Catholic Annulment Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients who seek to dissolve a marriage through a civil annulment in Virginia. For individuals who wish to address the legal status of their union while also seeking a remedy that aligns with their faith, the secular process under Virginia law remains the operative mechanism. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and his Of Counsel team appear in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, the court with exclusive jurisdiction over annulment proceedings. The firm serves Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and surrounding communities from its Richmond location. Understanding the statutory framework and local court practice is essential, and a consultation can help a person evaluate whether the facts support a petition under Va. Code § 20‑89.1. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Catholic Annulment Means in Virginia Beach, Virginia

When a person searches for a “Catholic annulment” lawyer in Virginia Beach, they are often looking for legal counsel who can help them obtain a civil annulment that then permits them to seek a religious annulment through the Church. Virginia courts do not grant ecclesiastical annulments; they adjudicate petitions for a decree declaring the marriage void or voidable under state law. The operative statute is Va. Code § 20‑89.1, which enumerates specific grounds, including prior undissolved marriage, mental incapacity, fraud, duress, and physical incapacity. If a marriage is found void ab initio, it is treated as though it never legally existed.

Annulment actions are filed in the Circuit Court for the City of Virginia Beach. The court also handles divorce and equitable distribution, and the procedural rules differ from those in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, which addresses custody and support matters that may arise in the same case. Because Virginia is an equitable distribution jurisdiction, the division of any property acquired during the marriage—even a short marriage later annulled—can be a contested issue. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court hears these matters at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, and our firm’s counsel are familiar with the local filing practices and judicial expectations.

Virginia Beach residents should understand that an annulment is not a divorce substitute; the legal effect differs in important ways, particularly regarding spousal support and property division. A consultation with an attorney who concentrates in family law can clarify whether the facts support an annulment or whether a divorce action would be more appropriate under the circumstances.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Annulment Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team approach each annulment matter by first evaluating the factual predicate under the grounds set forth in Va. Code § 20‑89.1. They gather relevant documentation, interview potential witnesses, and assess whether the evidence meets the statutory standard. If a petition appears viable, the firm prepares and files the complaint in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and arranges for service of process on the other spouse.

The firm then works to resolve the legal issues efficiently, seeking to minimize the emotional cost for the client. In many instances, the parties reach an agreement on ancillary matters such as property division, and the court enters a final decree of annulment after a hearing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear at all court hearings and manage the case through to resolution. Because an annulment declares the marriage null from the outset, careful attention is given to the consequences for any children born during the union, including custody and support obligations that the court may address under the applicable Virginia statutes.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and serves as its Owner and Founder. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has guided the firm in representing clients across a range of family law matters, including annulment, divorce, custody, and support. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), demonstrating his engagement with the legislative process that shapes family law in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to every representation. Results may vary. The Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in litigation and family law, and the firm’s multi-state practice gives it a broad perspective on how annulment statutes operate across jurisdictions. When you work with the firm, you benefit from collaborative strategy and individual case review. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a civil annulment in Virginia?

A civil annulment is a court decree that declares a marriage void or voidable from its inception, based on grounds established by Virginia law. Unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the union as though it never legally existed. The grounds are listed in Va. Code § 20‑89.1 and include bigamy, mental incapacity, fraud, duress, and physical incapacity. The process requires filing a complaint in the Circuit Court and proving the alleged ground with sufficient evidence. An annulment can affect property rights, spousal support, and child custody, so legal guidance is important. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 for a consultation.

How does a Catholic annulment relate to a Virginia civil annulment?

A Catholic annulment is a religious declaration that a marriage was sacramentally invalid, while a Virginia civil annulment is a legal decree that voids the marriage under state law. The Church requires a civil annulment or divorce before considering a petition for a religious annulment. Therefore, obtaining a civil annulment from the Virginia Beach Circuit Court may be a necessary step for a person who intends to seek a declaration of nullity from a diocesan tribunal. The grounds for a civil annulment are secular and do not mirror the canon law criteria, but a favorable ruling can facilitate the ecclesiastical process. The firm can help you navigate the civil proceeding.

What are the grounds for annulment under Va. Code § 20‑89.1?

Virginia Code § 20‑89.1 provides that a marriage may be annulled if it was void due to an existing prior marriage (bigamy), if it was contracted while one party was mentally incapacitated, if consent was obtained by fraud or duress, or if one party lacked the physical capacity to consummate the marriage. Additionally, a marriage may be annulled if the parties are within prohibited degrees of relationship. The petitioner bears the burden of proving the claimed ground by clear and convincing evidence. The court has discretion to grant or deny the petition based on the facts. A consultation with an experienced family law attorney can help determine whether your circumstances satisfy one of these statutory grounds.

Where do I file an annulment case in Virginia Beach?

Annulment petitions are filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. The Circuit Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over annulment actions under Va. Code § 20‑96. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may handle related custody and support matters, but the annulment itself must proceed in the Circuit Court. Our firm appears in that court and can guide you through the filing requirements, including the complaint, service of process, and any necessary corroborating evidence. For assistance with the filing process, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a lawyer to obtain an annulment in Virginia Beach?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer to file an annulment petition, navigating the procedural and evidentiary demands of a contested annulment without counsel carries significant risk. The grounds for annulment are strict, and the court applies a higher standard of proof than in many divorce cases. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can assess your case, gather the necessary documentation, and present the evidence effectively. Self-representation may lead to procedural errors or an adverse ruling that could have long-term financial and custodial consequences. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How can I schedule a consultation with a Catholic annulment lawyer near Virginia Beach?

To schedule a consultation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. A member of our team will arrange a time to discuss your circumstances, answer preliminary questions, and explain the firm’s approach to annulment representation. Consultations are by appointment, and our firm serves clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana from our Richmond location. Because every annulment case turns on its unique facts, an early consultation can help you understand your legal options and decide on the trusted path forward.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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