Henrico County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Eligible for Annulment?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its start, unlike a divorce which ends a valid marriage. In Henrico County, Virginia, specific grounds like bigamy, incest, or fraud must be proven under Va. Code § 20-45.1. An experienced annulment lawyer Henrico County can assess your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides for annulments, also known as decrees of nullity, which treat a marriage as if it never legally existed. The grounds are specific and limited. A void marriage is one that is invalid from the outset, such as a marriage between close relatives or where one party was already married. A voidable marriage is one that can be annulled due to a defect existing at the time of the marriage, like fraud, force, or incapacity.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, brings a deep understanding of Virginia family law, including the statute he personally helped amend, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This experience informs the firm’s approach to all family law matters, including the nuanced process of seeking an annulment.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s marriage and annulment statutes, visit the Virginia Code § 20-45.1 (official Virginia General Assembly site). To understand the local court procedures, review the Henrico County Circuit Court website for filing requirements and forms.
The Annulment Process in Henrico County
Seeking an annulment in Henrico County involves proving one of the statutory grounds to the Circuit Court. The key local procedural fact is that Henrico County Circuit Court, located at 4301 East Parham Road, has exclusive jurisdiction over annulment petitions. Unlike an uncontested divorce, annulment cases often require evidentiary hearings to prove the grounds, such as demonstrating fraud or incapacity.
- Consult with an Attorney: Have an annulment lawyer Henrico County review your situation to determine if you have valid grounds under Virginia law.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all documents, communications, and witness information that support your claim (e.g., proof of existing marriage, evidence of fraud).
- File the Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file a “Bill of Complaint for Annulment” with the Henrico County Circuit Court clerk and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The respondent must be formally served with the petition according to Virginia law.
- Attend Hearings: Be prepared for court hearings where you must present evidence to support the grounds for your marriage annulment petition.
- Obtain the Decree: If successful, the court will issue a Decree of Nullity, legally declaring the marriage void.
Why Choose Our Henrico County Annulment Attorneys
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who personally contributed to amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep commitment to the state’s family law framework. We understand that an annulment is a sensitive, fact-specific legal action. We provide clear analysis of your options, whether you are dealing with a potentially void marriage or need to file a marriage annulment petition based on voidable grounds.
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
While specific annulment results are confidential, the firm’s approach in Henrico County is informed by a strong record of advocacy. In related family law and other practice areas within the locality, the firm has achieved 21 documented case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris with his background as a former prosecutor and statute-drafting experience, works to build the most compelling case possible for our clients.
Annulment Lawyer Serving Henrico County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Henrico County, including Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295.
Contact an annulment lawyer near Henrico County today:
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Annulment in Henrico County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage legally invalid from the beginning (void), while a divorce dissolves a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific, such as bigamy, incest, or fraud under Va. Code § 20-45.1.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud, you generally must file within two years of discovering the fraud. For underage marriage without consent, it must be filed before the minor turns 18. A void marriage lawyer Henrico County can advise on specific deadlines for your case.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied about wanting children?
Potentially, yes. If one party fraudulently misrepresents a fundamental fact about the marriage—such as the intent to have children—and the other party relied on that misrepresentation, it may be grounds for a voidable marriage. Proving this type of fraud requires strong evidence.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Since an annulment treats the marriage as never existing, there is no “marital property” to divide under equitable distribution. However, the court can still issue orders for child custody, support, and visitation, and divide property based on equitable principles like a partnership.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Henrico County?
Yes. Annulment cases are complex and require proving specific legal grounds with evidence. The Henrico County Circuit Court process is formal, and having an experienced annulment lawyer Henrico County is crucial to handle the petition and hearings successfully.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Virginia Family Law, Family Law in Chesterfield County, and Criminal Defense in Henrico County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your marriage annulment petition.