Annulment Lawyer Colonial Heights, VA

Last reviewed: July 2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

You exchange vows, obtain a marriage license, and begin building a life together. But what happens when a fundamental legal defect undermines the marriage from the very start? One spouse may have been still married to someone else, a party lacked the mental capacity to consent, or fraud induced the union. When a marriage is void or voidable under Virginia law, the relief you seek is not a divorce—it is an annulment. At the Colonial Heights Circuit Court, 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, an annulment action can declare the marriage a legal nullity, effectively treating it as if it never occurred. Whether you are grappling with bigamy, concealment, or an underage spouse who entered the marriage without proper consent, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you. To request a confidential consultation about your annulment matter in Colonial Heights, call (888) 437-7747.

What Annulment Means in Colonial Heights, VA

Annulment is a distinct family‑law remedy governed by Virginia Code Title 20. While a divorce ends a valid marriage, an annulment establishes that the marriage was legally invalid from its inception. Virginia recognizes both void and voidable marriages. A void marriage—for example, one where a party was already lawfully married to another person (bigamy)—has no legal standing and can be annulled at any time. A voidable marriage, such as one entered into under duress or when a spouse is underage and lacked proper consent, remains valid until a court enters a decree of annulment. In Colonial Heights, these cases are heard exclusively in the Circuit Court, which also handles equitable distribution, spousal support, and divorce matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court retains jurisdiction over custody and support issues that may arise while the annulment is pending.

The Colonial Heights Circuit Court, located at 550 Boulevard, operates within the Twelfth Judicial District and is presided over by the Hon. Matthew Donald Nelson. The firm’s Richmond location, just a short drive via I‑95, regularly represents clients in this courthouse. Because Virginia requires that at least one party be a bona fide resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth for six months before filing (Va. Code § 20‑97), meeting the jurisdictional prerequisite is a threshold issue in every annulment case. The firm’s multi‑state experience helps clients navigate both the substantive grounds under § 20‑89.1 and the procedural requirements unique to Colonial Heights.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Annulment Cases

Every annulment matter begins with a thorough evaluation of the marriage’s history. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine whether statutory grounds—such as bigamy, mental incapacity, fraud, duress, or underage marriage—apply to the specific facts. Once supporting evidence is gathered, a complaint for annulment is filed in the Colonial Heights Circuit Court. The complaint must state with particularity the ground relied upon and include any ancillary requests for relief, such as equitable distribution of property or spousal support, even though the marriage is being declared a nullity.

After filing, the defendant is served and has the opportunity to respond. If the matter is uncontested—for instance, when both parties agree that the marriage is void—the court can often move directly toward a final hearing. Contested annulments may involve testimony, documentary exhibits, and witness cross‑examination to resolve disputed facts. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide strategic guidance, from negotiating property division and support terms to advocating in the courtroom. The timeline for an annulment varies by case complexity and the court’s calendar, but the goal is always to resolve the matter efficiently so that you can move forward with clarity.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has represented individuals in family‑law matters throughout Virginia since 1997. A former prosecutor, he understands how to build a legally sound case and how to challenge evidence when necessary. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, giving the firm a broad multi‑state perspective that benefits clients dealing with cross‑jurisdictional family issues. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Working alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to annulment and family‑law matters. Results may vary. in your case. They work collaboratively to analyze the factual and legal dimensions of each marriage, identify the strongest path forward, and appear in Colonial Heights courts to protect your interests. Whether your annulment involves contested grounds or simply requires a clear procedural resolution, the team is prepared to address both the legal technicalities and the personal challenges involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between annulment and divorce in Virginia?

An annulment declares a marriage legally invalid from the beginning, while a divorce terminates a valid marriage. In Virginia, an annulment is granted when a marriage is void or voidable due to a defect that existed when the vows were exchanged—such as bigamy, mental incapacity, fraud, or underage status—under Va. Code § 20‑89.1. A divorce, by contrast, ends a marriage that was valid at its inception and is based on grounds like separation (one year, or six months with no minor children and a signed agreement) or fault grounds listed in § 20‑91. The practical difference matters for property division, religious considerations, and the legal status of the parties.

What are the grounds for annulment in Colonial Heights?

Virginia law recognizes several specific grounds for annulment, including bigamy, mental incapacity, fraud, duress, and underage marriage. The precise list is found in Va. Code § 20‑89.1. Bigamy occurs when one spouse was already married to another person at the time of the ceremony; the subsequent marriage is void. Mental incapacity means a party lacked the ability to understand the nature of the marriage contract. Fraud or duress can render a marriage voidable if one spouse was induced to marry by deception or coercion. Additionally, if a spouse was underage and did not have proper parental consent, a petition for annulment may be filed within a certain period after reaching majority. Each ground must be proven with clear evidence.

How long does an annulment take in Virginia?

The timeline varies depending on whether the case is contested and how quickly the court can schedule a hearing. An uncontested annulment, where both parties agree on the facts and no property or support disputes exist, may be concluded within a few months after filing. Contested annulments, especially those requiring evidentiary hearings on fraud or capacity, take longer. The Colonial Heights Circuit Court’s calendar, the complexity of the evidence, and the need for witness testimony all affect the timeline. Meeting with an experienced attorney early helps establish realistic expectations for your specific situation.

Do I need a lawyer for an annulment?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, annulment cases involve complex statutory grounds and court procedures that can be difficult to navigate alone. Proving legal incapacity, fraud, or bigamy often requires gathering documentary evidence, identifying witnesses, and presenting a persuasive case to the judge. Procedural missteps—such as failing to properly plead the ground or not including necessary parties—can delay or derail the action. An experienced family‑law attorney can evaluate whether annulment is the right remedy, help you understand the likely outcome, and guide you through each step of the litigation in Colonial Heights.

What happens to children and property in an annulment?

Children born of a marriage that is later annulled are still considered legitimate under Virginia law, and the court can enter orders regarding custody and support. Although the marriage is declared void, the court has the authority to address property division, spousal support, and child‑related matters at the time of the annulment decree, applying many of the same principles used in divorce. The Circuit Court will consider the contributions of each party to the acquisition of property and the best interests of the child when making decisions. Consulting with an attorney ensures that all related issues are properly raised in the pleadings.

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.