Annulment Lawyer Arlington County, VA

If you need to dissolve a marriage through annulment rather than divorce in Arlington County, Virginia, understanding the legal standards and court process is the first step. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in annulment proceedings before the Arlington County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to these matters, handling everything from initial evaluation of grounds under Va. Code § 20‑89.1 to final decrees. We have represented parties in domestic relations cases across Virginia since 1997, including in the Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington communities. For a consultation about an annulment matter in Arlington County, call (888) 437‑7747.
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What Annulment Means in Arlington County

An annulment is a court order declaring that a marriage is void or voidable — meaning it never legally existed or is legally defective. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment treats the marriage as invalid from the start. In Virginia, annulment is governed by Va. Code § 20‑89.1. The statute lists specific grounds, including bigamy, mental incapacity, underage marriage without consent, impotence, fraud, duress, and certain procedural defects. A party seeking an annulment must file a Complaint in the Circuit Court of the county where either spouse resides. Under Va. Code § 20‑97, at least one party must have lived in Virginia as a resident and domiciliary for six months before filing.

In Arlington County, annulment cases are heard at the Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. The Seventeenth Judicial District court handles jurisdiction over divorce, annulment, and equitable distribution. Because Virginia is an equitable‑distribution state, property acquired during a marriage that is later annulled may still be subject to division under Va. Code § 20‑107.3, though the analysis differs from a divorce context. We work with clients to identify the proper grounds, gather evidence, and construct the legal pleading. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. maintains an Arlington Location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 — available by appointment only.

How the Firm’s Annulment Lawyers Handle Cases

When a client approaches the firm about a possible annulment, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys first determine whether the marriage qualifies for annulment under Virginia law. We review the facts against the statutory grounds in Va. Code § 20‑89.1 and evaluate any jurisdictional requirements. If grounds exist, we prepare a Complaint for Annulment and file it with the Arlington County Circuit Court. The filing starts the court process, which includes service of process on the respondent spouse. In many cases, the parties may reach agreement on ancillary issues such as property division, spousal support, or any minor children. However, Virginia’s annulment framework differs from divorce in that certain presumptions about marital property may be affected.

The timeline for an annulment case depends on the complexity of the issues and the court’s docket. If the parties agree and the proof is straightforward, the matter may be resolved sooner; contested cases take longer. Throughout the process, we communicate with the client about case developments and work toward a resolution that protects their interests. Because annulment proceedings can intersect with other family‑law matters — such as requests for child custody India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Or support — we can address those issues in the same proceeding if needed. For questions about initiating or defending an annulment in Arlington County, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced since 1997. He is admitted to the bars of 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). His experience includes complex domestic relations matters, and he has handled divorce, annulment, custody, and equitable‑distribution cases in Virginia’s Circuit Courts. Mr. Sris is fluent in English and Tamil, which allows him to assist clients from the South Asian community.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are independent practitioners who contract directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. They bring extensive combined legal experience to family‑law cases, including annulment, divorce, child custody, and support matters. Each Of Counsel attorney is admitted in specific jurisdictions that include Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, among others. While Mr. Sris is the lead attorney on many matters, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute to case strategy and may appear on behalf of clients in Arlington County courts. Together, the team works to achieve favorable outcomes for clients. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an annulment in Virginia?

An annulment is a legal decree that declares a marriage void or voidable, as if it never existed. Under Virginia law, annulment is available only for specific reasons listed in Va. Code § 20‑89.1, such as fraud, duress, mental incapacity, or one spouse’s existing marriage to another person. It differs from divorce because it treats the marriage as legally defective from the start. The Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over annulment cases. If you believe your marriage qualifies for annulment, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you evaluate your situation and navigate the filing process.

What are the grounds for an annulment under Va. Code § 20‑89.1?

The statute identifies several grounds, including bigamy, mental incapacity, underage marriage without proper consent, impotence, fraud, duress, and certain procedural defects in the marriage ceremony. Each ground requires proof in court. For example, to establish fraud, you must show that your spouse made a material misrepresentation that induced you to marry. Because the standards are specific and evidentiary requirements vary, it is important to review the facts of your case with counsel. The firm’s attorneys can assess whether the circumstances of your marriage meet the statutory criteria.

Who can file for an annulment in Arlington County?

Either spouse may file a Complaint for Annulment in the Arlington County Circuit Court if at least one party has been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for six months immediately before filing, as required by Va. Code § 20‑97. The Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd in Arlington handles all annulment cases for the county. The petitioning spouse must state the specific ground for annulment and provide supporting facts. The respondent spouse then has an opportunity to answer and contest the allegations. An attorney can help prepare the Complaint and ensure all procedural requirements are met.

What is the difference between annulment and divorce in Virginia?

Annulment declares the marriage invalid from the start, while divorce terminates a valid marriage. In practice, annulment requires one of the narrow grounds in Va. Code § 20‑89.1, whereas divorce can be obtained on fault or no‑fault grounds under Va. Code § 20‑91. Following an annulment, the court may still address property division and support, but the legal status of a marriage’s beginning is different. For some individuals, annulment is preferred because it does not carry the same civil‑status label as divorce. An evaluation of your specific circumstances is necessary to determine which remedy is appropriate.

Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in Virginia?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having experienced legal representation is strongly recommended because annulment involves specific statutory grounds and procedural rules. The Complaint must be properly drafted, the evidence properly presented, and the hearing properly conducted. If the annulment is contested, the court process can become more involved. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with Arlington County’s court practices and can guide you through each stage. To discuss your matter, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747.

How do I start the annulment process in Arlington County?

The process begins with gathering information about your marriage and identifying the legal ground for annulment. Next, a Complaint is filed in the Arlington County Circuit Court, and the other spouse is served. The court then sets a schedule. In some cases, the parties may negotiate a resolution; if not, a hearing will take place. Because annulment actions require compliance with the Virginia Rules of Supreme Court and local practice, working with an attorney can help avoid procedural missteps. For a consultation about starting an annulment in Arlington County, call (888) 437‑7747.

Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) |
Arlington County Circuit Court

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

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

Practicing since 1997

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.