Arlington County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void, as if it never existed, based on specific grounds under Virginia law. In Arlington County, an annulment lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you file a marriage annulment petition if your marriage is void or voidable. Our firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific, limited grounds for annulment, which are distinct from divorce. An annulment lawyer Arlington County can assess whether your situation meets the legal criteria. The grounds are categorized as either void marriages (invalid from the start) or voidable marriages (can be annulled by a court).
Void marriages are automatically invalid under Virginia law. A void marriage lawyer Arlington County can help confirm this status. Common grounds include:
- Bigamy (one party was already legally married).
- Incest (marriage between close relatives).
- Marriage where a party lacked the mental capacity to consent.
Voidable marriages are considered valid until annulled by a court. Grounds for a voidable marriage include:
- Fraud or duress used to induce the marriage.
- Impotence or inability to consummate the marriage, if unknown to the other party at the time of marriage.
- One party being under the legal age of consent without proper approval.
It is crucial to consult with an experienced annulment lawyer Arlington County to determine the correct legal path and to understand the strict time limits for filing a petition, especially for voidable marriages.
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the statutory basis is key. The primary Virginia statutes governing annulment are found in the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 2 (official Virginia General Assembly). All annulment cases in Arlington County are filed with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
The Annulment Process in Arlington County Circuit Court
Filing for an annulment involves specific procedural steps in Arlington County Circuit Court. The process differs significantly from divorce, emphasizing the need for precise legal work by an annulment lawyer Arlington County.
- Consultation and Case Evaluation: An attorney reviews your circumstances to confirm valid grounds and checks for any procedural bars, like time limits.
- Drafting and Filing the Petition: Your lawyer prepares a detailed petition stating the factual and legal grounds for annulment and files it with the Circuit Court clerk.
- Service of Process: The other spouse must be formally served with the petition and a summons, giving them an opportunity to respond.
- Court Proceedings: If the case is contested, it proceeds to a hearing where evidence is presented. The petitioner must prove the grounds for annulment.
- Final Decree: If the court finds the grounds are met, it enters a decree of annulment, legally dissolving the marriage ab initio (from the beginning).
Why Choose Our Arlington County Annulment Attorneys
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our deep understanding of Virginia statutes and local court procedures is critical for annulment cases, which require meticulous evidence presentation. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating our firm’s commitment to and influence within Virginia family law.
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 a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients in Arlington County courts across various practice areas. For instance, we have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in Arlington County J&DR Court on domestic assault charges and dismissals in Arlington County General District Court on simple assault charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
These results reflect our attorneys’ ability to handle local court systems effectively.
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.
Serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Our Arlington location is accessible for clients with matters at the Arlington County courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations for your annulment lawyer Arlington County needs.
Annulment Lawyer Arlington County FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its beginning, while a divorce dissolves a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific, such as fraud or bigamy, and require proof the marriage was never legally sound.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud, you typically must file within two years of discovering it. For underage marriage, it must be before the minor turns 18. A void marriage lawyer Arlington County can advise on strict statutory deadlines.
Can I get an annulment if my marriage was never consummated?
Yes, but only if one party was unable to consummate and the other party was unaware at the time of marriage. This is a ground for a voidable marriage and requires timely court action.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia courts can issue orders for child custody, support, and the division of property acquired during the “marriage” even after an annulment. The legal framework for these decisions is similar to divorce proceedings.
Do I need a lawyer to file a marriage annulment petition in Arlington County?
While not legally required, it is highly advisable. Annulment law is complex, with specific pleading and evidence standards. An experienced marriage annulment petition lawyer Arlington County ensures proper procedure and maximizes the chance of success.
Contact an Experienced Annulment Attorney Today
If you believe your marriage may be void or voidable under Virginia law, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case with an experienced annulment lawyer Arlington County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to evaluate your situation and explain your legal options. Call us toll-free at (888) 437-7747 or locally at 703-589-9250. All meetings are by appointment.
For more information on our family law services, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Alexandria. For other legal needs in Arlington, see our pages on criminal defense and DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.