Henrico County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Eligible for Annulment?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its start under Virginia law, distinct from divorce. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, mental incapacity, or fraud. An experienced annulment lawyer Henrico County can assess your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for marriage annulment petitions in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific, narrow grounds for annulment (Va. Code § 20-89.1). Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never legally existed. This distinction is critical for property rights, spousal support, and marital status. The statute outlines void and voidable marriages.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Void vs. Voidable Marriages
A void marriage is invalid from the outset, and any party can challenge it at any time. Grounds include bigamy (one party was already legally married), incest, or a marriage where a party lacked the mental capacity to consent. A void marriage lawyer Henrico County can file to have the marriage declared null.
A voidable marriage is considered valid until a court annuls it. Grounds include underage marriage without proper consent, impotence, fraud, duress, or mental incapacity at the time of the ceremony. The petition must be filed within specific time limits after discovering the grounds.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statutes on annulment and marriage, refer to the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6. For local court procedures and forms, visit the Henrico County Circuit Court website.
Procedural Steps for Annulment in Henrico County
Filing for an annulment in Henrico County requires precise adherence to procedural rules. The process begins in the Henrico County Circuit Court, located at 4301 East Parham Road. The key is proving one of the statutory grounds exists. Virginia courts scrutinize annulment petitions closely, especially claims of fraud or incapacity.
- Consult with an Attorney: Determine if you have valid grounds for annulment under Virginia law.
- File a Complaint: Your attorney files a formal complaint for annulment with the Henrico County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be legally served on your spouse.
- Attend Hearings: Present evidence and testimony to support the annulment grounds.
- Court Judgment: The judge will issue a decree of annulment if the grounds are proven.
- Address Ancillary Issues: Resolve matters of property division or child custody as ordered by the court.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Henrico County, a successful annulment results in the marriage being declared void, which can affect property division, spousal support, and legitimacy of children.
If an annulment is granted, the court may still decide issues of child custody, support, and visitation under the “best interests of the child” standard. Property division is handled as if the parties were never married, which can be complex if assets were commingled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Annulment Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, 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+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team understands the nuanced difference between annulment and divorce and provides focused guidance.
Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law. This legislative experience informs our strategic approach to all family law cases, including annulments.
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
Documented Case Results in Henrico County
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in Henrico County courts across various practice areas. For instance, we have secured dismissals for reckless driving charges and reductions for drug possession and DUI offenses in Henrico General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides oversight on complex financial aspects that can arise in annulment cases involving asset disputes.
Contact Our Henrico County Annulment Attorneys
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Henrico County, including Glen Allen, Short Pump, and Innsbrook. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Annulment Lawyer Henrico County FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage legally void from the beginning, as if it never happened. A divorce dissolves a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific and limited under Va. Code § 20-89.1, such as bigamy, incest, or fraud.
How long do I have to file for an annulment based on fraud?
It depends. For fraud, you generally must file within two years of discovering the fraud or when you should have discovered it using reasonable diligence. The timeline varies for other grounds, like underage marriage. An annulment lawyer Henrico County can advise on your specific deadline.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied about wanting children?
Possibly. Virginia courts may consider fraud related to a fundamental aspect of the marriage, such as the intent to have children, as a potential ground for annulment. Success depends on proving the lie was material and induced you to consent to the marriage.
What happens to our property if my marriage is annulled?
Property is typically divided as if you were never legally married. Separate property remains with each owner. The court may distribute jointly held property based on principles of equity and contribution, not equitable distribution law. This process can be complex.
Where do I file for an annulment in Henrico County?
You file a complaint for annulment with the Henrico County Circuit Court, located at 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228. The court handles all annulment and divorce proceedings for the county.
Related Legal Services in Henrico County
If you are considering ending your marriage, you may also want information on divorce in Henrico County. Our firm also assists with criminal defense and DUI cases in the area. For a broader view of our family law practice, visit our Virginia family law hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information subject to change.