Arlington County Marriage Annulment Lawyer — What Are Your Legal Options?
A marriage annulment in Arlington County is a legal decree that a marriage was never valid under Virginia law, distinct from divorce. Grounds include bigamy, incest, or one party being underage or mentally incapacitated. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for filing a marriage annulment petition in Arlington County.
Virginia Annulment Law and Legal Grounds
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its beginning. Virginia law distinguishes between void marriages (never legally valid) and voidable marriages (can be annulled by a court). A void marriage lawyer in Arlington County can address situations where the marriage was illegal at inception, such as due to a prior existing marriage (bigamy) or a prohibited familial relationship (incest). These are addressed under Virginia Code § 20-45.1. Voidable marriages may be annulled for reasons like one party being under the legal age of consent without proper consent, mental incapacity at the time of marriage, or fraud relating to the essentials of the marriage contract.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia marriage laws, review the Virginia Code § 20-45.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). All annulment petitions are filed with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Arlington County Annulment Process and Strategy
Filing for an annulment in Arlington requires specific evidence to prove the grounds exist. The court scrutinizes petitions closely, especially for voidable marriages based on fraud or incapacity. Timeliness is also a factor for some voidable grounds.
- Consult with an Attorney: Discuss your situation confidentially to determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, such as marriage certificates, prior divorce decrees, medical records (for incapacity claims), or proof of age.
- File the Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file a formal Bill of Complaint for Annulment with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The respondent must be legally served with the annulment papers, giving them an opportunity to respond.
- Court Proceedings: Depending on whether the annulment is contested, the case may proceed to hearings where evidence is presented before a judge makes a ruling.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Annulment Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 Experience in Arlington County
Our attorneys have represented clients in Arlington County courts across various family law matters. We have secured favorable outcomes for clients facing complex legal challenges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington Annulment Attorneys
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via major routes. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Marriage Annulment Lawyer Arlington County FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage never legally existed, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. Annulments are granted only for specific legal grounds defined by Virginia statute.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud or force, you must generally file within two years of discovering the fraud or being free from force. For underage marriage without consent, it must be filed before the minor reaches the age of consent.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Possibly, but only if the lie constitutes fraud that goes to the essence of the marriage contract under Virginia law, such as concealing an inability or intent not to have children, or hiding a prior undissolved marriage.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia courts can issue orders for child custody, support, and the division of property acquired during the “marriage” even after an annulment, treating the parties similarly to divorced spouses for these practical matters.
Do I need a lawyer to file a marriage annulment petition in Arlington County?
Yes. The legal standards are high and the process is complex. An experienced marriage annulment petition lawyer in Arlington County can gather necessary evidence, handle court procedures, and advocate effectively for your petition.
Related Practice Areas: For other legal needs, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI lawyer pages.
More Virginia Help: For broader information, visit our Virginia family law hub. For help in a nearby area, consult our family law lawyer in Alexandria.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.