Chesapeake Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Eligible for Annulment?
An annulment in Chesapeake, Virginia, legally declares a marriage void from its beginning under specific grounds in Va. Code § 20-89.1. Unlike divorce, it erases the marital status. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal guidance for your marriage annulment petition in Chesapeake.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific, narrow grounds for annulment (Va. Code § 20-89.1), treating the marriage as if it never legally existed. This differs fundamentally from divorce, which ends a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment in Virginia include situations that render a marriage void or voidable from the outset. A void marriage is invalid regardless of any court action, while a voidable marriage requires a court decree to be annulled. Common grounds include bigamy (one party was already married), incest, underage marriage without proper consent, mental incapacity at the time of marriage, fraud, duress, or physical incapacity to consummate the marriage. The process for a marriage annulment petition is filed in the Circuit Court where either party resides.
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Chesapeake Circuit Court website.
- Consult with an attorney to review your facts against the statutory grounds for annulment.
- Gather all necessary evidence, such as marriage certificates, proof of prior marriage, or medical records.
- File a formal complaint for annulment with the Chesapeake Circuit Court clerk and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the complaint and a summons on the other spouse according to Virginia rules.
- Attend any required hearings and present evidence to support your claim.
- Obtain the court’s final decree of annulment if your petition is granted.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Annulment Case
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 firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law. We understand the nuanced difference between pursuing an annulment versus a divorce and can provide the strategic counsel needed for these sensitive cases.
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 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our systematic approach to case preparation and our understanding of local court procedures are assets in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founding attorney Mr. Sris provides oversight on complex legal strategies, ensuring a high level of scrutiny for every annulment petition we file.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at Chesapeake courts. We are accessible via I-64 and other major highways. Serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Looking for an annulment lawyer near Chesapeake? Contact us for a consultation.
Annulment in Chesapeake, VA: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment legally declares the marriage never valid, while a divorce ends a legally valid marriage. Annulment grounds are specific and limited under Va. Code § 20-89.1, such as bigamy, fraud, or incapacity.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud or duress, you must file within two years of discovering the fraud or being free from duress. For underage marriage, it must be filed before the minor reaches the age to consent. Other grounds have different timelines.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied about wanting children?
Potentially, yes. Fraudulent inducement to marry—such as a fundamental lie about intent to have children—can be a ground for annulment in Virginia if you can prove you would not have married had you known the truth.
What happens to property and debts after an annulment?
Since an annulment voids the marriage, Virginia’s equitable distribution laws (Va. Code § 20-107.3) do not apply. The court will attempt to restore parties to their pre-marriage financial positions, which can be complex and requires careful legal argument.
Do I need a lawyer for a marriage annulment petition in Chesapeake?
Yes. Annulment law is complex with strict procedural and evidentiary rules. A Chesapeake annulment lawyer can assess your grounds, gather necessary evidence, and handle the Chesapeake Circuit Court process to seek the correct decree.
For related legal help, see our pages on Virginia Family Law, Henrico County Family Lawyer, and Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.