorce is filed at the Colonial Heights Circuit Court, which handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters in Colonial Heights City. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District 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 Perspective on Colonial Heights Divorce Proceedings
In Colonial Heights Circuit Court, prosecutors and judges routinely handle felony conviction divorce cases with specific procedural expectations. We have observed that the court requires clear documentation of the conviction and imprisonment period. The court at 550 Boulevard processes these cases efficiently when all paperwork is complete.
- Obtain certified copies of the felony conviction and imprisonment records.
- File the divorce complaint at Colonial Heights Circuit Court with the grounds specified.
- Serve the incarcerated spouse through the correctional facility’s legal service process.
- Attend the hearing to present evidence of the conviction and imprisonment.
- Obtain the final divorce decree from the court.
- Address any related issues such as property division or child custody.
Divorce Grounds and Requirements in Colonial Heights
In Colonial Heights, Virginia, divorce grounds under Va. Code § 20-91 include no-fault separation periods and fault grounds such as felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
| Ground | Classification | Separation Period | Filing Fee | Court | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony Conviction | Fault Ground | None required | Approximately $86 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | 1+ year imprisonment; certified conviction records |
| No-Fault (No Children) | No-Fault | 6 months separation | Approximately $86 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Signed separation agreement |
| No-Fault (With Children) | No-Fault | 1 year separation | Approximately $86 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Parenting plan required |
| Adultery | Fault Ground | None required | Approximately $86 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Evidence of adultery |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Colonial Heights 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 statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. This unique legislative credential means your Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights understands the law from the inside out.
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Documented Case Results
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 divorce after felony lawyer Colonial Heights and 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 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. Under Va. Code § 20-91, the grounds you choose affect the timeline.
Uncontested divorces take 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Cases filed at Colonial Heights General District Court. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
The filing fee is approximately $86, with additional costs for service, mediation, and Guardian ad Litem.
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.
Custody is decided 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Grounds include no-fault separation and fault grounds like 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 evidence, 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.
An attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91 to build a defense.
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 relevant documents.
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.
Consequences depend on the specific circumstances under Va. Code § 20-91.
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Last verified: April 2026
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. By appointment only.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.