Marriage Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from the start under Virginia law. In Colonial Heights, you must prove specific grounds like bigamy, incest, or incapacity under Va. Code § 20-89.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for marriage annulment petitions in Colonial Heights. Our firm has handled 4 documented case results in this locality.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides two categories for annulment: void marriages and voidable marriages. A void marriage is invalid from the moment it occurs, while a voidable marriage is valid until a court annuls it. The specific grounds are defined by statute and require clear evidence.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Statutory Grounds for Annulment in Virginia
The primary statute governing annulments is Va. Code § 20-89.1. Void marriages include those involving bigamy (one party already legally married), incest, or parties under the age of 16. Voidable marriages can be annulled for reasons like impotence, fraud, duress, or mental incapacity at the time of the marriage.
Filing occurs in the Circuit Court where either party resides. The process is distinct from divorce, as it seeks to erase the marital status entirely rather than dissolve it. Understanding whether your situation meets the strict legal definition is a critical first step that a marriage annulment petition lawyer Colonial Heights can assess.
- Consult with a Colonial Heights Annulment Attorney: Discuss the specific facts of your marriage to determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law.
- Gather Necessary Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, such as prior marriage certificates, medical records, or proof of fraud, to support your petition.
- File the Annulment Petition: Your lawyer will prepare and file the formal petition with the Colonial Heights Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The petition must be legally served on your spouse, who then has the opportunity to respond.
- Attend Court Hearings: Depending on whether the case is contested, you may need to attend hearings where a judge will review the evidence.
- Obtain the Final Decree: If the court finds grounds exist, it will issue a decree of annulment, legally declaring the marriage null.
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 legal experience to complex family law matters. Our deep understanding of Virginia statutes, including those Mr. Sris has personally helped amend, allows us to build precise arguments for annulment cases. We focus on the specific procedural requirements of Colonial Heights courts.
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
Our firm has a documented record in Colonial Heights courts. For example, we have secured dismissals for clients facing serious traffic charges in Colonial Heights General District Court. While these results are in different practice areas, they demonstrate our familiarity and effectiveness within the local judicial system.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions, provides strategic oversight on complex matters. His background in accounting and information systems is a unique advantage in cases involving financial fraud claims within a marriage.
Contact Our Colonial Heights Annulment Attorneys
Our Richmond location serves clients in Colonial Heights. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. If you need a void marriage lawyer Colonial Heights residents trust for clear guidance, contact us for a confidential consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve Colonial Heights and surrounding communities.
Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage legally invalid from the beginning, as if it never happened. A divorce dissolves a legally valid marriage. Grounds are different and stricter for annulment.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud or force, you must generally file within two years of discovering the fraud or being free from force. For underage marriages, a petition can be filed before the minor turns 18. A lawyer can advise on your specific timeline.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied about wanting children?
Yes, in some cases. Fraudulent misrepresentation about a matter essential to the marriage contract, like the intent to have children, can be a ground for annulment under Virginia law if proven with clear evidence.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia courts can still make orders regarding property division, child custody, and support following an annulment, treating the relationship as a form of marital partnership. The legal framework for these decisions is similar to divorce proceedings.
Where do I file an annulment case in Colonial Heights?
Annulment petitions are filed in the Colonial Heights Circuit Court, located at 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. The court’s website provides forms and basic information.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist with related matters like divorce in Chesterfield and criminal defense in Colonial Heights.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change. For current guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.