Marriage Annulment Lawyer Lexington — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its start under Virginia law. In Lexington, a marriage annulment lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can petition the court if your marriage meets specific grounds like bigamy, incest, or incapacity. Our firm has documented results in Lexington family law cases. We provide 24/7 consultations to review your situation.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
An annulment, distinct from divorce, is a legal decree that a marriage was never valid. Virginia law provides specific grounds for annulment, categorized as void or voidable marriages. A void marriage is invalid from the outset, while a voidable marriage is valid until a court annuls it. The primary statute governing annulments in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-45.1. This law, along with related statutes, outlines the circumstances under which a court can grant an annulment. Understanding these legal distinctions is the first critical step, which is why consulting with a skilled marriage annulment lawyer Lexington is essential.
External Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 2 (Marriage) – Official state statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Lexington Circuit Court – Official .gov website for the court that handles annulment petitions.
Procedural Edge for Lexington Annulment Cases
Lexington Circuit Court handles all annulment petitions. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested hearing. A key procedural fact is that annulment cases can move faster than divorces if the grounds are clear and uncontested. However, proving grounds like fraud or incapacity often requires specific evidence.
- Consult with a Lexington Annulment Attorney: Discuss your situation to determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment under Virginia law.
- Gather Necessary Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, such as marriage certificates, proof of bigamy, medical records for incapacity, or evidence of fraud.
- File the Annulment Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file the formal complaint or bill of complaint for annulment with the Lexington Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The petition must be legally served on your spouse, who then has time to file an answer.
- Attend Court Hearings: Depending on whether the case is contested, you may attend preliminary hearings and a final evidentiary hearing before the judge.
- Obtain the Final Decree: If the court finds grounds are met, it will enter a decree of annulment, legally declaring the marriage null.
Why Choose Our Lexington Annulment Attorneys
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 deep understanding of Virginia statutes is underscored by Mr. Sris’s personal work amending Virginia’s equitable distribution law, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This legislative experience provides unique insight into how courts interpret family law. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, provides strategic oversight on complex matters, ensuring every annulment petition is built on a solid legal foundation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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, our approach to family law in Lexington is demonstrated through our broader commitment to client advocacy. We have 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our strategy focuses on meticulous evidence gathering and clear legal argumentation, which are directly applicable to building a strong marriage annulment petition lawyer Lexington case. We understand the sensitive nature of these proceedings and work to resolve them as efficiently as possible.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Lexington Annulment Lawyers
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 annulment cases in Lexington and the surrounding communities. We are accessible via I-64 and I-81. If you need a void marriage lawyer Lexington to assess whether your marriage is legally invalid, contact us for a confidential evaluation.
Annulment Lawyer Lexington FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage never legally existed, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. Annulments are granted only for specific grounds defined in Va. Code § 20-45.1, such as bigamy, incest, or underage marriage without consent.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For voidable marriages (e.g., based on fraud, impotence, or incapacity), you must file within a specific time after discovering the issue, often two years. For void marriages (bigamy, incest), there may be no time limit, but you should act promptly.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Yes, fraud can be a ground for annulment if the lie was about an essential aspect of the marriage (e.g., intent to have children, identity, or religious beliefs) and you would not have married had you known the truth. Proving fraud requires strong evidence.
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 the doctrine of equitable distribution, similar to divorce, even though the marriage is declared void. The court’s priority is fairness and the child’s best interests.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Lexington?
Yes. Annulment law is complex, with strict procedural rules and evidence standards in Lexington Circuit Court. A marriage annulment lawyer Lexington can properly file the petition, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for you, significantly improving the chance of a successful outcome.
Related Legal Information
For more information on family law in Virginia, you may find these resources useful: Virginia Family Law Lawyer, Family Law Lawyer in Henrico, and Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your annulment case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.