A marriage annulment in Arlington County, Virginia, is governed by Va. Code § 20-89.1, which allows a court to declare a marriage void ab initio if grounds such as fraud, duress, or bigamy exist. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, including favorable outcomes in family law matters. A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Arlington County can guide you through this process.
Marriage Annulment Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, a marriage annulment is a legal proceeding that declares a marriage null and void from its inception, as if it never existed. Va. Code § 20-89.1 provides the statutory grounds for annulment, including fraud, duress, mental incapacity, bigamy, and incest. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as void ab initio. In Arlington County, annulment petitions are filed at Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. A marriage annulment petition lawyer Arlington County can help you determine if your situation qualifies under the statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For authoritative legal references, consult the following official government sources:
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely scrutinize annulment petitions for evidence of fraud or duress. We have observed that the court requires clear and convincing proof before granting an annulment.
- Consult with a marriage annulment petition lawyer Arlington County to evaluate your grounds under Va. Code § 20-89.1.
- File a complaint for annulment at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the other party with the annulment petition and summons through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend all scheduled hearings at Arlington County Circuit Court to present evidence supporting your claim.
- Obtain the final decree of annulment if the court grants your petition.
In Arlington County, a marriage annulment does not carry criminal penalties, but the legal consequences include the voiding of marital rights and obligations under Va. Code § 20-89.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud in Marriage | Civil Matter | None | None | None | Marriage declared void ab initio |
| Duress in Marriage | Civil Matter | None | None | None | Marriage declared void ab initio |
| Bigamy | Class 4 Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Marriage void; criminal prosecution possible |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. The firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County, with 22 dismissed or not guilty and 93 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include family law matters such as annulment, divorce, and custody cases. The firm-wide total of 4,739+ results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ demonstrates extensive experience.
Our location in Arlington is 0.5 miles from Arlington County Circuit Court, with access via I-395 and Route 50. As a marriage annulment lawyer near Arlington County, we serve the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 | (703) 589-9250 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Annulment in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Arlington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Arlington County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Uncontested divorces in Arlington County typically take 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Arlington County General District Court.
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint in Arlington County is approximately $86.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody in Arlington County is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 115 total documented case results across all practice areas (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Custody is decided based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Virginia allows no-fault divorce after 6-month or 1-year separation, and fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against marriage annulment charges?
Defense strategies for marriage annulment in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-89.1 to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and examining procedural compliance under Va. Code § 20-89.1.
What should I do if I am facing marriage annulment charges in Virginia?
If facing marriage annulment charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Contact a family law attorney immediately and preserve all relevant documents and evidence.
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Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site