Annulment Lawyer Near Me
If you are searching for an annulment lawyer near you in Arlington, Virginia, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation for marriage annulment proceedings. An annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage was invalid from its inception, as opposed to a divorce that ends a valid marriage. The grounds for annulment are narrow, and the process differs from a conventional divorce. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent individuals in annulment matters before the Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. They bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases, with over 4,739 documented firm-wide results, and work to achieve a resolution that addresses the legal status of the marriage and any related property or custody issues. Results may vary. To request a consultation about your annulment matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Annulment Means in Arlington, Virginia
In Virginia, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never legally existed. Unlike a divorce that dissolves a valid marriage, an annulment retroactively declares the union void or voidable. The Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 North Courthouse Road, has exclusive original jurisdiction over annulment suits under Va. Code § 20‑96. For parties who were never legally capable of contracting marriage—for example, due to a prior existing marriage, mental incapacity at the time of the ceremony, or fraud—an annulment can provide a clean legal break without the equitable distribution process that accompanies divorce.
A party seeking an annulment in Arlington must have been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months before filing, consistent with Va. Code § 20‑97. The petition is filed in the Circuit Court, and the proceeding may address not only the validity of the marriage but also child custody and support if the parties share minor children. Because annulment grounds are limited, consulting an attorney early helps evaluate whether the facts meet the statutory requirements. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly in the Arlington courts and can advise on whether your situation aligns with the grounds recognized under Virginia law.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Annulment Cases
When a client contacts the firm about a potential annulment, the first step is a careful review of the facts surrounding the marriage ceremony and the circumstances alleged to make it invalid. Annulment cases require clear and convincing evidence; mere dissatisfaction with the marriage is insufficient. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether the marriage is void ab initio (e.g., bigamy, certain incestuous unions) or voidable (e.g., underage marriage without proper consent, fraud, duress, or mental incapacity). They then prepare a complaint that articulates the specific statutory ground and gather supporting evidence such as marriage records, prior divorce decrees, medical records, or credible witness testimony.
Because annulment actions are heard in the Circuit Court, the procedural steps—pleading, discovery, and potentially a hearing—mirror those of a civil lawsuit. While many annulment cases are uncontested and resolved without a trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to present evidence and argue the legal merits before the court when necessary. Throughout the process, they address any related family law issues, such as temporary child custody or support, and work to protect the client’s interests. Results may vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee a future result.
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 admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he concentrates on complex family law matters, including annulments that involve evidentiary challenges or international elements. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who are engaged through Excella and bring additional experience in family law, criminal defense, and litigation. No single attorney handles every aspect of a case; rather, the team works collaboratively to provide thorough legal services. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm’s Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, serving clients throughout Arlington County and the surrounding area. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for an annulment in Virginia?
An annulment in Virginia may be granted if the marriage is void or voidable. A void marriage includes bigamy or marriage between certain close relatives. A voidable marriage includes situations of fraud, duress, underage marriage without proper parental or judicial consent, or mental incapacity at the time of the ceremony. The burden of proof rests on the party seeking the annulment, and the court will examine evidence to determine whether the marriage was validly contracted. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Is an annulment faster than a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment is not necessarily faster than a divorce; it depends on the circumstances. If the annulment is uncontested and the evidence is straightforward, the court may enter a decree relatively quickly. However, if the grounds are disputed or the other party opposes the annulment, the case can take as long as a contested divorce. Procedural steps such as discovery and scheduling a hearing are governed by the court’s calendar. To discuss the timeline in your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Arlington County?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer to file for annulment, the legal and evidentiary requirements are rigorous. An attorney can evaluate whether the facts support a valid annulment ground, prepare the necessary pleadings, and present your case effectively. Because annulment may also involve child custody, support, and property division, having experienced legal guidance is beneficial. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What happens to children of a marriage declared annulled?
Under Virginia law, children born of a marriage that is later annulled are considered legitimate. The court retains authority to decide custody, visitation, and child support based on the best interests of the child, using the same statutory factors that apply in a divorce. Thus, an annulment does not strip parents of their rights or obligations toward their children. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can an annulment affect property division?
Because an annulment declares the marriage void, the court does not apply the equitable distribution framework used in divorce. Instead, the court may restore each party to their pre‑marital position to the extent possible. This can include returning separate property and addressing any jointly held assets. The specifics depend on the facts of the case and judicial discretion. To discuss your property concerns, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in terms of residency requirements?
Both annulment and divorce in Virginia require that at least one party be a bona fide resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth for at least six months before filing. The residency requirement is the same for both actions. Therefore, a party who meets the residency threshold can choose either remedy depending on the grounds available. For more information about which option fits your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Is an annulment public record in Virginia?
Annulment cases, like divorces, are civil court proceedings filed in the Circuit Court, and the records are generally open to the public unless the court orders otherwise. Sensitive information may be protected by filing documents under seal in appropriate circumstances. An attorney can advise whether any part of your case can be kept confidential. For further guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does the court handle annulments when one spouse lives in another country?
When a party seeking an annulment in Virginia resides abroad, the court must acquire personal jurisdiction over the non-resident spouse. Service of process is governed by the applicable international convention—if the spouse resides in a country party to the Hague Service Convention, service is routed through that country’s Central Authority. As an alternative, Virginia law may permit service by publication or other substituted methods when the non‑resident spouse cannot be located. For specific advice on international service, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Information on Virginia law and the annulment process is available through official sources such as Virginia Code Title 13.1, the SCC business entity filings, and the Virginia Circuit Courts.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.