Marriage Annulment Lawyer Manassas — Is Your Marriage Void or Voidable?
An annulment legally declares a marriage void from its start under Virginia law, distinct from divorce. Grounds include bigamy, incest, underage marriage without consent, or mental incapacity. As a marriage annulment lawyer in Manassas, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused counsel for void and voidable marriage petitions at the Manassas Circuit Court.
Virginia Annulment Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific, narrow grounds for annulment (a decree of nullity) under Va. Code § 20-45.1 et seq. An annulment differs from a divorce; it treats the marriage as if it never legally existed. The grounds are split into void marriages (invalid from the beginning) and voidable marriages (can be annulled by a court).
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Void marriages require no court order to be invalid but often need a judicial declaration for clarity. Voidable marriages are valid until annulled by a court petition. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, applies deep knowledge of Virginia family statutes to these complex cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia annulment statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website for Va. Code § 20-45.1. For local court procedures, the 31st Judicial Circuit Court website provides forms and filing information for Manassas.
Manassas Annulment Process and Strategy
Filing a marriage annulment petition in Manassas requires precise steps at the Circuit Court. The key local procedural fact is that Manassas Circuit Court handles all annulment petitions, and Virginia imposes strict statutes of limitations—often one year from discovery of the ground—for filing voidable marriage petitions. Evidence like birth certificates, marriage licenses, or medical records is critical.
- Consult a Manassas Annulment Attorney: Determine if your situation meets Virginia’s legal grounds for annulment and review the filing deadline.
- Gather Necessary Evidence: Collect all documents supporting your claim, such as the marriage license, proof of bigamy, or medical affidavits.
- Draft and File the Petition: Your lawyer prepares the formal petition for annulment and files it with the Manassas Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the Other Party: The petition must be legally served on your spouse, who then has time to respond.
- Attend Court Hearings: Present your case and evidence before a judge. If unopposed and well-supported, the court may grant the annulment decree.
- Obtain the Decree of Nullity: The court’s final order legally declares the marriage null and void.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Manassas, an annulment results in the marriage being erased legally, which can affect property division, spousal support, and the legitimacy of children differently than a divorce.
Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment declares it never existed. This affects financial and parental rights. Property is typically returned to its original owner, not divided equitably. Spousal support is generally not awarded. Children born during an annulled marriage are still considered legitimate under Virginia law. The emotional process can be complex, requiring sensitive legal guidance.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Manassas Annulment Attorneys
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Founded in 1997, our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results. Mr. Sris possesses unique authority in Virginia family law, having personally contributed to amending the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep legislative insight informs our approach to all family statutes, including annulment.
Case Experience in Family Law
While specific annulment case results are confidential, our firm’s extensive experience in Virginia family courts is a foundation for handling void marriage petitions. We have successfully navigated complex marital status issues for clients. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across all practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our lead family attorney, Mr. Sris, brings additional weight as the former prosecutor who personally amended Virginia’s key equitable distribution law, demonstrating a significant understanding of Virginia marital law.
Contact Our Manassas Annulment Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We provide 24/7 phone consultations—meetings by appointment only. We serve Manassas and surrounding communities.
Marriage Annulment Lawyer Manassas FAQ
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?
An annulment declares the marriage legally invalid from the start (void), while a divorce ends a valid marriage. Annulment grounds are specific, like bigamy or fraud, and have strict time limits.
How long do I have to file for an annulment in Virginia?
It depends on the ground. For voidable marriages (e.g., fraud, impotence), you typically must file within one year of discovering the ground. For void marriages (e.g., bigamy, incest), there is no time limit to seek a declaratory judgment, but it’s best to act promptly.
What are the grounds for a void marriage in Virginia?
Void marriages are automatically invalid and include: bigamy (one spouse was already married), incest (prohibited degrees of kinship), or underage marriage without required court consent. A void marriage lawyer in Manassas can help you get a court declaration.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse lied to me?
Possibly, if the lie constitutes fraud that goes to the essence of the marriage contract (e.g., intent not to have children, hidden addiction, or false identity). Virginia law requires proof that you would not have consented to the marriage had you known the truth. A marriage annulment petition lawyer in Manassas can assess your case.
Where do I file an annulment petition in Manassas?
You file a petition for annulment (a decree of nullity) with the Manassas Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. The court handles all annulment matters for the city.
Internal Resources
For more on Virginia family law, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. For help in nearby areas, consider our Fairfax family lawyers or Prince William County family lawyers. For other legal needs in Manassas, we also handle criminal defense and DUI cases. Learn more about our Fairfax office.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Manassas, our page on marriage annulment cases across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.