A marriage annulment in Chesterfield County requires proving a void or voidable marriage under Va. Code § 20-89.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Chesterfield County can explain your options for a decree of nullity.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law distinguishes between void marriages (incest, bigamy, underage without parental consent) and voidable marriages (fraud, duress, mental incapacity, impotence unknown at marriage). A void marriage is invalid from the start; a voidable marriage remains valid until a court issues a decree of nullity. A marriage annulment petition lawyer Chesterfield County can help you file the correct petition. A void marriage lawyer Chesterfield County handles cases where the marriage was never legally valid.
Review the official statute at Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the Chesterfield County General District Court.
- Step 1: File a Complaint for Annulment at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road). Filing fee approximately $86.
- Step 2: Serve the other party with the summons and complaint via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Step 3: Attend the pendente lite hearing (if needed for temporary support or custody) — typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
- Step 4: Participate in discovery, including depositions and document requests related to the alleged grounds.
- Step 5: Attend the final hearing where the judge determines whether grounds for annulment exist.
- Step 6: If granted, the court issues a decree of nullity retroactively invalidating the marriage.
In Chesterfield County, marriage annulment carries no criminal penalty but affects property rights, spousal support, and child custody determinations.
| Issue | Classification | Legal Effect | Property Division | Spousal Support | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Void Marriage | Invalid ab initio | No legal marriage ever existed | Equitable distribution may not apply | No spousal support | Children remain legitimate under Va. Code § 20-61.1 |
| Voidable Marriage | Valid until annulled | Marriage treated as if it never existed | Court may order equitable distribution | Spousal support possible | Child custody determined under best interests standard |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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, the equitable distribution statute. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law. VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha focuses exclusively on Virginia family law matters including annulment, divorce, and equitable distribution.
Secondary attorney: Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor. Founded firm 1997. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Bar admissions: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide: 4,739+ 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 Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Chesterfield County Circuit Court, accessible via I-95 and Route 10.
Marriage annulment lawyer near Chesterfield County — serving Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Q: How long does an annulment take in Chesterfield County?
It depends. Uncontested annulments with signed agreement: 2-4 months from filing. Contested annulments: 6-12 months. The court sets a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of motion for temporary issues.
Q: Is adultery grounds for annulment in Virginia?
No. Adultery is grounds for divorce, not annulment. Annulment requires fraud, duress, mental incapacity, impotence, bigamy, incest, or underage marriage without parental consent under Va. Code § 20-89.1.
Q: Can I get an annulment without the other person agreeing?
Yes. You can file a contested annulment petition. The court will hold a hearing where you must prove the grounds by clear and convincing evidence. The other party has the right to present evidence opposing the annulment.
Q: What happens to children from an annulled marriage?
Children remain legitimate under Va. Code § 20-61.1 regardless of annulment. The court determines custody, visitation, and child support based on the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Q: How much does an annulment cost in Chesterfield County?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Attorney fees vary based on complexity. Contested annulments with fraud allegations typically cost more than uncontested cases.
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.