Annulment Lawyer Bedford County — How to Petition for a Void or Voidable Marriage
An annulment in Bedford County legally declares a marriage void or voidable under Virginia law, as distinct from divorce. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or mental incapacity. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for filing a marriage annulment petition in Bedford County. Our firm has 31 documented case results in this locality.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific, narrow grounds for annulment (Va. Code § 20-89.1 et seq.). An annulment legally declares that a valid marriage never existed, unlike a divorce which ends a valid marriage. This distinction affects property rights, spousal support, and legitimacy of children. The process requires filing a formal complaint in the Circuit Court where either party resides.
Grounds for a void marriage (invalid from the start) include bigamy (one party was already married), incest (parties are close blood relatives), or underage marriage without required court consent. Grounds for a voidable marriage (can be annulled by a court) include fraud, duress, mental incapacity at the time of marriage, or physical incapacity (impotence) that is incurable and unknown to the other party at the time of marriage.
- Consult with an attorney to review your situation and determine if valid annulment grounds exist under Virginia law.
- Your attorney will draft and file a Complaint for Annulment with the Bedford County Circuit Court, stating the specific legal grounds.
- The complaint must be formally served on your spouse, who then has 21 days to file an Answer.
- If contested, the case proceeds to discovery and potentially a trial where you must prove the grounds.
- The court will issue a Final Decree of Annulment if the grounds are proven, legally dissolving the marriage.
Key Differences: Annulment vs. Divorce in Virginia
Understanding whether to seek an annulment or a divorce is a crucial first step. The table below outlines the primary differences.
In Bedford County, an annulment requires proving specific statutory grounds that the marriage was invalid, while a divorce dissolves a legally valid marriage.
| Aspect | Annulment | Divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Effect | Declares marriage never legally existed. | Terminates a legally valid marriage. |
| Grounds | Specific, narrow (e.g., bigamy, fraud, incapacity). | No-fault (separation) or fault (adultery, cruelty). |
| Property Division | No “marital property”; parties keep own assets. | Equitable distribution of marital property applies. |
| Spousal Support | Generally not awarded. | May be awarded based on statutory factors. |
| Time Limit | Often has statutory deadlines (e.g., 2 years for fraud). | No time limit for filing based on fault grounds. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 attorney experience to complex family law matters. Our deep understanding of Virginia statutes is underscored by Mr. Sris’s personal work amending the state’s equitable distribution law, Va. Code § 20-107.3. We have a documented record of 31 case results in Bedford County across all practice areas. For a void marriage lawyer Bedford County residents can trust, our team provides strategic, client-focused representation.
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 Bedford County Courts
Our attorneys are familiar with the procedures of the Bedford County Circuit Court. We have successfully represented clients in the 24th Judicial District, achieving favorable outcomes. For instance, our firm has secured dismissals in assault cases and favorable bond conditions in complex matters at the Bedford County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Annulment Lawyers
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients with matters in Bedford County courts. We are accessible via Route 460, Route 122, and other major highways, serving Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St #103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Annulment Lawyer Bedford County FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
Yes. An annulment declares the marriage was never legally valid from the start (void) or is subject to being canceled (voidable). A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. The grounds, property division rules, and potential for spousal support differ significantly between the two processes.
What are the grounds for an annulment in Virginia?
Virginia law allows annulment for specific reasons. Void marriage grounds include bigamy or incest. Voidable marriage grounds include fraud, duress, mental incapacity, physical incapacity (impotence), or marriage under the legal age without proper consent. You must file a formal marriage annulment petition in Circuit Court.
How long do I have to file for an annulment?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud or duress, you generally must file within two years of discovering the fraud or being free from duress. For underage marriage, you must file before the minor turns 18. A void marriage lawyer Bedford County can advise on specific deadlines for your case.
Can I get spousal support after an annulment?
No. Spousal support is typically not available after an annulment because the court has determined no valid marriage existed. Financial claims are generally limited to returning property to its original owner, not the equitable distribution or support awards available in divorce.
Where do I file an annulment case in Bedford County?
You file a Complaint for Annulment with the Bedford County Circuit Court, located at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523. The court handles all annulment petitions, which are civil actions. The filing fee is approximately $86, plus costs for service of process.
For more information on Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Bedford County Circuit Court website.
See our Virginia Family Law hub page for more resources. We also assist with criminal defense and DUI cases in Bedford County.