Marriage Annulment Lawyer Virginia Beach — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
A marriage annulment in Virginia Beach legally declares a marriage void from its start under Va. Code § 20-89.1, distinct from divorce. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or mental incapacity. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal guidance for filing a marriage annulment petition in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
In Virginia, an annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was never valid. The statutes differentiate between void marriages (invalid from the outset) and voidable marriages (can be annulled by a court). The primary statute governing annulments is Va. Code § 20-89.1. A void marriage requires no legal action to be considered invalid, but a court order (annulment) is necessary to legally document its nullity and resolve related issues like property. Common grounds include one party being under 18 without necessary consent, a prior existing marriage (bigamy), marriage between close relatives, or if a party lacked mental capacity to consent at the time of the marriage.
- Consult with a Virginia Beach annulment lawyer to review your circumstances against the legal grounds in Va. Code § 20-89.1.
- Gather all necessary documentation, including marriage certificate, proof of grounds (e.g., prior divorce decree, birth certificates proving underage status, medical records).
- File a Complaint for Annulment with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse according to Virginia court rules.
- Attend any required hearings, where you must present evidence proving the grounds for annulment.
- Obtain the final annulment decree from the court, which legally declares the marriage null.
Why Choose Our Virginia Beach Annulment Attorneys
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 track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Virginia Beach and across the state, we understand the nuanced difference between an annulment and a divorce. Mr. Sris’s unique background includes personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep involvement in the evolution of Virginia family law that benefits all our clients.
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
Our firm has 8 total documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While each annulment case is unique, our systematic approach to gathering evidence and constructing a compelling legal argument is consistent. For instance, in cases alleging a void marriage due to bigamy, we meticulously obtain and present the prior spouse’s divorce decree as irrefutable proof. In matters of incapacity, we work with medical experts to substantiate the claim. Founding attorney Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every legal avenue is explored.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Annulment Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. Serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Virginia Beach Marriage Annulment FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia Beach?
An annulment declares the marriage legally invalid from the beginning (void), as if it never happened. A divorce legally ends a valid marriage. Grounds are distinct; annulment requires proof of specific void or voidable conditions under Va. Code § 20-89.1 at the time of the marriage.
What are the grounds for a marriage annulment in Virginia?
Grounds include: bigamy (one spouse was already married), incest (marriage between close relatives), underage marriage without proper consent, mental incapacity at the time of marriage, or if consent was obtained by force or fraud. A void marriage lawyer in Virginia Beach can assess if your situation meets these strict legal criteria.
How long does an annulment take in Virginia Beach Circuit Court?
It depends on the complexity and whether it is contested. An uncontested annulment with clear evidence can be resolved in a few months. A contested case, where the other spouse disputes the grounds, can take significantly longer, similar to a contested divorce timeline.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
It depends. Fraud can be a ground for annulment if it goes to the essence of the marriage (e.g., lying about wanting children, hiding a severe addiction). Mere deception about character or finances typically does not qualify. A marriage annulment petition lawyer in Virginia Beach can evaluate the specifics of the fraud.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia courts can still decide issues of property division, child custody, and support under the “annulment” proceeding, treating the relationship as a form of marital partnership. The court uses principles of equitable distribution and the “best interests of the child” standard, similar to divorce.
Where do I file for an annulment in Virginia Beach?
You file a Complaint for Annulment with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. The court’s website, vacourts.gov, provides forms and procedural information.
Related Practice Areas: For other legal needs, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI lawyer pages.
More Virginia Family Law: Virginia Divorce & Family Lawyer Hub | Henrico County Family Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.