Chesapeake Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Eligible for Annulment?
An annulment in Chesapeake, Virginia, legally declares a marriage void from its start under specific grounds in Va. Code § 20-89.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal guidance for your marriage annulment petition in Chesapeake. Our experienced team can assess if your situation meets the strict legal criteria for a void marriage in Virginia. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
In Virginia, an annulment (declaration of nullity) is distinct from a divorce. While a divorce ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never legally existed. The grounds are narrow and strictly defined by statute. Va. Code § 20-89.1 outlines the specific circumstances that render a marriage void or voidable. A void marriage is invalid from the outset, such as a marriage between close blood relatives. A voidable marriage is valid until a court annuls it based on grounds like fraud, duress, or incapacity. Successfully proving these grounds requires precise legal argument and evidence presentation in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Consult with an attorney to review your facts against the statutory grounds for annulment under Virginia law.
- Gather all necessary evidence, such as documents proving bigamy, medical records for incapacity, or communications demonstrating fraud.
- File a formal Petition for Annulment with the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk and pay the required filing fee.
- Serve the filed petition and a summons on your spouse according to Virginia court rules.
- Attend any required hearings to present evidence and legal argument supporting the annulment.
- Obtain the court’s final order of annulment, which legally declares the marriage null.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia law on annulments, see Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Chesapeake Circuit Court website.
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 complex family law matters. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. In family law, Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative and legal insight. We understand the sensitive nature of annulment cases and provide strategic, discreet representation aimed at achieving a clear legal resolution.
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 Chesapeake
Our firm has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
While annulments are case-specific, our attorneys use their broad family law knowledge to build strong arguments for clients seeking to nullify a marriage.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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.
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at Chesapeake courts. We represent individuals in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. For an annulment lawyer near Chesapeake, contact us anytime.
Annulment Lawyer Chesapeake FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares a marriage legally invalid from the beginning, while a divorce legally ends a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific, such as bigamy, underage marriage without consent, or fraud that goes to the essence of the marital contract.
What are the grounds for a marriage annulment petition in Chesapeake?
Grounds include: one party was under 18 without consent, bigamy (a prior spouse living), incest, mental incapacity at the time of marriage, fraud inducing consent, or duress. Proving these grounds requires specific evidence filed in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
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, a parent or guardian must file before the minor turns 18. Other grounds may have different timelines.
Can I get an annulment if my marriage was never consummated?
Yes, impotency or refusal to consummate the marriage can be grounds for annulment in Virginia if it existed at the time of marriage and was unknown to the other party. This must be proven in court and is not automatically granted.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Since an annulment voids the marriage, equitable distribution laws for property division do not apply. However, the court can issue orders for child custody, support, and visitation, as children born of a voided marriage are still considered legitimate.
For related legal help, see our pages on Virginia Family Law, Henrico County Family Lawyer, and Chesapeake Criminal Defense Attorney.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.