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. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats it as if it never existed. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for filing a marriage annulment petition in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific, limited grounds for annulment. A marriage is considered void if it is legally invalid from the beginning, meaning no valid marriage ever existed. A voidable marriage is considered valid until a court annuls it based on specific legal defects. Understanding the difference is crucial, and a void marriage lawyer in Virginia Beach can assess your situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
The primary statute governing annulments is Va. Code § 20-89.1. Grounds for a void marriage include bigamy (one party was already legally married), incest, or if a party lacked the mental capacity to consent at the time of the marriage. Grounds for a voidable marriage include fraud, duress, impotence, or if one party was underage without proper consent. Proceedings are filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Consult with an Attorney: Discuss the specific facts of your marriage to determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, such as marriage certificates, prior divorce decrees (for bigamy claims), medical records, or communications proving fraud or duress.
- File the Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file a formal Petition for Annulment with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The petition must be legally served on your spouse, who then has time to file a response.
- Court Hearing: If the case is contested, a hearing will be scheduled where both sides present evidence and arguments before a judge makes a ruling.
- Obtain the Decree: If the judge grants the annulment, a final decree of annulment will be issued, legally declaring 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, we have a documented history of successful case resolutions. Mr. Sris possesses a unique credential: he personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Our team, including managing attorney Mr. Sris, works collaboratively. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, founded the firm and maintains a selective caseload for deep involvement in complex cases. His personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 is a testament to his experience.
Local Representation for Virginia Beach Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — Serving Virginia Beach
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location represents clients in Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-64 and other major routes. We serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. For a marriage annulment petition lawyer Virginia Beach near you, call for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Virginia Beach Marriage Annulment FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void, as if it never existed, based on specific defects at the time of marriage. A divorce dissolves a legally valid marriage. The grounds, procedures, and legal effects are distinct.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
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 without consent, the underage party must file before turning 18. A marriage annulment lawyer Virginia Beach can advise on specific deadlines.
What are the grounds for a void marriage in Virginia?
Grounds for a void marriage include bigamy (a party was already married), incestuous relationships, or if a party lacked the mental capacity to consent. These marriages are invalid from the outset, and a court can declare them void at any time.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Possibly, but Virginia law requires the fraud to go to the “essence” of the marriage—meaning it must be about a fundamental fact (like the ability or intent to have children, or identity) that induced you to marry, not just a minor lie. Proving this requires strong evidence.
Where is an annulment filed in Virginia Beach?
Annulment petitions are filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. The filing fee for a complaint is approximately $86, plus costs for service of process.
Contact a Virginia Beach Annulment Attorney Today
If you believe your marriage may qualify for an annulment, do not delay. Strict time limits apply. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to schedule a consultation with a skilled marriage annulment lawyer Virginia Beach residents trust. We will evaluate your case, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Internal Resources: For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Hub. We also assist with related matters like criminal defense and DUI defense in Virginia Beach.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.