Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment in Colonial Heights declares a marriage legally void under Virginia law, as if it never existed. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or mental incapacity under Va. Code § 20-89.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides two paths to end a marriage: divorce and annulment. An annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was invalid from its start. The grounds are strict and defined by statute. A void marriage is automatically invalid, such as a bigamous marriage where one party was already legally married. A voidable marriage is valid until a court annuls it, such as a marriage where one party lacked the mental capacity to consent.
The primary statute governing annulments in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-89.1. This law outlines the specific circumstances under which a marriage can be annulled. Colonial Heights Circuit Court has jurisdiction over annulment petitions filed by city residents.
- Consult with an attorney to review your situation against Virginia’s annulment grounds.
- Your attorney will gather necessary evidence, such as marriage certificates, proof of existing marriage, or medical records.
- File a formal annulment petition with the Colonial Heights Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the petition on your spouse according to Virginia court rules.
- Attend any required hearings where you must present evidence supporting the annulment grounds.
- Obtain the court’s final decree of annulment if your petition is granted.
Why You Need an Annulment Lawyer in Colonial Heights
Seeking an annulment is a complex legal process distinct from divorce. The burden of proof is high, and the court requires specific evidence. An experienced annulment lawyer Colonial Heights understands the nuances of Virginia’s annulment statutes and the procedural requirements of Colonial Heights Circuit Court. They can determine if your marriage meets the legal definition of void or voidable, guide you through evidence collection, and advocate for you in court. Without proper legal guidance, your petition may be denied, leaving you without a 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 Results in Colonial Heights
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of handling cases in Colonial Heights courts. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years with more than 4,739 case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. In Colonial Heights, we have achieved favorable outcomes for clients, including dismissals and charge reductions in various matters. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, brings this extensive litigation experience and a background in accounting to complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Colonial Heights Annulment Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in Colonial Heights and the surrounding Central Virginia area. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 1. If you need an annulment lawyer near Colonial Heights or have questions about a void marriage, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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.
Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment legally declares a marriage never valid, erasing it. A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific, like bigamy or incapacity, while divorce can be based on separation or fault.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud or force, you must file within two years of discovering the fraud or being free from force. For underage marriage, a parent must file before the minor turns 18. Other grounds have different timelines.
Can I get an annulment if my marriage was never consummated?
No. In Virginia, non-consummation is not a standalone ground for annulment. You would need to pursue a divorce, potentially using a fault ground like desertion if one spouse refused to consummate the marriage.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Since an annulment voids the marriage, there is no “marital property” to divide under equitable distribution. However, the court can issue orders for child custody, support, and the division of jointly owned assets based on principles of equity and contract law.
Do I need a lawyer to file a marriage annulment petition in Colonial Heights?
Yes. The process is highly technical, with strict evidence requirements. An experienced marriage annulment petition lawyer Colonial Heights ensures proper grounds are cited, evidence is presented correctly, and all Colonial Heights Circuit Court procedures are followed to avoid dismissal.
What makes a marriage void in Virginia?
A void marriage is invalid from the start, requiring no court order to dissolve. Grounds include bigamy (one spouse was already married), incest (prohibited degrees of kinship), or a marriage where either party was under 16 and lacked necessary court approval.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Virginia Courts website. To discuss your annulment case with an experienced annulment lawyer Colonial Heights, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We also assist clients with related matters like divorce in Chesterfield County and criminal defense in Colonial Heights. For a broader overview, see our Virginia family law hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for updated guidance.