A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Dinwiddie County handles void or voidable marriages under Va. Code § 20-89.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 documented case results in Dinwiddie County. Annulment differs from divorce by declaring the marriage invalid from the start rather than ending a valid marriage.
Last verified: April 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Annulment in Virginia
Under Virginia law, an annulment is a legal proceeding that declares a marriage void or voidable. A void marriage is invalid from the beginning due to bigamy, incest, or lack of legal capacity. A voidable marriage can be annulled due to fraud, duress, or mental incapacity. The statute governing annulments is Va. Code § 20-89.1. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment treats the marriage as if it never legally existed. A marriage annulment petition lawyer Dinwiddie County can help you determine whether your situation qualifies for annulment rather than divorce.
External Citation Links
Review the official Virginia statute: Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Dinwiddie County General District Court website.
- Step 1: Determine Grounds — Identify whether your marriage is void (bigamy, incest) or voidable (fraud, duress).
- Step 2: File the Petition — File a complaint for annulment at Dinwiddie County Circuit Court with the required filing fee of approximately $86.
- Step 3: Serve the Respondent — Have the other party served with the petition via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Step 4: Attend the Hearing — Present evidence at the Circuit Court hearing to prove the grounds for annulment.
- Step 5: Obtain the Decree — If the court grants the annulment, you receive a decree declaring the marriage void from the beginning.
In Dinwiddie County, annulment carries no criminal penalty but requires proof of grounds under Va. Code § 20-89.1. Filing fees are approximately $86 plus service costs.
| Ground | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | Void Marriage | None | None | None | Marriage void from beginning |
| Incest | Void Marriage | None | None | None | Marriage void from beginning |
| Fraud | Voidable Marriage | None | None | None | Marriage voidable within 2 years |
| Duress | Voidable Marriage | None | None | None | Marriage voidable within 2 years |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results in Dinwiddie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 total documented case results across all practice areas in Dinwiddie County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include traffic and family law matters. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep family law experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Annulment in Dinwiddie County
Can I get an annulment instead of a divorce in Dinwiddie County?
Yes, if your marriage is void or voidable under Va. Code § 20-89.1. Grounds include bigamy, incest, fraud, duress, or mental incapacity. Annulment declares the marriage invalid from the start, unlike divorce which ends a valid marriage.
How long does an annulment take in Dinwiddie County?
It depends. Uncontested annulments with clear evidence can take 2-4 months from filing. Contested annulments may take 6-12 months. The case is filed at Dinwiddie County Circuit Court with a filing fee of approximately $86.
What is the difference between a void and voidable marriage in Virginia?
A void marriage is invalid from the beginning due to bigamy or incest. A voidable marriage is valid until annulled due to fraud, duress, or mental incapacity. Voidable marriages must be challenged within 2 years of discovery.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Dinwiddie County?
Yes, an attorney is strongly recommended. Annulment requires proving specific legal grounds with evidence. A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Dinwiddie County can help you prepare the petition, gather evidence, and present your case at the Circuit Court hearing.
Can I get child support or spousal support after an annulment?
Yes, the court can still order child support and spousal support after an annulment. Virginia law allows for support orders even when the marriage is declared void. Property division may also be addressed under equitable distribution principles.