Hanover County Annulment Lawyer — Is Your Marriage Eligible for Annulment?
An annulment in Hanover County legally declares a marriage void from its start under Virginia law, distinct from divorce. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, mental incapacity, or fraud. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County. Our annulment lawyer Hanover County team provides 24/7 consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
An annulment, or “decree of nullity,” is a legal procedure that treats a marriage as if it never existed. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment is granted only when specific, narrow statutory grounds existed at the time of the marriage ceremony. Virginia law categorizes these grounds into void marriages (absolutely invalid) and voidable marriages (can be invalidated by a party).
The primary statute governing annulments in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-89.1. A void marriage lawyer Hanover County can advise that a marriage is automatically void if it involves bigamy (one party was already legally married), incest (parties are closely related), or if a party was under 16 and lacked necessary court consent. These marriages are considered legally invalid regardless of whether a court formally declares them so.
Voidable marriages, which require a court order to annul, include situations where a party lacked mental capacity, was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, consented due to fraud or force, or was underage (16 or 17) without proper parental consent. A successful marriage annulment petition lawyer Hanover County must prove these grounds existed at the exact time of the marriage.
- Consult with an annulment lawyer Hanover County to review your situation and identify potential grounds under Virginia law.
- Your attorney will gather necessary evidence, such as marriage certificates, proof of prior existing marriage, medical records, or witness statements.
- File a formal “Bill of Complaint for Annulment” with the Hanover County Circuit Court and pay the required filing fee.
- Ensure proper legal service of the complaint on your spouse, as required by Virginia court rules.
- Attend any required court hearings. If grounds are proven, the court will enter a Decree of Nullity.
- Address ancillary issues like property division or support if applicable, though the legal framework differs from divorce.
Consequences and Legal Effects of an Annulment
In Hanover County, an annulment results in the marriage being declared legally void, which can affect property rights, spousal support, and the legitimacy of children.
Because an annulment treats the marriage as never having existed, Virginia’s equitable distribution laws (Va. Code § 20-107.3) for dividing marital property do not automatically apply. Instead, the court uses principles of constructive trust or resulting trust to determine ownership of assets acquired during the relationship, often aiming to return parties to their pre-marriage financial positions where possible.
Spousal support is generally not available after an annulment, as there is no legal marriage to support. However, a court may order temporary support during the pendency of the case under certain circumstances. Children born of an annulled marriage are still considered legitimate under Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-31.1), and both parents retain all legal rights and obligations, including custody, visitation, and child support, which are determined under the same “best interests of the child” standard used in divorce cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Hanover County Family Law
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the evolution of state family law. In Hanover County, we have 19 total documented case results across all practice areas.
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 in Hanover County
Our attorneys have achieved documented favorable outcomes for clients in Hanover County courts. These include dismissals and charge reductions in related matters that demonstrate our familiarity with local court procedures. For instance, we have secured dismissals for clients facing charges such as reckless driving by speed and failure to obey highway markings in Hanover General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background in accounting and information systems offers a unique advantage in untangling financial aspects that may arise in annulment proceedings involving asset disputes.
Contact Our Hanover County Annulment Attorneys
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County, Mechanicsville, Ashland, and surrounding communities. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365. Office by appointment only.
Need an annulment lawyer near Hanover County Courthouse? Call for a 24/7 phone consultation.
Annulment in Hanover County, VA: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment declares the marriage legally void, as if it never existed, based on specific grounds present at the time of the wedding, such as fraud, bigamy, or incapacity.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud or force, you must file within two years of discovering the fraud or being free from force. For underage marriage without consent, a party must file before turning 18. There is no specific time limit for void marriages like bigamy, but practical limitations apply.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Yes, but only if the fraud goes to the essence of the marriage contract. Virginia courts require proof of a fraudulent misrepresentation about a fundamental fact (e.g., intent to have children, ability to consummate the marriage) that induced you to marry. Mere lies about character or wealth typically are insufficient.
What happens to our property if our marriage is annulled?
Virginia’s equitable distribution laws for divorce do not directly apply. The court will use other legal principles, like constructive trust, to determine fair ownership, often aiming to return property to the person who purchased it or to prevent unjust enrichment, which can be a complex process.
Where do I file an annulment petition in Hanover County?
Annulment petitions are filed with the Hanover County Circuit Court, located at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069. The court’s website for forms and information is vacourts.gov.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other legal issues, explore our services for criminal defense in Hanover County or DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.