Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment in Colonial Heights legally declares a marriage void from its start under Virginia law. Grounds include bigamy, incest, or one party being underage. As an annulment lawyer Colonial Heights, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled marriage annulment petitions in Colonial Heights Circuit Court. We help you understand if your situation qualifies for an annulment versus a divorce.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
An annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was never valid. Virginia law distinguishes between void marriages (illegal from the start) and voidable marriages (can be canceled by a court). The primary statute governing annulments is Va. Code § 20-45.1, which outlines specific grounds. A void marriage lawyer Colonial Heights can assess your case against these legal standards to determine the correct path forward.
Void marriages are automatically invalid, meaning no legal marriage ever existed. Grounds include:
- Bigamy (one party was already legally married).
- Incest (parties are too closely related).
- One party was under the age of 16 at the time of the marriage.
Voidable marriages are considered valid until a court annuls them. Grounds include:
- One party was aged 16 or 17 and married without required parental or judicial consent.
- One party lacked the mental capacity to consent.
- The marriage was procured by force, fraud, or coercion.
- One party was physically incapable of entering the marriage (impotence).
You can review the official Virginia statute on the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 20-45.1). For court procedures, visit the Colonial Heights Circuit Court website.
- Consult an Attorney: Determine if your situation meets Virginia’s strict annulment grounds.
- File a Complaint: Your attorney files a formal complaint for annulment in Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be legally served on your spouse.
- Court Hearing: Present evidence and testimony to support the annulment ground.
- Judge’s Decree: If proven, the judge enters a decree of annulment, dissolving the marriage.
Why Choose Our Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In family law matters, our deep understanding of Virginia statutes is critical. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a commitment to shaping the law we practice.
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 includes founding attorney Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice who provides strategic oversight on complex family law matters. His background in accounting and information systems is particularly valuable in annulment cases involving allegations of financial fraud.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
In Colonial Heights, our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes across practice areas. While every case is unique, our approach is thorough and client-focused.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Annulment Lawyer Near Colonial Heights, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients in Colonial Heights and the surrounding Central Virginia region. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. If you need an annulment lawyer near Colonial Heights Courthouse on Boulevard, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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.
We serve the Colonial Heights community and surrounding areas.
Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights FAQ
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. Annulments are based on specific grounds existing at the time of the wedding, like fraud or incapacity.
How long does an annulment take in Colonial Heights?
It depends on the case’s complexity and court schedule. An uncontested annulment where both parties agree on the grounds may resolve in a few months. A contested case requiring a trial can take significantly longer.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Possibly, but Virginia law is strict. The fraud must be about something central to the marriage itself (like hiding an inability to have children if that was a mutual goal), not a general lie about background or finances.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Since an annulment voids the marriage, property is divided based on title and who paid for it, not equitable distribution. However, Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-45.1) allows the court to make orders for child custody, support, and visitation, treating the children as legitimate.
Do I need a lawyer to file a marriage annulment petition in Colonial Heights?
Yes. Annulment law is complex with strict procedural and evidentiary rules. An experienced annulment lawyer Colonial Heights can properly file the petition, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for you in Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
Related Pages: Learn more about Virginia family law. For other legal needs, see our pages for Criminal Defense Lawyer Colonial Heights and DUI Lawyer Colonial Heights.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.