Chesterfield County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment in Chesterfield County legally declares a marriage void, as if it never existed, under specific Virginia statutes. Grounds include bigamy, incest, or one party being underage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Our annulment lawyer Chesterfield County team provides clear guidance on whether your situation qualifies for an annulment or if divorce is the appropriate path.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides two categories for ending a marriage without divorce: void marriages and voidable marriages. A void marriage is invalid from the start and can be challenged by anyone at any time. Grounds for a void marriage include bigamy (one spouse was already married), incest, or a marriage where one party was under 16 years old. A voidable marriage is considered valid until a court annuls it. Grounds for a voidable marriage include fraud, duress, impotence, or one party being underage (16 or 17) without proper consent. The process for a void marriage lawyer Chesterfield County to handle involves filing a petition in the Circuit Court where either party resides.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law.
- Consult with an experienced annulment lawyer Chesterfield County to review your specific facts and determine if you have valid grounds.
- Your attorney will gather necessary evidence, such as marriage certificates, proof of prior marriage, or documentation of fraud or duress.
- File a formal marriage annulment petition lawyer Chesterfield County in the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, detailing the legal grounds.
- Serve the petition on your spouse and attend any required court hearings where a judge will review the evidence and make a ruling.
Key Differences: Annulment vs. Divorce in Virginia
Understanding the distinction is crucial. A divorce ends a valid marriage, while an annulment declares it was never legally valid. This affects property division, spousal support, and even how the relationship is viewed legally. Because an annulment treats the marriage as if it never happened, the concept of “marital property” generally does not apply, though a court may still make equitable orders regarding jointly held assets.
In Chesterfield County, an annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage was invalid from its inception, unlike a divorce which dissolves a valid union.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Chesterfield 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 firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Chesterfield County, we have 15 documented case results across all practice areas. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is not just a practitioner but a shaper of Virginia law, having personally amended the state’s equitable distribution statute. This unique perspective informs our strategic approach to all family law cases, including annulments.
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 in Chesterfield County
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive outcomes for clients in Chesterfield County courts. While every case is unique, our experience includes successful resolutions in family law and other practice areas. For instance, we have secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and charge reductions in local criminal matters, demonstrating our familiarity with Chesterfield County court procedures and personnel.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesterfield County, including Midlothian, Chester, and the Colonial Heights area. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. If you need an annulment lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center or the Chesterfield County courthouse complex, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Annulment in Chesterfield County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a void and a voidable marriage in Virginia?
A void marriage is legally invalid from the beginning (e.g., bigamy, incest). A voidable marriage is considered valid until annulled by a court for reasons like fraud, duress, or impotence.
How long does an annulment take in Chesterfield County?
It depends on the complexity and whether it is contested. An uncontested annulment based on clear grounds like bigamy may be resolved in a few months. A contested case involving fraud allegations can take significantly longer, similar to a contested divorce timeline.
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 require proof that the deception was about a fundamental fact (e.g., intent to have children, religious beliefs) that induced you to consent to the marriage.
What happens to property and debts after an annulment?
Since an annulment voids the marriage, there is typically no “marital property” to divide under equitable distribution laws. However, a court can still issue orders to divide jointly titled assets or address debts acquired during the cohabitation based on principles of equity and contract.
Do I need a lawyer to file for an annulment in Virginia?
While not legally required, it is highly advisable. An experienced annulment lawyer Chesterfield County can assess your grounds, gather necessary evidence, handle complex court procedures, and advocate effectively for your petition to be granted.
For more information on Virginia statutes, visit the Virginia Code. For Chesterfield County court information, see the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Explore our Virginia Family Law hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. For other legal needs in Chesterfield, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.