Arlington County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void, as if it never existed, under Virginia law. In Arlington County, grounds for annulment include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or fraud. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for marriage annulment petitions in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
An annulment, distinct from divorce, is a legal decree that a marriage was invalid from its start. Virginia law provides specific, limited grounds for annulment, which are categorized as either void or voidable marriages. A void marriage is one that is illegal and invalid regardless of any court action, such as a marriage between close relatives. A voidable marriage is one that can be annulled by a court due to a legal defect existing at the time of the marriage, like fraud or incapacity. The relevant statutes are found in the Virginia Code, Title 20, Chapter 2.
Local Annulment Process in Arlington County
Filing for an annulment in Arlington County requires handling the procedures of the Arlington County Circuit Court. The process begins with determining if you have valid grounds under Virginia law. You must then file a formal complaint with the court, outlining the specific legal basis for the annulment. Unlike a no-fault divorce, an annulment case often requires presenting evidence to prove the grounds, such as demonstrating fraud or proving a prior undissolved marriage existed.
- Consult with an Arlington County annulment lawyer to review your situation and identify potential grounds.
- Gather all necessary documentation, including marriage certificates, evidence supporting your claim (e.g., proof of bigamy, fraud), and identification.
- Your attorney will draft and file the annulment complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Ensure proper service of the legal documents on your spouse according to Virginia rules.
- Prepare for and attend any required court hearings to present evidence supporting the annulment.
- Obtain the court’s final decree of annulment, which legally dissolves the marriage.
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 family law matters. Our deep understanding of Virginia statutes, including those governing void and voidable marriages, is critical for annulment cases. Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor and his personal work amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) reflect a significant grasp of complex family law. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients across Northern Virginia.
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 Arlington County
Our firm has secured 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While specific annulment results are part of this broader family law portfolio, each case is unique. For instance, our team has successfully resolved complex marital status issues that involved allegations of fraud and procedural defects.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters. His multi-state practice and experience amending Virginia family law code sections offer invaluable depth to our legal strategies.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
Phones 24/7/365. Meetings by appointment only.
Our Arlington location is accessible for clients with matters at the Arlington County courts. We serve neighborhoods including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need an annulment lawyer near Arlington County, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation.
Annulment Lawyer Arlington County FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares a marriage legally invalid from the beginning (void or voidable), while a divorce legally ends a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific, such as bigamy or fraud, and are distinct from the separation periods required for a no-fault divorce.
What are the grounds for a marriage annulment petition in Arlington County?
Grounds include: one party was under 18 without consent, lack of mental capacity, bigamy (a prior marriage still valid), incest, or fraud that goes to the essence of the marriage. A void marriage lawyer Arlington County can assess if your situation meets these strict legal standards.
How long does an annulment take in Arlington County Circuit Court?
It depends on the complexity, whether the other party contests it, and the court’s docket. An uncontested annulment based on clear evidence may resolve in a few months, while a contested case requiring a trial can take significantly longer.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me before we married?
Possibly, but Virginia law requires the fraud to be so substantial that it goes to the essence of the marital contract. Simple deception may not be sufficient. An experienced annulment lawyer Arlington County can evaluate whether the misrepresentation meets this high legal bar.
Where do I file for an annulment in Arlington County?
Annulment complaints are filed with the Circuit Court. The specific venue is the Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. You can find more information on the Virginia Courts website.
For more information on related legal services, see our pages on Virginia family law, family law in Alexandria, and criminal defense in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.