Marriage annulment in Lexington, Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20-89.1, which defines grounds such as fraud, duress, or bigamy. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings extensive family law experience to annulment cases in Lexington Circuit Court. A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Lexington can guide you through this process.
Marriage Annulment Lawyer Lexington, Virginia
Under Virginia law, a marriage annulment is a legal proceeding that declares a marriage void or voidable, as if it never legally existed. Va. Code § 20-89.1 provides the statutory grounds for annulment, including fraud, duress, mental incapacity, bigamy, and underage marriage without proper consent. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment retroactively invalidates the marriage. A Marriage Annulment Lawyer Lexington can help you determine whether your situation qualifies under this statute. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s annulment statute, see Va. Code § 20-89.1 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures in Lexington, visit Lexington Circuit Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Lexington Circuit Court, annulment petitions are often contested on procedural grounds. We have observed that judges scrutinize whether the petitioner acted promptly after discovering the alleged defect in the marriage. A delay can weaken the case significantly.
- Gather all documentation related to the marriage, including the marriage certificate and any evidence of fraud or duress.
- Contact a marriage annulment petition lawyer Lexington to assess your legal options under Va. Code § 20-89.1.
- File the annulment petition at Lexington Circuit Court, located at 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450.
- Attend the hearing prepared with evidence and witness testimony to support your claim.
- Await the court’s ruling on whether the marriage is void or voidable.
- If granted, obtain the annulment decree and address any related issues such as property division or custody.
In Lexington, marriage annulment carries no criminal penalties but can result in significant financial and familial consequences, including loss of spousal support and property rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud in Marriage | Civil — Annulment Ground | None | None | None | Marriage declared void ab initio; potential loss of spousal support |
| Bigamy | Criminal — Class 4 Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Annulment granted; criminal prosecution possible |
| Underage Marriage Without Consent | Civil — Annulment Ground | None | None | None | Marriage voidable; court may order restitution |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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%. The firm has handled numerous family law matters in Lexington, including annulment, divorce, and custody cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive experience representing clients in Lexington Circuit Court.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington: 1 dismissed or not guilty, 12 reduced or amended, 0 deferred — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results represent firm-wide outcomes across all practice areas in Lexington.
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 75 miles from Lexington Circuit Court, with access via I-81 and Route 11. As a Marriage Annulment Lawyer Lexington, we serve clients throughout the area. Serving the communities of Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Annulment in Lexington
How long does a divorce take in Lexington (City), Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Lexington (City) Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Lexington (City) 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… High-asset or international-element cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, 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 Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Lexington General District Court.
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). Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody in Lexington 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. Lexington J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Lexington Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (favorable outcome in all reported instances)
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 Lexington 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
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.
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.
For more information on family law matters in Virginia, visit our Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Virginia page. You may also find these resources useful: High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer Fluvanna County and High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer Manassas.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Statute and court information current as of this date.