Annulment Lawyer Fauquier County, VA

Founded 1997 | Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York | English, Spanish, Tamil | Call (888) 437-7747

When a marriage is legally invalid from the start, an annulment can erase its legal existence—unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage. In Fauquier County, Virginia, annulment proceedings are heard in the Fauquier County Circuit Court, located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients across Fauquier County who are seeking annulments under Virginia law. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters, including annulment petitions based on fraud, bigamy, duress, or incapacity. Results may vary. Our Fairfax location serves annulment clients throughout Fauquier County, including Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. Because annulment can affect related issues such as child custody, visitation, and support—which may be handled in the Fauquier County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court—it is essential to work with an attorney familiar with the local courts. The firm also assists with Catholic annulment, which is a separate religious process that does not replace the civil annulment. To request a consultation about an annulment in Fauquier County, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Annulment Means in Fauquier County, Virginia

Annulment is a legal ruling that a marriage was never valid from its inception. Unlike divorce, which terminates a valid marriage, an annulment declares the union void or voidable. In Virginia, annulment is governed by Va. Code § 20-89.1 and related provisions. The Fauquier County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over annulment petitions. Grounds for annulment in Virginia include: one party was underage and lacked proper consent, the marriage was procured by fraud or duress, one spouse was legally married to another person at the time (bigamy), or one spouse was mentally incapacitated. Virginia law also requires that the party seeking the annulment has not voluntarily cohabited with the other spouse after learning of the problem—this is known as ratification.

The Fauquier County Circuit Court, part of the 20th Judicial District, handles civil annulment cases. Related custody or support matters may be heard in the Fauquier County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. An annulment can affect property division, as the court may determine how to allocate assets acquired during the alleged marriage. Because Virginia is an equitable distribution state, the court considers fairness in dividing property, not necessarily a 50/50 split. Additionally, parties must meet Virginia’s residency requirement under Va. Code § 20-97, which requires at least one party to be a resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months before filing.

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

Annulment cases require thorough preparation. The firm’s attorneys begin by evaluating whether the marriage meets the statutory grounds for annulment under Va. Code § 20-89.1. They gather evidence, including witness statements, documents, and any proof of fraud or incapacity. In Fauquier County, the annulment process starts with filing a complaint in the Circuit Court. The complaint must state the specific ground for annulment and include supporting facts. The other spouse is served and has an opportunity to respond. If the parties agree, the matter may proceed by agreement; if contested, a hearing or trial may be necessary. Because annulment can have significant consequences for property division and spousal support, the attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. take a careful approach to protect their clients’ interests at every stage.

In many annulment cases, related issues such as child custody or visitation arise. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in handling these matters in the Fauquier County J&DR Court. They also assist clients with understanding the difference between a civil annulment and a Catholic annulment. While a civil annulment ends the legal marriage, a Catholic annulment is a religious declaration that a sacramental marriage never existed; it does not affect legal rights regarding property or children. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can help you navigate both processes and coordinate with religious authorities when needed.

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

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., which he established in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. His background provides a strong foundation for family law representation, including annulment cases. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional experience and legal knowledge, allowing the firm to serve a broad range of family law matters in Fauquier County.

The firm’s team appears regularly in the Fauquier County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The attorneys work collaboratively to develop case strategies that address each client’s unique situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. maintains a Fairfax location that serves annulment clients throughout Fauquier County, including Warrenton, New Baltimore, and Marshall. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annulment in Fauquier County

What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Virginia?

An annulment declares that a marriage was never legally valid, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. In Virginia, an annulment is available when a marriage is void or voidable under Va. Code § 20-89.1, such as in cases of bigamy, fraud, or mental incapacity. A divorce, by contrast, terminates a marriage that was initially valid. Annulment may affect how property is divided and whether spousal support is available, so it is important to discuss your situation with an attorney. To discuss annulment in Fauquier County, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the grounds for an annulment in Fauquier County?

Under Virginia law, valid grounds for an annulment include underage marriage without proper consent, fraud or duress, bigamy, and mental incapacity. The party seeking annulment must not have ratified the marriage—that is, they must not have continued to cohabit after learning of the problem. The Fauquier County Circuit Court evaluates evidence to determine whether one of these grounds applies. Because the grounds are specific, gathering the necessary documentation is crucial. The firm’s attorneys can help you assess whether your marriage qualifies for an annulment. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

How does the annulment process work in Fauquier County Circuit Court?

The annulment process begins when a complaint is filed in the Fauquier County Circuit Court, stating the legal ground and supporting facts. The other spouse is then served and allowed to respond. If the parties agree on the annulment and any related issues, the case can proceed without a trial. If the matter is contested, a hearing may be scheduled. Related custody or support issues may be handled in the Fauquier County J&DR Court. The firm’s attorneys guide clients through each step, from preparing the complaint to representing them in court. For more information about the annulment process, call (888) 437-7747.

Can I get a Catholic annulment in addition to a civil annulment?

Yes, a Catholic annulment is a religious process that is separate from a civil annulment under Virginia law. A Catholic annulment is granted by a church tribunal and determines whether a marriage was sacramentally valid. It has no legal effect on property, custody, or support. However, some individuals pursue both processes to address both their civil and religious status. The firm’s attorneys can advise on the civil annulment and coordinate with religious authorities as needed. To discuss annulment in Fauquier County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Fauquier County?

While you are not required to have a lawyer for an annulment, the legal process involves specific procedural requirements and statutory grounds that are most effectively handled with professional guidance. Annulment cases can involve contested issues, property division, and related custody matters. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand your rights and present your case effectively. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assists clients in Fauquier County with annulment proceedings. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

How long does an annulment take in Virginia?

The timeline for an annulment in Fauquier County varies depending on whether the case is contested and the court’s calendar. An uncontested annulment where both parties agree can be resolved more quickly than a contested case that requires a trial. The complexity of the issues—such as dividing assets or determining custody—also affects the timeline. The firm’s attorneys work to move cases forward efficiently while protecting clients’ interests. For a personalized assessment of your annulment matter, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Additional resources: Virginia Annulment Statute (Va. Code § 20-89.1) | Fauquier County Circuit Court

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.