Hanover County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its start, unlike a divorce which ends a valid marriage. In Hanover County, an annulment lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you file a marriage annulment petition under Virginia law. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or fraud.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific grounds for annulment, which are distinct from divorce. A marriage can be declared “void” (legally invalid from the beginning) or “voidable” (valid until annulled by a court). The relevant statutes are found in the Code of Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, brings a former prosecutor’s perspective and a deep understanding of Virginia family statutes to these sensitive cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia marriage laws, visit the Code of Virginia Title 20, Chapter 2 (official Virginia General Assembly site). The Hanover County Circuit Court website provides local forms and filing information for annulment petitions.
The Annulment Process in Hanover County Circuit Court
Seeking an annulment requires proving specific legal grounds. In Hanover County, the process is handled by the Circuit Court at 7507 Library Drive. A key procedural fact is that unlike a no-fault divorce, an annulment petitioner must provide clear and convincing evidence that one of the statutory grounds exists. For a void marriage lawyer Hanover County, proving the marriage was never legally valid—such as in cases of bigamy—is critical.
- Consult with an Attorney: Review your situation to determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary documentation, such as marriage certificates, proof of a prior existing marriage, or evidence of fraud.
- File the Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file a formal Bill of Complaint for Annulment with the Hanover County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The respondent must be legally served with the complaint and a summons.
- Court Hearing: Attend a hearing where you must present evidence to support the grounds for annulment.
- Final Decree: If the judge grants the annulment, a final decree will be issued, declaring the marriage null and void.
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 family law matters. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide dedicated, case-specific representation. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep engagement with family law at the legislative level.
Samantha Powers
Of Counsel | Family Law Attorney
Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience
Samantha Powers focuses her practice on Virginia family law, bringing a detailed and strategic approach to annulment, divorce, and complex marital issues. She does not handle company formation matters.
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
Documented Case Results in Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a record of 19 total documented case results across all practice areas in Hanover County, reflecting our active presence in the local courts. These include favorable outcomes in traffic and criminal matters, demonstrating our familiarity with Hanover County judicial procedures.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
In one case, our team successfully defended a client where a charge was amended to a lesser offense. In another, a reckless driving by speed charge was dismissed in Hanover County General District Court.
Local Hanover County Annulment Lawyer
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County and is accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. As a local annulment lawyer near Hanover County, we represent clients from Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. We offer 24/7 phone consultations—call (888) 437-7747—with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Annulment in Virginia
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
Yes. A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment declares the marriage was never legally valid from the beginning (void) or is subject to being canceled (voidable). The legal effects, including property division, can differ significantly.
What are the grounds for an annulment in Virginia?
Grounds include: one party was under 18 without consent, impotence, bigamy, incest, mental incapacity, consent obtained by force or fraud, or a marriage prohibited by law. A void marriage lawyer Hanover County can assess if your situation meets these strict criteria.
How long do I have to file for an annulment?
It depends on the ground. For fraud, you must file within two years of discovering it. For underage marriage, you must file before the minor turns 18. Other grounds have different timelines, so consulting an attorney quickly is important.
Can I get an annulment if my marriage was never consummated?
Yes. Impotency or the refusal to consummate the marriage can be grounds for a voidable annulment in Virginia, provided it was not known to the other party before the marriage and the petition is filed promptly.
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.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Virginia family law, or learn about family law in Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, our Hanover County criminal defense lawyers can help.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.