Annulment Lawyer Chesapeake, VA
You believed your marriage was valid when you exchanged vows, but something now suggests it may not be. Perhaps you discovered your spouse was already married at the time of the ceremony, lacked the mental capacity to consent, or concealed a fact that would have changed your decision. Annulment is the legal procedure that declares a marriage void or voidable, as if it never existed. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment addresses a defect that existed from the start. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent clients in annulment matters in Chesapeake, Virginia. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Annulment Means in Chesapeake
Annulment is a family law remedy governed by Virginia Code § 20‑89.1. It establishes that a marriage was legally flawed from the beginning. The Chesapeake Circuit Court hears annulment petitions, as it has exclusive jurisdiction over suits affecting marital status. A party seeking annulment must demonstrate that the marriage falls into one of the statutory categories: a void marriage (such as bigamy or incest) or a voidable marriage (based on fraud, duress, impotence, or lack of mental capacity). The proceeding is not a dissolution of a valid union but a declaration that no valid union ever came into being.
A suit for annulment in Virginia may be maintained only if one of the parties has been an actual bona fide resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth for at least six months before filing.
Source: Va. Code § 20‑97. Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6, § 20‑97
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Our Richmond Location serves clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. The Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive handles all annulment actions, while related custody or support matters may be directed to the Chesapeake Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in these courts and understand the local procedural expectations.
The court considers evidence of the alleged defect, and the petitioner bears the burden of proof. If the court grants an annulment, the marriage is treated as if it never occurred, which can affect property division, spousal support, and legitimacy of children born during the union. Because the legal consequences are significant, anyone considering annulment should seek experienced counsel.
Chesapeake Circuit Court is currently located at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Counsel appearing on family law matters should plan filings accordingly. Court hours are Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Annulment Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by reviewing the facts of your situation. We assess whether the marriage is void or voidable under Virginia law and whether the six‑month residency requirement is met. The process involves gathering documentation—the marriage certificate, any evidence of the defect, and witness statements—and preparing a complaint for filing with the Chesapeake Circuit Court.
After the complaint is served on the other party, the case proceeds through discovery if contested, and may involve a hearing. The court examines the evidence and determines whether grounds for annulment exist. Our attorneys present the legal arguments and factual support while protecting your interests throughout. Every case is unique, and the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the issues. We work to achieve a clear resolution and provide straightforward guidance at each stage.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is a former prosecutor. His background includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters. Results may vary.
Our Of Counsel team includes attorneys with decades of litigation experience, including a former Maryland prosecutor, a former Virginia State Trooper, and a practitioner with over 30 years of trial work. Together, they provide multi‑state knowledge—admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—and a client‑focused approach. Every annulment case is handled with attention to the personal circumstances that brought you to this point. We invite you to reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for annulment in Virginia?
Virginia law recognizes both void and voidable marriages. Void marriages include those where one spouse was already married (bigamy) or the parties are closely related (incest). Voidable marriages may be annulled for fraud, duress, impotence, or lack of mental capacity. The specific ground must be proven with clear evidence in Chesapeake Circuit Court. A family law attorney can help you evaluate whether your circumstances meet one of these statutory categories under Va. Code § 20‑89.1. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How is annulment different from divorce?
Divorce ends a valid marriage, while annulment declares that no valid marriage ever existed. This distinction can affect property division, spousal support, and the status of children. In Virginia, annulment does not automatically address custody or child support; those issues may need to be resolved separately in the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. An experienced attorney can explain which option fits your circumstances and help you make informed decisions. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the process for obtaining an annulment in Chesapeake?
The process begins with filing a complaint in the Chesapeake Circuit Court. You must establish the court’s jurisdiction and the statutory ground for annulment. After service on the other spouse, the case proceeds through discovery if contested, and a final hearing is held. The judge reviews the evidence and decides whether to grant the annulment. Throughout the case, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle filings, negotiations, and courtroom advocacy. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How long does an annulment case take?
The timeline for an annulment varies based on whether the case is contested and the court’s schedule. An uncontested annulment can resolve sooner, while a contested matter may take longer. The Chesapeake Circuit Court manages its own docket; no two cases are alike. Your attorney can provide a better estimate once the specifics of your case are evaluated.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Chesapeake?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but an annulment involves strict legal standards and procedural rules. A misstep can delay the outcome or weaken your claim. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand Virginia annulment law and the Chesapeake court system. They help you present your case effectively and pursue a resolution that protects your interests. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to learn more.
Can an annulment affect child custody or support?
Yes. Although an annulment declares the marriage void, children born during the union are considered legitimate under Virginia law. Custody and support are determined based on the best interests of the child, not on the annulment itself. Those issues may be handled in the Chesapeake Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. Our attorneys can assist with all aspects of your family law matter.
Official Virginia primary sources:
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.