Catholic Annulment Lawyer New Kent County, VA

A Catholic annulment is a declaration by the Church that a marriage was invalid from the beginning under canon law. It is distinct from a civil annulment, which is a legal decree issued by a Virginia court. Many individuals seek both a religious annulment and a civil dissolution of their marriage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in New Kent County who need a civil annulment or divorce after a Catholic annulment has been granted, or who are navigating the interplay between the two processes. New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle hears all annulment and divorce matters. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Catholic Annulment Means in New Kent County, Virginia

A Catholic annulment is a religious determination that a marriage lacked the essential elements required for a valid sacramental union. It does not automatically dissolve a civil marriage. In Virginia, a marriage can be dissolved only by a court-issued divorce decree or a civil annulment under Va. Code § 20‑89.1. A civil annulment declares the marriage void from the start—for reasons such as bigamy, mental incapacity, fraud, or underage marriage. The civil remedy is independent of the Church’s process, but a party who has obtained a Catholic annulment may still need a civil divorce or annulment to resolve property division, spousal support, and other legal issues.

New Kent County is part of Virginia’s Ninth Judicial District. The Circuit Court handles annulment petitions, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support matters are heard in the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The firm’s Richmond location, at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, represents clients throughout New Kent, Providence Forge, Quinton, and the surrounding communities. Our Richmond location is by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Annulment and Family Law Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to civil annulment and divorce matters. When a client seeks a civil annulment after a Catholic annulment, the legal team reviews the religious decree to determine whether it may serve as persuasive evidence in the civil court, while advising on the separate grounds required under Virginia law. The firm represents clients in contested and uncontested annulment proceedings, and when annulment is not available, in divorce actions on fault or no‑fault grounds. Every matter is prepared with attention to the financial and parenting consequences that flow from the dissolution of a marriage.

In New Kent County, the firm appears before the Circuit Court for annulment hearings and, when necessary, coordinates with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on custody or support issues. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997. He leverages his courtroom experience to present the factual record clearly, challenge evidence where appropriate, and advocate for the client’s interests at every stage. The Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional litigation experience in family law. Together they develop a strategy tailored to the specific facts of each matter, aiming for a resolution that aligns with the client’s goals while addressing all legal obligations.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor informs his approach to family law litigation, where factual precision and witness examination are critical. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with extensive courtroom experience in custody, support, and property division matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Catholic annulment and a civil annulment in Virginia?

A Catholic annulment is a religious decree that the marriage was sacramentally invalid, while a civil annulment is a legal ruling that the marriage was void under Virginia law. The two processes are separate, and one does not automatically satisfy the other. A civil annulment in Virginia requires proof of specific statutory grounds, such as bigamy, mental incapacity, or fraud. If annulment is unavailable, a divorce may be pursued. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance.

Do I still need a civil divorce if I receive a Catholic annulment?

Yes. A Catholic annulment does not dissolve the civil marriage; you must still obtain a divorce or civil annulment through the Virginia court system. The Circuit Court of New Kent County handles all divorce and annulment actions. Until a final decree of divorce or annulment is entered, the parties remain legally married, and issues like remarriage, property rights, and spousal support remain unresolved. An experienced family law attorney can explain the steps required under Va. Code § 20‑91 or § 20‑89.1.

What are the grounds for a civil annulment in Virginia?

Under Va. Code § 20‑89.1, a civil annulment may be granted if the marriage is void from the beginning due to bigamy, mental incapacity, lack of consent because of fraud or duress, impotence, or the marriage of a person under the required age. Consanguinity or affinity within prohibited degrees is also a ground. The party seeking the annulment must present evidence to the Circuit Court. If the marriage is merely voidable rather than void, certain defenses such as ratification may apply. A lawyer can evaluate which ground may fit your circumstances.

How long does a civil annulment take in New Kent County?

The timeframe for a civil annulment depends on the complexity of the case, the responsiveness of the other party, and the court’s calendar. If the matter is uncontested and all evidence is readily available, the proceeding can resolve within a few months. Contested annulments that involve evidentiary hearings or witness testimony may take considerably longer. The New Kent County Circuit Court schedules hearings in accordance with its docket; an attorney can provide a more specific estimate after reviewing the details of your situation.

Can a Catholic annulment be used as evidence in a Virginia family law case?

A Catholic annulment decree may be presented as evidence, but it does not bind a Virginia court to grant a civil annulment. Virginia courts apply statutory criteria under Title 20 of the Virginia Code, not canon law. The religious finding might support a claim of fraud or lack of consent, but the civil standard is independent. An attorney can assess whether the facts underlying the Church’s decision overlap with a recognized ground for civil annulment or divorce.

What should I do if I am considering a Catholic annulment and need a civil annulment?

Begin by consulting an attorney familiar with both the civil annulment process and the implications of a Catholic annulment in Virginia. Gather your marriage certificate, any correspondence with the Church tribunal, and records relevant to the circumstances of your marriage. The attorney will determine whether you meet the statutory requirements for annulment under Va. Code § 20‑89.1 or if a divorce on a fault or no‑fault ground is more appropriate. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a civil annulment in New Kent County?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, civil annulment involves complex legal standards that are difficult to navigate without counsel. The Circuit Court filing, proper service of process, and the presentation of evidence demand familiarity with Virginia procedural rules. An unrepresented party risks overlooking statutory defenses or failing to meet the burden of proof. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience in family law matters in New Kent County and can help you present your case effectively.

Additional Resources for Virginia Family Law

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