Annulment Lawyer James City County — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment in James City County legally declares a marriage void from its start, unlike a divorce which ends a valid marriage. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or fraud under Va. Code § 20-45.1. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for your marriage annulment petition in James City County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
An annulment, or decree of nullity, is a court order stating a marriage was never legally valid. Virginia law distinguishes between void marriages (invalid from the start) and voidable marriages (valid until annulled by a court). The specific grounds are defined in the Virginia Code § 20-45.1. A void marriage lawyer James City County can assess which category applies to your situation.
Void marriages in Virginia include those involving bigamy (one party was already married), incest (marriage between close relatives), or a party under 18 without required parental or judicial consent. These are considered invalid regardless of whether a court has acted. Voidable marriages may be annulled for reasons like fraud, duress, impotence, or mental incapacity at the time of the marriage.
- Consult with an attorney to review the facts and identify valid grounds for annulment under Virginia law.
- Your lawyer will draft and file a Complaint for Annulment with the James City County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- The complaint must be formally served on the other spouse by a sheriff or process server.
- If the other spouse contests the annulment, the case may proceed to an evidentiary hearing where you must prove the grounds.
- If successful, the court will enter a Decree of Nullity, legally dissolving the marriage as if it never existed.
- The decree will address ancillary issues like property division, child custody, and support, similar to a divorce.
Why Choose Our Annulment Lawyers in James City County
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Virginia family law, Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep commitment to the intricacies of state 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
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law cases. While every case is unique, our approach is thorough and client-focused.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, provides strategic oversight on complex matters, ensuring each case benefits from high-level experience.
Annulment Lawyer Near James City County
Our Richmond location serves clients in James City County and the greater Williamsburg area. We are accessible via I-64 and other major routes. We provide representation for your marriage annulment petition lawyer James City County needs.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Annulment in James City County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment legally declares a marriage never existed, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. Annulments are granted only for specific statutory grounds like fraud, bigamy, or underage marriage without consent, as outlined in Va. Code § 20-45.1.
How long does an annulment take in James City County?
It depends. An uncontested annulment where both parties agree on the grounds and terms may be resolved in a few months. A contested annulment that requires a trial can take significantly longer, similar to a contested divorce timeline.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Yes, fraud can be grounds for an annulment in Virginia if the lie was about an essential aspect of the marriage (e.g., intent to have children, identity, or ability to consummate the marriage) and you would not have married had you known the truth.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Even though the marriage is voided, the James City County Circuit Court still has authority to decide issues of property division, child custody, visitation, and support. The court will make equitable decisions based on the circumstances, similar to a divorce proceeding.
Where do I file for an annulment in James City County?
Annulment complaints are filed with the James City County Circuit Court, located at 5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The court’s website provides forms and information: James City County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services: If you are considering ending your marriage, you may also want to learn about Virginia divorce law. For other legal needs in the area, see our pages for James City County criminal defense and James City County DUI defense.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding an annulment in James City County.