Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, grounds for annulment are strict and defined by statute. If you need to pursue an annulment, consulting with an experienced annulment lawyer Virginia Beach is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Void Marriages
Virginia law provides two paths to end a marriage without a divorce: annulment (for voidable marriages) and declarations of void marriage. An annulment lawyer Virginia Beach can determine which applies. A void marriage is one that was never legally valid under Va. Code § 20-45.1, such as a marriage between close blood relatives or where one party was already legally married. A voidable marriage is initially valid but can be annulled for specific grounds like fraud, force, or physical incapacity under Va. Code § 20-89.1. The process requires filing a formal complaint in the Circuit Court where either party resides.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s marriage laws, review the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 2. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court website provides local forms and filing information for annulment petitions.
- Consult with an attorney to review your marriage facts against Virginia’s annulment statutes.
- Gather all necessary evidence, such as proof of a prior existing marriage or documentation of fraud.
- File a Complaint for Annulment or a Bill of Complaint to Declare Marriage Void with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the filed complaint on your spouse according to Virginia court rules.
- Attend any required hearings and present your case and evidence before the judge.
- Obtain the court’s final order granting the annulment or declaring the marriage void.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Virginia Beach, a successful annulment legally erases the marriage, which can affect property rights, spousal support, and the legitimacy of children differently than a divorce.
If an annulment is granted, the court may still issue orders regarding property division, support, and custody of children from the relationship, treating the parties similarly to divorcing spouses for those limited purposes. The key distinction is the legal status of the union itself being voided.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Annulment Case
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in family cases. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, possesses a unique background that includes personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep understanding of Virginia family law at the legislative level.
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 Virginia Beach
Our firm has extensive experience handling family law matters across Virginia. While specific annulment case counts are integrated into our broader family law results, our approach is grounded in a thorough understanding of statutory requirements. We prepare each marriage annulment petition lawyer Virginia Beach case with meticulous attention to the evidence needed to meet Virginia’s legal standards. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides oversight on complex legal strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
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.
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-64 and other major highways. If you are searching for an annulment lawyer Virginia Beach or a void marriage lawyer Virginia Beach, contact us for a consultation. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and surrounding communities.
Annulment Lawyer Virginia Beach FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
Yes, there is a major difference. A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment declares that a valid marriage never existed (void) or cancels a voidable marriage from the beginning.
What are the grounds for an annulment in Virginia?
Grounds include fraud or deceit to induce the marriage, force or coercion, physical incapacity to consummate the marriage, one party being underage without proper consent, or a marriage prohibited by law (like bigamy or incest). An attorney can assess if your facts fit these grounds.
How long do I have to file for an annulment?
It depends on the ground. For example, for fraud, you generally must file within two years of discovering the fraud. For underage marriage, it must be filed before the minor turns 18. Timelines are strict, so prompt legal advice is crucial.
Can I get spousal support after an annulment?
It depends. While an annulment voids the marriage, a Virginia court can still order one party to provide support to the other if equity requires it, considering factors similar to those in a divorce.
Where is an annulment filed in Virginia Beach?
An annulment complaint is filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B. The court handles all annulment and void marriage declarations.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist with family law in Henrico County and criminal defense in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.