A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights handles void and voidable marriages under Va. Code § 20-89.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Colonial Heights. Colonial Heights Circuit Court at 550 Boulevard handles all annulment petitions.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law distinguishes between void marriages and voidable marriages. A void marriage is invalid from the start — such as bigamy, incest, or marriage where a prior marriage still exists. A voidable marriage is valid until a court declares it void — such as fraud, duress, or mental incapacity at the time of marriage. Under Va. Code § 20-89.1, you must file a marriage annulment petition in the Circuit Court of the city or county where either party resides. The court can declare the marriage void or voidable based on the specific grounds proven at trial. Unlike divorce, annulment treats the marriage as if it never legally existed, which affects property rights, inheritance, and legitimacy of children. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings deep understanding of Virginia family law statutes to each annulment case.
For annulment specifically, Virginia Code § 20-89.1 provides the statutory framework for declaring marriages void or voidable. An annulment differs from divorce in that it retroactively invalidates the marriage rather than dissolving a valid marriage. The court must find that one of the statutory grounds existed at the time of the marriage ceremony. A void marriage lawyer Colonial Heights can explain that void marriages — such as bigamous or incestuous unions — require no time limit for filing, while voidable marriages must typically be challenged within a reasonable time after discovering the defect.
Review the official statute at Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by Virginia Circuit Court rules (official Virginia Courts).
Colonial Heights Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested annulment hearings. The court typically schedules pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days of filing a motion for temporary relief. A marriage annulment petition lawyer Colonial Heights must ensure the petition states the specific statutory ground with particularity — general allegations are insufficient.
- Step 1: File a verified complaint for annulment in Colonial Heights Circuit Court, stating the specific ground under Va. Code § 20-89.1.
- Step 2: Serve the respondent with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12 or private process server $50-$100.
- Step 3: Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary relief (spousal support, custody) is needed — typically set within 21-60 days.
- Step 4: Participate in discovery — exchange financial affidavits, documents proving the ground for annulment.
- Step 5: Appear at the final hearing with a corroborating witness to testify to the facts supporting annulment.
- Step 6: Obtain the final decree of annulment from the Circuit Court judge.
In Colonial Heights, marriage annulment carries no criminal penalty but affects property division, spousal support, and child custody determinations under equitable distribution principles.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Impact on Rights | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Void Marriage (bigamy, incest) | Civil — no criminal penalty for petitioner | None | None | Marriage void ab initio | Potential criminal charges for bigamy under Va. Code § 18.2-362 |
| Voidable Marriage (fraud, duress) | Civil — court discretion | None | None | Marriage void from date of decree | Property division under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a legislative achievement that demonstrates deep understanding of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney, also oversees all family law matters at the firm. Former prosecutor, founded firm 1997. Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas in Colonial Heights, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36.
Marriage annulment lawyer near Colonial Heights — serving Colonial Heights and surrounding communities.
Neighborhoods served: Colonial Heights.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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.
How long does a divorce take in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Colonial Heights Circuit Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Custody in Colonial Heights is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Colonial Heights Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.