Arlington County Marriage Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Void?
An annulment 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. A skilled marriage annulment lawyer Arlington County is essential to handle the strict proof requirements at Arlington County Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused guidance for these complex petitions.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia law provides for annulments (declarations of nullity) under specific statutes that render a marriage either “void” or “voidable.” A void marriage is invalid from the outset, while a voidable marriage is valid until a court annuls it. The primary statute governing annulments is Va. Code § 20-45.1. Successfully petitioning requires precise legal arguments and evidence, making counsel from a marriage annulment lawyer Arlington County critical.
External Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 2 (Marriage) – Official state statutes.
- Arlington County Circuit Court – Official court website for filing.
The Annulment Process in Arlington County Circuit Court
Filing a marriage annulment petition in Arlington County involves specific procedural steps distinct from divorce. The process is heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Key local factors include the court’s scheduling for evidentiary hearings and its strict adherence to statutory timelines for voidable marriages.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary documents, such as marriage certificates, proof of a prior existing marriage, or medical records regarding incapacity.
- File the Petition: Your lawyer will prepare and file a “Complaint for Annulment” with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: Legally deliver the complaint to your spouse according to Virginia rules.
- Attend the Hearing: Present evidence and testimony before a judge to prove the grounds for annulment.
- Obtain the Decree: If successful, the court enters a decree of annulment, declaring the marriage null.
Why Choose Our Arlington 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’s annulment statutes, including the nuanced differences between void and voidable marriages, allows us to build strong petitions for Arlington County residents. Mr. Sris’s unique background includes personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a significant impact on state 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 and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients in Northern Virginia. In Arlington County, we have secured dismissals and favorable resolutions in complex family and domestic matters. For instance, we have successfully handled cases involving deferred dispositions on assault charges in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on family law matters, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and the firm’s founder. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York, and his legislative work on Va. Code § 20-107.3 provides invaluable insight into Virginia family law policy.
Contact Our Arlington Annulment Lawyers
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via major highways. We are your local marriage annulment petition lawyer Arlington County for residents in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Marriage Annulment in Arlington County: FAQs
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 granted only for specific grounds set by Virginia law, such as fraud, incapacity, or a void marriage.
What are the grounds for an annulment in Virginia?
Grounds include: one party was under 18 without consent, lack of mental capacity, consent obtained by force or fraud, a party was already married (bigamy), or the marriage is incestuous. A void marriage lawyer Arlington County can assess which applies.
How long do I have to file for an annulment?
It depends on the ground. For example, for fraud or force, you must file within two years of discovering the fraud or being free from force. For underage marriage, it must be filed before the minor turns 18.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied about wanting children?
Potentially, yes. Fraudulent inducement to marry can be a ground for annulment if the lie goes to the essence of the marriage contract. You must prove the fraud and that you would not have married had you known the truth.
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” under principles of equitable distribution, similar to divorce, even though the marriage is declared void.
Related Legal Services in Arlington County
If you are dealing with other family law issues, our firm provides full representation. Learn more about divorce and family law in Arlington County, criminal defense, or DUI defense. For all Virginia family law matters, visit our state family law hub.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.