Annulment Lawyer Manassas — What Are the Grounds for Annulment in Virginia?
An annulment in Manassas, Virginia, legally declares a marriage void from its start under specific grounds in Va. Code § 20-89.1. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats it as if it never legally existed. An experienced Annulment Lawyer Manassas from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Annulment Law and Legal Definitions
Virginia law provides specific, narrow grounds for annulment (also called a “decree of nullity”). The statute distinguishes between void marriages (invalid from the outset) and voidable marriages (can be annulled by a court order). A void marriage lawyer Manassas can clarify that void marriages, like those involving bigamy or incest, are automatically invalid, but a court decree is often needed to legally establish that status and resolve related issues like property.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s annulment statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly site). For local court forms and procedures, refer to the Manassas Circuit Court website.
Manassas Annulment Procedures and Strategic Considerations
Filing a marriage annulment petition in Manassas requires precise adherence to procedure. The case is filed in the Manassas Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue. The process begins with filing a Complaint for Annulment, which must clearly state the statutory ground. Unlike a no-fault divorce, you must prove the specific ground (e.g., fraud, impotence) with evidence.
- Consult an Attorney: Have an annulment lawyer Manassas review your facts against the legal grounds in Va. Code § 20-89.1.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all documentation supporting your claim, such as proof of a prior existing marriage, medical records, or evidence of fraud.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney will draft and file the formal Complaint for Annulment with the Manassas Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be legally served on your spouse, who then has time to file an answer.
- Court Hearing: If the case is contested, a hearing will be scheduled where you must present evidence to the judge.
- Decree Issued: If successful, the court issues a Decree of Annulment, legally declaring the marriage null.
Potential Outcomes and Important Disclaimers
In Manassas, a successful annulment results in the marriage being declared legally void, which can affect property division, spousal support, and the legal status of children born during the marriage.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Manassas Annulment Attorneys
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law. We apply this foundational knowledge to annulment cases, ensuring a strategic approach grounded in statute.
Case Experience in Family Law Matters
While specific annulment case counts are not segregated, our firm’s extensive family law practice includes handling void marriage and annulment petitions. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, provides oversight on complex legal strategies. Our team is familiar with the evidentiary standards and procedural nuances required in Manassas Circuit Court for these specialized cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Manassas Annulment Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients with annulment cases in Manassas. We are accessible via I-66 and Route 28. Serving Manassas and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Annulment Lawyer Manassas FAQs
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment declares that a valid marriage never existed due to specific legal defects at the time of the ceremony, as defined under Va. Code § 20-89.1.
What are the grounds for an annulment in Virginia?
Grounds include: one party was under age 18 without consent; one party lacked mental capacity; consent was obtained by force or fraud; impotence existing at the time of marriage; a prior marriage was still valid (bigamy); or the parties are related within prohibited degrees (incest). A void marriage lawyer Manassas can evaluate your specific facts.
How long do I have to file for an annulment?
It depends on the ground. For example, annulment for force or fraud must generally be sought within two years of discovering the issue. For impotence, it must be filed before cohabitation resumes after discovery. Timelines are strict, so consulting an attorney promptly is crucial.
Can I get an annulment if my marriage was never consummated?
Yes, in Virginia, impotence (the inability to engage in sexual intercourse) that exists at the time of marriage and appears to be incurable is a specific ground for annulment under the law.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Property is typically divided as if the parties were never married, though equitable principles may apply. Children born during a marriage that is later annulled are still considered legitimate, and the court will establish custody and support orders.
Related Legal Information
If you are considering ending your marriage, you may also want to learn about Virginia divorce law. For other legal needs in Manassas, explore our services as a Manassas criminal defense lawyer or a Manassas DUI lawyer. For similar family law help nearby, see our page for a Fairfax family lawyer.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Last verified: April 2026. Information subject to change.
Manassas cases are handled by our Virginia annulment practice, where the whole process is set out.