Marriage Annulment Lawyer New Kent County — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
A marriage annulment in New Kent County legally declares a marriage void from its start under Virginia law. Grounds include bigamy, incest, or one party being underage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for filing a marriage annulment petition in New Kent County. Our firm has 11 documented case results in this locality. We offer 24/7 consultations to discuss your specific situation.
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ToggleVirginia Annulment Law and Statute
In Virginia, an annulment is a legal decree that a marriage was never valid. The grounds are strictly defined by statute. A void marriage lawyer in New Kent County can explain that some marriages are void *ab initio* (from the beginning), while others are voidable and require a court order to annul.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
The primary statute governing annulments is Va. Code § 20-89.1. This law outlines the specific circumstances under which a marriage can be annulled. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., brings over 120 years of combined firm experience, including a deep understanding of Virginia family statutes.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s annulment laws, refer to the Va. Code § 20-89.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). All annulment petitions in New Kent County are filed with the New Kent County Circuit Court.
Annulment Process in New Kent County Circuit Court
Seeking an annulment involves proving one of the statutory grounds exists. The key local procedural fact is that New Kent County Circuit Court handles all annulment matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Virginia law requires clear and convincing evidence for a voidable marriage. A void marriage, such as one involving bigamy, is invalid without a court order, but a decree is still necessary to legally establish the fact.
- Consult with a marriage annulment lawyer in New Kent County to assess your grounds.
- Gather all necessary evidence, such as birth certificates, prior marriage records, or proof of fraud.
- Your attorney will draft and file a formal Bill of Complaint for Annulment with the Circuit Court.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse according to Virginia rules of service.
- Attend any required hearings to present evidence before the judge.
- Obtain the final decree of annulment from the court.
Grounds for Annulment in Virginia
In New Kent County, a marriage annulment can be granted for specific legal defects that existed at the time of the marriage.
| Grounds for Annulment | Type | Key Consideration | Statutory Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy (one spouse already married) | Void | Marriage is automatically invalid. | Va. Code § 20-43 |
| Incest (prohibited degrees of kinship) | Void | Marriage is prohibited by law. | Va. Code § 20-38.1 |
| Underage marriage without required consent/court order | Voidable | Can be annulled by the underage party. | Va. Code § 20-48 |
| Lack of mental capacity to consent | Voidable | Must be proven at the time of marriage. | Va. Code § 20-45.1 |
| Fraud, force, or coercion | Voidable | Must file within a specified time after discovering fraud or escaping force. | Va. Code § 20-89.1 |
| Physical incapacity (and no cohabitation after discovery) | Voidable | Subject to specific time limits. | Va. Code § 20-89.1 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Authority and Experience
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 every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In New Kent County, we have 11 documented case results across all practice areas. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep commitment to Virginia family law.
Samantha Powers
Of Counsel, Family Law
Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience.
Samantha Powers focuses her practice on Virginia family law matters, including annulments, divorce, and complex marital agreements. She provides strategic counsel for clients handling the specific procedures of New Kent County Circuit Court.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our approach is grounded in a thorough understanding of local courts. For example, our team has successfully resolved cases involving complex marital status issues. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides oversight on complex family law matters, ensuring each case benefits from our collective experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact a New Kent County Annulment Attorney
Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent County and is accessible via I-64. We are your local marriage annulment lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Available 24/7 — Contact us for a confidential consultation about your marriage annulment petition in New Kent County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Annulment FAQs for New Kent County
What is the difference between a divorce and an annulment in Virginia?
A divorce ends a valid marriage. An annulment declares the marriage was never legally valid from the start due to specific grounds like bigamy, fraud, or underage marriage without consent.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the grounds. For fraud, you typically must file within two years of discovering it. For an underage marriage, the underage party must file before turning 18. A void marriage lawyer in New Kent County can advise on specific deadlines for your case.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied about wanting children?
Possibly. Fraudulent misrepresentation about a fundamental aspect of the marriage, like the intent to have children, can be grounds for annulment under Va. Code § 20-89.1. You must prove the lie was material and you relied on it in consenting to marry.
What happens to property and children after an annulment?
Virginia courts can issue orders for child custody, support, and the division of property acquired during the “marriage” under principles of equitable distribution, similar to a divorce, even though the union is declared void.
Do I need a lawyer to file an annulment petition in New Kent County?
Yes. The process is complex and requires strict adherence to statutory grounds, evidence presentation, and court procedure. A marriage annulment petition lawyer in New Kent County is essential to handle the Circuit Court successfully.
Related Legal Information
If you are considering an annulment, you may also need information about Virginia divorce law. For other legal needs in the area, consider our pages on New Kent County criminal defense or New Kent County DUI defense. We also serve neighboring communities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a New Kent County case fits into the wider process, our page on marriage annulment lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.