Fauquier County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Eligible to Be Voided?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its start, unlike a divorce which ends a valid union. In Fauquier County, Virginia, specific grounds like bigamy, incest, or underage marriage without consent can make a marriage void.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides two paths for annulment: void marriages and voidable marriages. A void marriage is invalid from the beginning and can be challenged at any time. Grounds for a void marriage include bigamy (one party was already legally married), incest, or a marriage where one party was under 16 and lacked required court consent. A voidable marriage is considered valid until a court annuls it based on specific grounds like fraud, force, or physical incapacity at the time of marriage. The legal process for a marriage annulment petition is handled in the Circuit Court where either party resides.
For the official Virginia statutes, see the Virginia Code on Marriage (Title 20, Chapter 2). Local procedures are set by the Fauquier County Circuit Court.
- Consult with an annulment lawyer to review your facts against Virginia’s legal grounds.
- Gather all necessary evidence, such as prior marriage certificates, proof of fraud, or medical records.
- File a formal Bill of Complaint for Annulment with the Fauquier County Circuit Court clerk.
- Ensure proper legal service of the complaint on your spouse.
- Attend any required hearings and present your case and evidence.
- Obtain the court’s final decree of annulment if your petition is granted.
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 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 key role in amending Virginia’s key equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep commitment to shaping and understanding Virginia family law.
Samantha Powers
Of Counsel, Family Law Attorney
Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005
J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017
Samantha Powers focuses her practice on Virginia family law, bringing over 18 years of experience to matters including annulment, divorce, and complex marital agreements.
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 Fauquier County
Our attorneys have a documented history of achieving positive outcomes for clients in Fauquier County courts across various practice areas. For instance, we have successfully had reckless driving charges dropped to simple speeding and secured favorable dispositions in DUI cases in Fauquier County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Fauquier County and is accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We are your local annulment lawyer near Warrenton, also serving the communities of New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
Annulment Lawyer Fauquier County FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment is a legal declaration that a valid marriage never existed due to specific grounds present at the time of the wedding, such as bigamy or fraud.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For voidable marriages (e.g., based on fraud or force), you generally must file within a certain time after discovering the fraud or being free from the force. There is no time limit to challenge a void marriage, as it was never legally valid. A void marriage lawyer in Fauquier County can advise on specific deadlines for your case.
What are the grounds for a void marriage in Virginia?
The grounds include: bigamy (one spouse was already married), incest (marriage between close relatives), or if a party was under 16 years old and lacked the required court consent. These marriages are considered invalid from the outset.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Potentially, yes. Fraud can be a ground for annulment if the lie was about an essential aspect of the marriage (e.g., intent to have children, religious beliefs, or identity) and you would not have married had you known the truth. Proving fraud requires strong evidence.
Where is an annulment filed in Fauquier County?
Annulment cases are filed in the Fauquier County Circuit Court, located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. This is the same court that handles divorces and other major family law matters.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you are facing other legal issues, explore our services for criminal defense in Fauquier County or DUI defense in Fauquier County.