Marriage Annulment Lawyer New Kent County — Is Your Marriage Void?
A marriage annulment in New Kent County legally declares a marriage void from its start under Virginia law. Grounds include bigamy, incest, or one party being underage. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for filing a marriage annulment petition in New Kent County. Our team helps determine if your situation qualifies for an annulment rather than a divorce.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
In Virginia, an annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was never valid. This differs from a divorce, which ends a valid marriage. The grounds for annulment are strict and defined by statute. A void marriage lawyer in New Kent County can assess whether your circumstances meet the legal criteria, which include situations where the marriage was never legally binding to begin with.
The primary statute governing annulments is Va. Code § 20-45.1, which outlines specific void and voidable marriages. Understanding this distinction is critical for your case.
Void vs. Voidable Marriages
A void marriage is one that is illegal and invalid from the moment it occurs. No legal decree is required to establish its invalidity, but obtaining a court order of annulment provides official documentation. Grounds for a void marriage include:
- Bigamy (one party was already legally married).
- Incest (marriage between close blood relatives).
- Marriage where one party lacked the mental capacity to consent.
A voidable marriage is considered valid until a court annuls it. Grounds include:
- One party was under the legal age of consent (under 18 without proper consent or under 16).
- One party consented to the marriage due to force, fraud, or coercion.
- One party was physically incapable of consummating the marriage and the other party was unaware.
Consulting a marriage annulment lawyer New Kent County is essential to handle these complex legal definitions and build your petition.
- Consult with an Attorney: Discuss your situation with a lawyer to confirm annulment grounds exist.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all documents (marriage certificate, proof of bigamy, medical records, communications showing fraud).
- File the Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file a formal annulment petition with the New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Serve the Other Party: The petition must be legally served on your spouse.
- Attend the Hearing: Present your case and evidence before a judge.
- Obtain the Decree: If granted, the court issues a decree of annulment, legally erasing the marriage.
Why Choose Our Annulment Attorneys?
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 has a documented record of favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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
Our team, including firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, approaches each annulment case with a detailed understanding of the required burdens of proof. We know how to present evidence of fraud, incapacity, or other grounds effectively to the court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Legal Support in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout New Kent County, including New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We are accessible via I-64 and familiar with the New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. If you need a marriage annulment petition lawyer New Kent County near you, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
Annulment FAQs for New Kent County
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage never legally existed, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. Annulments are granted only for specific grounds like fraud, bigamy, or underage marriage.
How long does an annulment take in New Kent County?
It depends on the case’s complexity, court schedule, and whether it is contested. An uncontested annulment with clear evidence may be resolved in a few months, while a contested case can take longer.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Yes, fraud is a ground for annulment if the lie was about something essential to the marriage (e.g., intent to have children, identity, or ability to marry). A lawyer can evaluate if the fraud meets the legal standard.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia law allows courts to issue orders for child custody, support, and property division similar to a divorce, even after an annulment, to ensure fairness and provide for children.
Where do I file for an annulment in New Kent County?
Annulment petitions are filed with the New Kent County Circuit Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia law on annulments, see Va. Code § 20-45.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, visit the New Kent County Courts website.
Related Legal Services
If you are considering other family law options, we also assist with divorce in New Kent County. For a broader view of our family law services across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub. We also serve neighboring areas like Henrico County.