Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment in Colonial Heights legally declares a marriage void from its start, unlike a divorce which ends a valid marriage. Grounds include bigamy, incest, or fraud under Virginia law. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for your marriage annulment petition in Colonial Heights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
In Virginia, an annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was never legally valid. The grounds for annulment are strictly defined by statute, primarily under Va. Code § 20-45.1. There are two categories: void marriages (invalid from the beginning) and voidable marriages (can be invalidated by a court). A void marriage lawyer Colonial Heights can address situations like bigamy or incest. For a voidable marriage, such as one based on fraud or incapacity, you must file a marriage annulment petition lawyer Colonial Heights can assist with in court.
- Consult with an attorney to review your marriage facts against Virginia’s annulment grounds.
- Gather all necessary evidence, such as proof of a prior existing marriage or documents showing fraud.
- Your attorney will file a formal complaint for annulment with the Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse, who then has an opportunity to respond.
- Proceed through court hearings, which may involve presenting evidence and witness testimony.
- Obtain the court’s final order of annulment, legally dissolving the marriage.
Why Choose Our Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights Team
Founded in 1997, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who has personally contributed to Virginia family law, including amendments to the equitable distribution statute. We understand the sensitive and unique nature of annulment cases. We provide clear, strategic guidance to determine the best legal path—annulment or divorce—for your circumstances in Colonial Heights.
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 and Client Representation
While specific annulment results are confidential, our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in Colonial Heights courts across all practice areas. We approach each annulment case with a detailed understanding of the required legal standards and procedural rules of Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex family law matters. His background in accounting and information systems offers a distinct advantage in cases involving financial fraud or complex asset issues related to annulment grounds.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Colonial Heights and is positioned to handle cases at the Colonial Heights courts. We represent individuals throughout the Colonial Heights community. If you need an annulment lawyer near Colonial Heights, contact us for a confidential case review.
Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage legally invalid from the start (void), as if it never existed. A divorce dissolves a legally valid marriage. Annulments have specific grounds like fraud or bigamy, while divorce can be granted for separation or fault.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud, you generally must file within two years of discovering the fraud. For underage marriage without consent, you must file before the minor turns 18. Other grounds, like bigamy, may have no specific time limit but should be filed promptly.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied about wanting children?
Possibly. Virginia courts may grant an annulment for fraud if the lie concerns an essential element of the marriage contract. Fraud regarding a fundamental issue like wanting children can be grounds, but you must prove the deception was material and relied upon.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Since an annulment voids the marriage, there is no “marital property” to divide equitably. However, the court can issue orders for child custody, support, and the division of jointly owned property based on principles of equity, not marital property law.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Colonial Heights?
Yes. Annulment law is complex with strict procedural and evidentiary requirements. An experienced annulment lawyer Colonial Heights can handle the Colonial Heights Circuit Court process, gather necessary evidence, and advocate effectively to meet the high legal standard.
For more information on family law in Virginia, you can visit the Virginia Courts website. To discuss your specific situation with an annulment lawyer Colonial Heights, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We also assist with related matters like divorce in Chesterfield County and criminal defense in Colonial Heights.