In Virginia Beach, annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was void or voidable under Va. Code § 20-89.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. An Annulment Lawyer Virginia Beach can help you determine if your marriage qualifies for annulment rather than divorce.
What Is a Marriage Annulment in Virginia Beach?
A marriage annulment is a court order declaring that a marriage was never legally valid. Under Virginia law, a marriage may be void (invalid from the start) or voidable (subject to annulment by court order). A void marriage lawyer Virginia Beach handles cases where the marriage was invalid due to bigamy, incest, or lack of legal capacity. A marriage annulment petition lawyer Virginia Beach handles voidable marriages involving fraud, duress, or mental incapacity.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full statutory framework governing annulments in Virginia, review Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing requirements, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Annulment Cases in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all annulment petitions. The court requires clear and convincing evidence that the marriage was void or voidable at the time of the ceremony.
Prosecutors and judges in Virginia Beach scrutinize annulment petitions closely because annulment retroactively erases the marriage, unlike divorce which ends a valid marriage.
- Step 1: Determine whether your marriage is void or voidable under Va. Code § 20-89.1.
- Step 2: Gather evidence supporting your annulment grounds (fraud, duress, mental incapacity, bigamy, incest, underage marriage).
- Step 3: File a Complaint for Annulment at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B.
- Step 4: Serve the other party with the annulment petition and summons.
- Step 5: Attend the hearing where you must present clear and convincing evidence.
- Step 6: Obtain the final annulment decree from the court.
In Virginia Beach, annulment does not carry criminal penalties, but the legal consequences affect property rights, inheritance, and spousal support.
| Issue | Void Marriage | Voidable Marriage |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Effect | Marriage never existed legally | Marriage valid until annulled by court |
| Grounds | Bigamy, incest, underage (under 16 without parental consent) | Fraud, duress, mental incapacity, impotence |
| Time Limit | No time limit — can be challenged at any time | Must file within a reasonable time after discovering the grounds |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution may still apply | Equitable distribution applies under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Spousal Support | Generally not available | May be available depending on circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 every case. The firm has documented firm-wide 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Annulment lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Town Center, and Naval Air Station Oceana.
Serving: Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Annulment in Virginia Beach
What are the grounds for annulment in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia law recognizes void marriages (bigamy, incest, underage) and voidable marriages (fraud, duress, mental incapacity, impotence). Va. Code § 20-89.1 lists the specific grounds. A void marriage lawyer Virginia Beach can explain which grounds apply to your situation.
How long does an annulment take in Virginia Beach?
It depends. An uncontested annulment with clear evidence may take 2-4 months from filing. A contested annulment requiring a hearing can take 6-12 months. Virginia Beach Circuit Court schedules hearings based on availability. A marriage annulment petition lawyer Virginia Beach can provide a timeline estimate.
Is an annulment cheaper than a divorce in Virginia?
It depends. The Circuit Court filing fee for an annulment complaint is approximately $86, similar to divorce. However, annulment cases may require additional evidence gathering and witness testimony, which can increase costs. An Annulment Lawyer Virginia Beach can discuss fee structures during your consultation.
Can I get an annulment if I have children?
Yes. Having children does not prevent an annulment. However, the court will still address child custody, visitation, and child support under Va. Code § 20-124.2 and § 20-108.1. The children remain legitimate regardless of the annulment. A void marriage lawyer Virginia Beach can handle both the annulment and related family law issues.
What is the difference between a void and voidable marriage?
A void marriage is invalid from the start and can be challenged at any time. A voidable marriage is valid until a court annuls it, and you must file within a reasonable time after discovering the grounds. An Annulment Lawyer Virginia Beach can help you understand which category applies to your marriage.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.