Marriage Annulment Lawyer Virginia Beach — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
A marriage annulment in Virginia Beach legally declares a marriage void from the start under Va. Code § 20-89.1, unlike a divorce which ends a valid marriage. 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 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 legally valid. The grounds are strictly defined by statute. A void marriage is one that is invalid from the outset, such as a bigamous marriage or a marriage between close relatives. A voidable marriage is one that can be annulled due to a defect existing at the time of the ceremony, like fraud, duress, or physical incapacity. The process requires filing a formal complaint in the Circuit Court where either party resides.
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Virginia Beach Circuit Court website.
- Consult an Attorney: Review your situation with a lawyer to determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law.
- File a Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file a Complaint for Annulment with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be legally served on your spouse, who then has time to file an answer.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary documentation, such as marriage certificates, proof of bigamy, or evidence of fraud or incapacity.
- Court Hearing: Attend a hearing where you must present evidence to prove the grounds for annulment. If successful, the court will enter a Decree of Annulment.
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 record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law. For a void marriage in Virginia Beach, having an attorney who understands the nuanced legal distinctions is critical.
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
In family law matters, our approach is to clarify the most efficient legal path—whether that is annulment or divorce—based on the unique facts of your case.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Annulment Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
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.
Virginia Beach Marriage Annulment FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage never legally existed, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific, such as bigamy or fraud at the time of marriage.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For underage marriage, you must file before the minor turns 18. For fraud or force, you should file promptly after discovering the fraud or being free from duress. There is no specific statutory deadline for all grounds, but delay can weaken your case.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Yes, but only if the fraud goes to the essence of the marriage contract (e.g., lying about wanting children or hiding a prior marriage). Mere deception about character or finances typically does not qualify.
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 laws. However, the court can still issue orders regarding child custody, support, and visitation, as children born of an annulled marriage are still considered legitimate.
Do I need a marriage annulment petition lawyer in Virginia Beach?
Yes. The process is complex and requires proving specific legal grounds. A lawyer ensures proper filing at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, gathers necessary evidence, and advocates for you in hearings.
What should I ask a void marriage lawyer in Virginia Beach?
Ask about their experience with annulment cases, the specific evidence needed for your grounds, the estimated timeline and costs, and how child or property issues will be addressed during the proceeding.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist with related matters like criminal defense in Virginia Beach.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.