In Chesapeake, marriage annulment requires proving a void or voidable marriage under Va. Code § 20-89.1, such as bigamy, fraud, or incest. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Chesapeake can evaluate your specific grounds for annulment.
Virginia Annulment Law: Void vs. Voidable Marriages
Virginia law distinguishes between void marriages (illegal from the start) and voidable marriages (valid until a court declares them invalid). Under Va. Code § 20-89.1, void marriages include bigamy, incest, and marriages lacking legal capacity. Voidable marriages include those based on fraud, duress, or mental incapacity. A marriage annulment petition lawyer Chesapeake can help you determine which category applies to your situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-89.1 (Annulment grounds — official Virginia General Assembly)
- Chesapeake General District Court official website
Insider Procedural Edge: Chesapeake Annulment Process
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all annulment petitions. The court requires clear and convincing evidence of the grounds you claim.
Prosecutors in Chesapeake often scrutinize annulment petitions for fraud claims more closely than in other jurisdictions.
- Step 1: Gather evidence supporting your annulment grounds (marriage certificate, fraud proof, medical records).
- Step 2: File a Complaint for Annulment at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Step 3: Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- Step 4: Attend the hearing where you present your evidence to the judge.
- Step 5: Obtain the final annulment decree if the court grants your petition.
In Chesapeake, marriage annulment carries no criminal penalty but affects property rights, spousal support, and legal status of the marriage.
| Ground | Classification | Effect on Marriage | Time Limit to File | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | Void | Marriage void from start | No time limit | Criminal bigamy charges possible |
| Fraud | Voidable | Valid until annulled | 2 years from discovery | No spousal support typically |
| Incest | Void | Marriage void from start | No time limit | No property rights |
| Mental incapacity | Voidable | Valid until annulled | Reasonable time after capacity restored | Guardianship may be needed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Chesapeake Annulment
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Chesapeake family law team includes Mr. Sris and Samantha Rae Powers, who handle annulment cases with a case-specific approach.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, oversees all family law cases at the firm. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide clients with a void marriage lawyer Chesapeake who understands both sides of the courtroom.
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Chesapeake Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Looking for a Marriage Annulment Lawyer Chesapeake near Greenbrier or Great Bridge? We serve all Chesapeake neighborhoods including Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Annulment in Chesapeake
What are the legal grounds for annulment in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-89.1 recognizes bigamy, incest, fraud, duress, mental incapacity, and underage marriage as grounds for annulment. Each ground requires specific evidence to prove in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
How long does an annulment take in Chesapeake?
It depends. Uncontested annulments with clear evidence typically take 2-4 months from filing. Contested annulments requiring hearings or additional evidence can take 6-12 months. Chesapeake Circuit Court schedules hearings based on availability.
Is annulment different from divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Annulment declares the marriage void or voidable from the start, while divorce ends a valid marriage. Annulment does not require a separation period. Divorce requires 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91.
Can I get an annulment for fraud in Chesapeake?
Yes. Fraud is a valid ground for annulment under Va. Code § 20-89.1. You must prove the fraud was material to the marriage and file within 2 years of discovering the fraud. Chesapeake Circuit Court requires clear and convincing evidence.
What happens to property after an annulment?
It depends. For void marriages, no property rights exist. For voidable marriages, the court may apply equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into property division after annulment.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Chesapeake?
Yes. Annulment proceedings require proper filing, evidence presentation, and legal arguments. A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Chesapeake can help you handle the specific requirements of Chesapeake Circuit Court and present your case effectively.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
- Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesapeake DUI Lawyer
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper
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.