Marriage Annulment Lawyer Near Me

When a marriage is fundamentally defective from the start, a divorce may not be the right legal remedy. In Virginia, a marriage annulment declares that a marriage was never legally valid—unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients throughout Virginia who are seeking an annulment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive experience in Virginia family law matters, including annulment proceedings in Circuit Courts across the Commonwealth. Whether you are in Fairfax, Richmond, or anywhere else in Virginia, our firm can help you evaluate whether you meet the statutory grounds for annulment under Va. Code § 20‑89.1. For a consultation about your situation, reach our Fairfax location at (888) 437‑7747.
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What Marriage Annulment Means in Virginia

In Virginia, a marriage annulment is a legal determination that a marriage was void or voidable from its inception. This is distinct from divorce, which dissolves a valid marriage that has irretrievably broken down. Annulment is governed by Virginia Code Title 20, and the specific grounds are set forth in Va. Code § 20‑89.1. A Circuit Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over annulment suits, just as it does over divorce cases. The court will examine whether the marriage suffered from a defect that existed at the time it was solemnized, such as bigamy, lack of capacity to consent, fraud, or other impediments recognized by statute. Virginia courts apply equitable principles when dividing property or addressing spousal support in annulment cases, but the overall framework is different from that of a divorce. Since the legal consequences of an annulment can affect property rights, inheritance, and even immigration status, it is important to approach the matter with careful guidance.

Our firm handles annulment matters for clients across Virginia, including in Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and other localities. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the procedural requirements of Virginia Circuit Courts and can explain what to expect at each stage. While every case is unique, our team works to present a clear record of the grounds for annulment so the court can make an informed determination.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Annulment Cases

When you reach out to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by listening to your story and reviewing the facts of your marriage. We evaluate whether the circumstances meet the statutory grounds for annulment under Virginia law. If annulment is appropriate, we prepare the necessary pleadings and file them in the Circuit Court of the appropriate jurisdiction. Our approach is to build a thorough record that supports the legal justification for annulment while also addressing any related issues such as property division, spousal support, or child custody that may need to be resolved concurrently.

Throughout the process, we communicate with you clearly about what the law requires and what you can expect. Annulment proceedings can involve sensitive personal matters, and we handle every case with the respect it deserves. Our firm does not guarantee any particular outcome, but we work diligently to present your case in the strongest possible light. For complex matters involving foreign marriages, religious annulments, or overlapping divorce considerations, Mr. Sris draws on his multi‑state experience to provide practical advice. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings a thorough understanding of court procedure and evidence to every family law matter. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background also includes experience in accounting and information systems, which can be valuable when financial issues arise in annulment cases.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—all experienced litigators with over a decade of practice—collaborate with Mr. Sris on annulment and other family law matters. This collaborative approach means that clients benefit from the collective knowledge and perspective of a team while still receiving the individual case review that a smaller firm can offer. Reach our Fairfax location at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a marriage annulment in Virginia?

A marriage annulment in Virginia is a court order declaring that a marriage was never legally valid, based on a defect that existed at the time of the marriage. Unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never occurred. The grounds for annulment are set out in Va. Code § 20‑89.1 and include situations such as bigamy, mental incapacity, fraud, or duress. Annulments are handled in Virginia Circuit Courts, the same courts that hear divorce cases. Because an annulment can affect property division, spousal support, and the legitimacy of children, it is important to understand whether annulment or divorce is the more appropriate remedy for your circumstances.

How is an annulment different from a divorce in Virginia?

An annulment declares the marriage void from the beginning, while a divorce ends a valid marriage that has broken down irretrievably or after a period of separation. In Virginia, divorce is available on fault and no‑fault grounds after the required separation period (Va. Code § 20‑91), but annulment is limited to specific statutory grounds that must have existed at the time the marriage was entered into (Va. Code § 20‑89.1). Additionally, annulment does not give rise to the same equitable distribution framework that applies in divorce, so property and support issues are handled differently. Deciding which path to take requires a careful analysis of the facts and the legal standards. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you evaluate both options.

What are the grounds for annulment under Virginia law?

Virginia law recognizes several grounds for annulment, including bigamy, mental or physical incapacity at the time of the marriage, fraud, duress, and underage marriage without proper consent. The specific grounds are enumerated in Va. Code § 20‑89.1. For example, if one party was already married to someone else, the second marriage is void from the start. Similarly, if a party was incapable of consenting to the marriage due to mental incapacity or was induced to marry by fraud, the marriage may be annulled. Each ground has specific legal requirements, and not every unhappy marriage qualifies. Our firm reviews the facts of your case against the statutory criteria to determine whether annulment is a viable option.

Do I need a lawyer for a marriage annulment in Virginia?

You are not legally required to hire an attorney for an annulment, but the process involves complex legal standards and procedural requirements that make professional guidance advisable. Annulment petitions must be filed in the correct Circuit Court, and the petitioner must present sufficient evidence to prove the statutory ground. Additionally, issues like property division, spousal support, and child custody may need to be addressed alongside the annulment. An experienced attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you gather the necessary documentation, prepare the required pleadings, and present your case effectively. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

How does the annulment process work in Virginia Circuit Court?

The annulment process begins with filing a petition in the Circuit Court of the jurisdiction where either party resides, stating the specific grounds and supporting facts. Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with the papers and given an opportunity to respond. If the case is uncontested, the court may grant the annulment after reviewing the pleadings and any required evidence. If the case is contested, the court will schedule hearings where both sides can present testimony and documents. The timeline varies depending on the court’s docket and the complexity of the issues. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle all aspects of the court process and can represent you at every stage.

Can I get an annulment for religious reasons, such as a Catholic annulment?

A civil annulment under Virginia law is separate from a religious annulment, such as a Catholic annulment granted by a church tribunal. A religious annulment determines whether a marriage is valid according to the rules of that faith, but it has no effect on your legal marital status. If you need both a civil annulment and a religious annulment, you will likely need to pursue two separate processes. Our firm handles the civil annulment side of the matter under Virginia law. If you have questions about the interplay between civil and religious annulments, we can explain the differences. To discuss your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Related practice areas: Virginia Divorce Lawyer • Child Custody Lawyer • About Mr. Sris

Official Virginia legal resources: Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) • Virginia Circuit Courts • Va. Code § 20‑89.1 (Annulment)

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