Annulment Lawyer Alexandria — How to Petition for a Void Marriage
An annulment in Alexandria, Virginia, legally declares a marriage void from its start under specific grounds in Va. Code § 20-89.1. This differs from divorce, which ends a valid marriage. An experienced annulment lawyer Alexandria from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through the complex petition process at Alexandria Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Annulment and Void Marriage Laws
Virginia law provides specific, narrow grounds for annulment (Va. Code § 20-89.1) or a declaration of a void marriage. An annulment treats the marriage as if it never legally existed. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without proper consent, mental incapacity at the time of marriage, or fraud/force used to induce the marriage. A marriage annulment petition lawyer Alexandria is essential to prove these grounds with clear and convincing evidence to the court. The process is filed in the Circuit Court where you or your spouse resides.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s marriage and annulment statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website for Va. Code § 20-89.1. To understand local filing procedures, review the Alexandria Circuit Court’s official website.
Local Process for an Annulment Petition in Alexandria
Filing for an annulment in Alexandria involves specific procedural steps at the Circuit Court. The court scrutinizes annulment petitions closely, requiring solid evidence. For instance, proving fraud requires demonstrating a deliberate misrepresentation of a material fact that went to the essence of the marriage contract.
- Consult with an attorney to review your facts against Virginia’s legal grounds for annulment or void marriage.
- Gather all necessary evidence, such as birth certificates, prior marriage records, medical evaluations, or proof of fraud.
- Your attorney will draft and file a formal Bill of Complaint for Annulment with the Alexandria Circuit Court clerk.
- Ensure proper service of the legal papers on your spouse according to Virginia rules.
- Prepare for and attend any court hearings, presenting evidence to support your petition.
- Obtain the court’s final decree of annulment, which legally voids the marriage.
Why Choose Our Alexandria Family Law Attorneys
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family matters. 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. We approach each annulment lawyer Alexandria case with a focus on your specific goals and the legal realities of the Alexandria court.
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 Alexandria
While annulment cases are fact-specific, our firm’s approach to complex family litigation is demonstrated by our record. SRIS actively practices in Alexandria — firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Annulment Lawyer Near Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients with Alexandria family court matters. We are accessible for residents of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Annulment Lawyer Alexandria FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment legally declares the marriage never valid (void), while a divorce dissolves a valid marriage. Grounds for annulment are specific, like bigamy, fraud, or incapacity, as defined in Va. Code § 20-89.1.
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, you must file before the underage party turns 18. A void marriage lawyer Alexandria can advise on specific deadlines for your case.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied about wanting children?
It depends. Virginia courts may consider fraud regarding a fundamental aspect of the marriage contract, like the desire for children, as a potential ground for annulment. However, you must prove the lie was material and intentional. Success requires strong evidence.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Since an annulment voids the marriage, there is no “marital property” to divide under equitable distribution laws. However, the court can still issue orders regarding child custody, support, and the division of jointly owned assets based on principles of equity and contract law.
Do I need a lawyer to file an annulment petition in Alexandria?
Yes. Annulment law is complex with strict evidence requirements. An experienced annulment lawyer Alexandria is crucial to handle the Alexandria Circuit Court process, properly draft the petition, gather evidence, and present a compelling case to the judge.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on divorce lawyers in Arlington or return to our Virginia family law hub. If you are facing other charges, we also handle criminal defense in Alexandria.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.