Annulment Lawyer New Kent County — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment in New Kent County legally declares a marriage void from its start under Virginia law, distinct from divorce. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or mental incapacity. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for marriage annulment petitions in New Kent County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
An annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was never valid. Unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed. Virginia law provides specific, limited grounds for annulment, which are outlined in the Virginia Code. Successfully filing a marriage annulment petition requires precise legal arguments and evidence presented to the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Virginia statutes define two categories: void marriages (invalid from the beginning) and voidable marriages (valid until annulled by a court). A void marriage lawyer New Kent County can advise on which category applies to your situation. The process and implications for property, support, and children differ significantly from divorce.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Annulments in Virginia are governed by specific statutes. The primary law is Va. Code § 20-89.1, which details the grounds for annulment. A marriage is considered void *ab initio* (from the beginning) if it involves:
- Bigamy (one party was already legally married).
- Incest (parties are closely related by blood or adoption).
- Underage marriage without required court consent.
- Mental incapacity of one party at the time of the marriage.
Other grounds, such as fraud, duress, or physical incapacity, may make a marriage voidable. These require filing a formal complaint for annulment in circuit court. The distinction is critical for legal strategy.
- Consult an Attorney: Determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law.
- File a Complaint: Your lawyer files a formal complaint for annulment with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be legally served on your spouse.
- Court Hearing: Present evidence and arguments at a hearing before a judge.
- Judge’s Decree: The court issues a final decree of annulment if grounds are proven.
- Address Ancillary Issues: Resolve matters of property division or child custody as ordered by the court.
Why Choose Our Annulment Lawyer New Kent County Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In family law matters, Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state family law. We apply this detailed knowledge to annulment cases, where correct legal categorization directly affects your rights.
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 a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law cases. While every case is unique, our systematic approach to annulment petitions aims to achieve a clear legal resolution. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on cases involving financial fraud or complex asset issues related to annulment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Annulment Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts. We represent individuals in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Annulment in New Kent County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares a marriage legally invalid from the start, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. Annulment grounds are specific, like bigamy or fraud, and are addressed under Va. Code § 20-89.1. The legal and financial consequences differ significantly.
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, the underage party must file before turning 18. A void marriage lawyer New Kent County can advise on specific deadlines for your case.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Possibly, but Virginia law is strict. The lie must be about a fact essential to the marriage itself (e.g., intent to have children, religious beliefs) and not a general misrepresentation. Proving essential fraud is a core task of a marriage annulment petition lawyer New Kent County.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
If an annulment is granted, the court still has authority to decide issues of property division, child custody, and support. The court will make equitable orders, though the framework differs from divorce. Children born during a marriage later annulled are still considered legitimate.
Where are annulment cases filed in New Kent County?
All annulment complaints are filed with the New Kent County Circuit Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. The court’s website provides forms and general information: New Kent County Courts.
If you need to explore an annulment, contact an experienced annulment lawyer New Kent County at the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss the specifics of your marriage annulment petition.
Related Pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Family Law Lawyer Henrico County | Criminal Defense Lawyer New Kent County