Marriage Annulment Lawyer Virginia Beach — Is Your Marriage Void?
A marriage annulment in Virginia Beach legally declares a marriage void from its start under Va. Code § 20-89.1, distinct from divorce. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or mental incapacity. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal guidance for your marriage annulment petition in Virginia Beach. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
In Virginia, an annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was never valid. The process and grounds are strictly defined by statute. A void marriage is one that is invalid from the outset and can be declared void at any time. Common grounds for a void marriage include a prior existing marriage (bigamy) or a marriage between close blood relatives (incest). A voidable marriage is considered valid until a court annuls it, typically based on grounds like one party being underage (under 18 without parental/guardian consent or court order), lack of mental capacity at the time of marriage, or consent obtained through fraud or force. The specific procedures for filing a marriage annulment petition are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
For the official state statute, review Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Virginia Beach Circuit Court website.
- Consult with a Virginia Beach annulment lawyer to review your situation and identify the correct legal ground (void or voidable).
- Gather all necessary evidence, such as marriage certificates, prior divorce decrees (for bigamy), birth certificates (for underage claims), or medical records (for incapacity).
- File a Complaint for Annulment with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the required filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse according to Virginia law, typically by sheriff or private process server.
- Attend any required hearings, where you must present your evidence to the judge for a final decree.
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 attorney experience to complex family law matters. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s key equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep commitment to shaping family law. For matters involving a potentially void marriage, a lawyer Virginia Beach clients trust can provide essential guidance on the nuanced differences between annulment and divorce.
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 and Client Advocacy
While specific annulment results are less commonly published, our firm’s approach to family law is grounded in meticulous case preparation and strategic advocacy. We have secured favorable outcomes in numerous complex family law matters across Virginia. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on intricate cases, ensuring every legal avenue is explored.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Annulment Attorneys
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-64 and I-264. If you need a marriage annulment petition lawyer Virginia Beach residents can rely on, contact us for a confidential assessment.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and surrounding communities.
Virginia Beach Marriage Annulment FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment legally declares the marriage never existed, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. Annulments are granted only for specific grounds like bigamy, underage marriage without consent, or mental incapacity at the time of the ceremony.
How long does an annulment take in Virginia Beach?
It depends on the ground, court schedule, and if it’s contested. An uncontested annulment based on clear documentation (like proof of a prior marriage) may be resolved in a few months. A contested case alleging fraud or incapacity can take significantly longer, similar to a complex divorce timeline.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Possibly, but Virginia law is strict. Fraud must go to the essence of the marriage—such as lying about the desire to have children or one’s identity—not merely about finances or status. Proving this type of fraud to the court’s satisfaction requires strong evidence.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia courts can still decide issues of property division, child custody, and support under the “annulment” proceeding, applying principles similar to divorce. The court’s priority is the best interests of any children and a fair distribution of assets acquired during the relationship.
Do I need a lawyer for a marriage annulment in Virginia Beach?
Yes. The legal standards for annulment are complex and evidence-specific. A skilled void marriage lawyer Virginia Beach can properly file your petition, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for you in court, significantly improving your chance of a successful outcome.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI lawyer pages. For more family law information, visit our Virginia family law hub.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.