Marriage Annulment Lawyer New Kent County — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
A marriage annulment in New Kent County is a legal decree that a marriage is void from its start, unlike a divorce which ends a valid union. Grounds include bigamy, incest, or one party being underage. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for filing a marriage annulment petition in New Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific, limited grounds for annulling a marriage, treating it as if it never legally existed. An annulment is distinct from divorce and is governed by statute. The primary legal authority is Va. Code § 20-45.1, which outlines the grounds for void and voidable marriages. A void marriage is invalid from the outset and requires no court order to be considered null, though a declaratory judgment is often sought for clarity. A voidable marriage is valid until annulled by a court.
Common grounds for an annulment in Virginia include: one party being under the legal age of consent (under 18 without necessary approvals); a prior existing marriage (bigamy); parties being too closely related (incest); or consent obtained through fraud, force, or physical or mental incapacity. Proving these grounds requires specific evidence and adherence to strict legal procedures.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statutes on marriage and annulment, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website. For local court procedures and forms, visit the New Kent County Circuit Court website.
Annulment Process in New Kent County Circuit Court
Filing for an annulment in New Kent County involves specific steps at the Circuit Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The process is more nuanced than a standard divorce and hinges on proving one of the statutory grounds. The court scrutinizes the petition closely, as an annulment has significant legal implications regarding property, support, and the status of any children.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law and understand the evidence required.
- File a Complaint: Your attorney will draft and file a formal complaint for annulment with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk, paying the required filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be legally served on your spouse, who then has time to file an answer.
- Gather and Present Evidence: This is the core of the case. You must present documentation, witness testimony, or other proof supporting the specific annulment ground.
- Attend the Hearing: A judge will hear arguments and review evidence before making a ruling on the annulment petition.
- Obtain the Decree: If granted, the court will issue a final decree of annulment, legally declaring the marriage null.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Annulment Case
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. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Virginia family law, our unique authority is underscored by Mr. Sris’s personal work amending the state’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative and practical insight.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 and Client Advocacy
While specific annulment results are confidential, our approach in New Kent County is informed by a strong record of favorable outcomes in family court. We have 11 total documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas. Our secondary attorney on complex matters, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder who provides strategic oversight, particularly on cases involving intricate legal arguments or asset issues.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Representation for New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent County. We are accessible from I-64 and represent clients at the New Kent County Circuit Court. If you need a marriage annulment petition lawyer New Kent County or a void marriage lawyer New Kent County, we are here to help.
Service Areas: New Kent, Providence Forge, Quinton, and surrounding communities.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — Meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Annulment Lawyer New Kent County FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares a marriage legally invalid from the beginning (void), while a divorce dissolves a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific, such as bigamy, underage marriage without consent, or incest.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the ground. For fraud, you must generally file within two years of discovering it. For underage marriage, you must file before the minor turns 18. Other grounds, like bigamy, have no specific time limit but should be filed promptly.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Possibly, but Virginia law is strict. The fraud must go to the essence of the marriage—such as lying about the desire to have children or one’s identity—not merely about finances or status. Proving essential fraud is challenging.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Property is divided as if the parties were never married, based on title and who paid for items. However, children born from an annulled marriage are still considered legitimate, and the court will establish custody, visitation, and child support orders.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in New Kent County?
Yes. The legal standards are high, the evidence requirements are specific, and the process is complex. An experienced marriage annulment lawyer New Kent County can properly file the petition, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for you in court.
Internal Resources and Next Steps
For more on Virginia family law, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with related matters in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent County, explore our services for criminal defense or DUI defense.
If you believe your marriage may be void or voidable, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential case review. We provide clear guidance on your options under Virginia law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.