Arlington County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void, as if it never existed, under Virginia law. In Arlington County, grounds for annulment include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or mental incapacity. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for your marriage annulment petition in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
An annulment, distinct from divorce, is a legal decree that a marriage was invalid from its inception. Virginia law, primarily under Va. Code § 20-45.1, establishes specific grounds for annulment. These are categorized as void marriages (legally invalid from the start) and voidable marriages (valid until annulled by a court). A void marriage lawyer in Arlington County can address absolute bars like bigamy (one party was already married) or incest. Voidable grounds may include fraud, duress, or physical incapacity. The process must be initiated in the Circuit Court where either party resides.
- Consult with an Arlington County annulment lawyer to review your facts against Virginia’s legal grounds.
- Your attorney will gather necessary evidence, such as marriage certificates, prior divorce decrees, or proof of incapacity.
- File a formal Bill of Complaint for Annulment with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse according to Virginia procedural rules.
- Attend any required hearings where a judge will evaluate the evidence and legal arguments.
- If granted, the court will enter a Final Decree of Annulment, legally dissolving the marriage.
Why Legal Representation is Critical for Annulment
Annulment law is complex and the burden of proof is high. You must provide clear and convincing evidence that one of Virginia’s specific grounds exists. An experienced annulment lawyer in Arlington County understands how to frame your case, whether you need to prove a marriage was void from the start or voidable due to circumstances like fraud. They handle all filings at the Arlington County Circuit Court, manage service of process, and advocate for you in hearings. Without proper legal guidance, you risk having your petition dismissed, leaving you in a legally ambiguous marital status.
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 Firm Authority
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. In Arlington County, we have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients across various family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. Our collaborative approach ensures your annulment petition is handled with precision.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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.
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse, serving clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need an annulment lawyer near Arlington County, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation.
Annulment Lawyer Arlington County FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
A divorce ends a valid marriage. An annulment declares the marriage was never legally valid from the beginning, as if it never happened.
What are the most common grounds for an annulment in Virginia?
Common void grounds include bigamy or incest. Common voidable grounds include fraud (e.g., marrying for a green card under false pretenses), duress, or one party being underage without proper consent.
How long does an annulment take in Arlington County?
It depends on the case complexity and court schedule. An uncontested annulment with clear evidence may resolve in a few months. A contested case where the other spouse fights the petition can take significantly longer.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Yes, but only if the fraud goes to the essence of the marriage. Virginia courts generally require the deception to be about a fundamental fact, like the intent to have children or the identity of the person, not just exaggeration or minor lies.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia law allows the court to make equitable distribution of property acquired during the “marriage” and establish custody, visitation, and support for children born of the union, treating it similarly to a divorce for these practical matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.