Annulment Lawyer Fairfax, VA

An annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage was never valid, and it requires proof of specific grounds under Virginia law. If you are considering whether your marriage qualifies for an annulment in Fairfax, Virginia, Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., can evaluate your situation. Annulment cases in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax are heard in the Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over dissolution of marriage, including annulment under Va. Code § 20‑89.1. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in the Fairfax County Circuit Court and the Fairfax City Circuit Court, and they also handle related custody and support matters that may arise in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. For a consultation about an annulment in Fairfax, reach our location at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

What Annulment Means in Fairfax, Virginia

Annulment is distinct from divorce. While a divorce ends a valid marriage, an annulment declares that no valid marriage ever existed because a legal defect was present at the time the marriage was contracted. In Fairfax, annulment proceedings are brought in the Circuit Court for the county or city where the parties reside or where the marriage occurred. The court applies Va. Code § 20‑89.1, which sets forth the grounds upon which a marriage may be annulled. Because annulment can affect property rights, spousal support, and legitimacy of children, the outcome carries lasting consequences for both spouses.

Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax share the Nineteenth Judicial District, and the Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, handles the vast majority of annulment matters. The Fairfax City Circuit Court at 10455 Armstrong Street also hears annulment petitions for residents of the city. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in both courts and are familiar with local procedural requirements, including notice, service, and corroboration rules. Because Virginia courts treat annulment as an equitable proceeding, the judge has discretion to direct property and support arrangements that are fair under the circumstances. No two annulment cases follow the same path, and we work to protect our clients’ interests throughout the process.

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

Every annulment begins with a careful review of the facts to determine whether the marriage meets one or more of the statutory grounds. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys gather documentation, interview witnesses, and, when necessary, consult with professionals who can provide supporting testimony. If the parties can agree that the marriage was invalid and that the annulment is appropriate, we work toward an uncontested proceeding that minimizes court time and expense. When the other spouse contests the annulment, we prepare to present evidence and legal argument to the Circuit Court judge.

Because annulment often raises questions about child custody, visitation, and support, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys address those issues alongside the marriage-status question. We help clients understand that an annulment does not automatically resolve parental rights; the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may become involved if the parties cannot reach an agreement. Throughout the case, we keep the client informed of procedural steps, court scheduling, and strategic options. The goal is to obtain a decree that clarifies the parties’ legal standing while protecting the client’s parental and financial interests. Results may vary. every case depends on its specific facts.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how evidence is evaluated and contested, and he has extensive experience handling family law matters in Fairfax courts. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), and he draws on that legislative understanding in his practice.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience to annulment cases—including former prosecutorial and law‑enforcement backgrounds that strengthen our approach to contested hearings. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in the Fairfax County and City Circuit Courts as well as the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts when custody or support matters accompany the annulment. For a consultation, reach our location at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies a marriage for annulment in Virginia?

Virginia grants an annulment only when a statutory defect existed at the time of the marriage, such as fraud, duress, bigamy, mental incapacity, or underage marriage without proper consent. Unlike a divorce, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never legally occurred. The person seeking the annulment must present evidence to the Circuit Court, and the specific ground must be proven under Va. Code § 20‑89.1. Not every unhappy marriage qualifies, and the process is distinct from a divorce. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can review the circumstances of your marriage and advise whether an annulment petition is appropriate. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a lawyer to file for an annulment in Fairfax?

While Virginia does not require an attorney to file an annulment petition, having experienced legal counsel helps ensure the petition meets the legal and procedural requirements of the Fairfax Circuit Court. Annulment cases involve specific pleading standards and evidentiary burdens. A misstep in the filing or a failure to allege the correct ground can delay the case or result in dismissal. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the local rules in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax and can represent you from initial consultation through the final decree. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

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

An annulment declares that the marriage was invalid from the start, while a divorce ends a marriage that was legally valid. Divorce in Virginia is governed by separate grounds under Va. Code § 20‑91, including no‑fault separation after six months or one year, and fault grounds such as adultery and cruelty. Annulment, by contrast, focuses on defects that existed when the marriage was contracted. The legal effect on property division and spousal support can differ significantly between the two remedies. An experienced family law attorney can evaluate which option your situation supports. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.

How does child custody work in a Virginia annulment?

An annulment does not affect the legal rights or obligations of parents toward their children; custody, visitation, and child support are resolved in the same manner as in a divorce. The court applies the trusted‑interests‑of‑the‑child factors under Va. Code § 20‑124.3, regardless of whether the parents’ marriage is being annulled or dissolved. In Fairfax, a custody or support dispute that arises during an annulment may be heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court if the Circuit Court does not resolve it within the annulment proceeding. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys address child‑related matters concurrently with the annulment to provide a comprehensive resolution. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to speak about your case.

How long does an annulment take in Fairfax, Virginia?

The timeline for an annulment depends on whether the case is contested, the availability of evidence, and the court’s schedule. An uncontested annulment where both parties agree on the facts and sign any required documents may move more quickly than a contested proceeding, which can require discovery and a trial. The Fairfax Circuit Court sets hearings on its own calendar, and parties should expect to allow time for document preparation, service of process, and witness coordination. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to advance each case as efficiently as the facts allow. To discuss the likely timeline in your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What if my spouse and I agree we want an annulment?

Even when both spouses agree, the petition must still prove a statutory ground under Va. Code § 20‑89.1; mere mutual consent is not enough to annul a marriage. The parties may jointly request the annulment and present stipulated facts, but the judge must find that the legal requirements are met. An agreed annulment reduces the contested nature of the case and can streamline the proceeding. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can help you determine whether your situation fits within the recognized grounds and, if so, prepare the joint petition. For guidance, reach our location at (888) 437‑7747.

Related family law pages: Family Law Lawyer Fairfax County VA | Family Law Lawyer Falls Church VA | Family Law Lawyer Prince William County VA

Primary authority: Virginia Code Title 20 · Fairfax County Circuit Court · Virginia Judicial System

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