Arlington County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its start, unlike a divorce which ends a valid marriage. In Arlington County, grounds for annulment are strict and defined by Virginia statute. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal guidance for annulment petitions in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
An annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was never legally valid. The process and grounds are distinct from divorce and are governed by specific Virginia statutes. Successfully obtaining an annulment in Arlington County requires proving one of the limited grounds exists, making the guidance of an experienced annulment lawyer Arlington County essential.
Virginia Law on Annulment and Void Marriages
Virginia law distinguishes between void marriages (invalid from the beginning) and voidable marriages (valid until annulled by a court). Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-45.1, which outlines grounds for annulment such as bigamy, incest, underage marriage without proper consent, or mental incapacity at the time of marriage. Understanding these precise legal definitions is the first step in any marriage annulment petition lawyer Arlington County case.
- Consultation: Discuss your marriage facts confidentially with an attorney to assess potential annulment grounds.
- Evidence Gathering: Collect all relevant documents (marriage certificate, proof of bigamy, medical records for incapacity, etc.).
- Petition Filing: Your attorney files a formal Bill of Complaint for Annulment with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Service & Response: The other spouse is legally served with the petition and has an opportunity to respond.
- Court Hearing: If the case is uncontested, a hearing is scheduled for the judge to review the evidence and grant the decree.
- Decree Entry: The court enters a Final Decree of Annulment, legally declaring the marriage null.
Grounds for Annulment in Virginia
In Arlington County, an annulment is not granted for simple incompatibility; you must prove specific statutory grounds that made the marriage either void or voidable from the outset.
- Void Marriages (Absolutely Invalid): These include bigamy (one party was already legally married), incestuous marriages, or marriages where one party lacked the mental capacity to consent.
- Voidable Marriages (Can be Annulled): These include fraud or duress (e.g., marriage based on a lie or threat), underage marriage without required court consent, or physical incapacity to consummate the marriage.
Proving these grounds often requires specific documentation and, sometimes, witness testimony. A skilled void marriage lawyer Arlington County can handle this process.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Arlington Annulment Attorneys
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes across all practice areas.
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 in Arlington County
Our firm has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. In family law, our approach focuses on clear legal strategies based on statute and evidence. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, provides oversight on complex matters, ensuring every case benefits from high-level experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Annulment in Arlington County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment declares that a valid marriage never existed due to specific legal defects present at the time of the wedding.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the ground. For fraud or duress, you must file within two years of discovering the fraud or being free from duress. For underage marriage, you must file before the underage party turns 18. Other grounds, like bigamy, have no time limit.
Can I get an annulment if my marriage was only for a short time?
No. The length of the marriage is not a ground for annulment in Virginia. You must prove one of the specific statutory grounds, such as fraud, incapacity, or bigamy.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia courts can make orders regarding property division, child custody, and support as part of an annulment decree. The principles are similar to divorce, aiming for equitable distribution and decisions in the child’s best interests.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Arlington County?
Yes. The process is highly technical and requires proving specific legal grounds with evidence. An experienced annulment lawyer Arlington County is crucial for properly filing the petition and presenting your case to the court.
For more information on Virginia statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website for annulment laws. For court procedures, see the Arlington County Circuit Court website.
Explore related legal help: Virginia Family Law Lawyer, Family Law Lawyer Alexandria, Criminal Defense Lawyer Arlington.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.