Annulment Lawyer Manassas Park, VA

An annulment is a legal proceeding that declares a marriage void, as though it never existed. In Virginia, annulment is governed by Va. Code § 20-89.1 and is handled by the Circuit Court—for Manassas Park residents, that means the Manassas Park Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. The grounds for annulment are narrow and distinct from divorce; the court may grant an annulment where the marriage suffers from a specific legal defect at its inception, such as bigamy, incapacity, or fraud. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team represent individuals in Manassas Park annulment proceedings with a focus on the statutory requirements and procedural steps unique to Virginia. Whether you are considering filing for annulment or need to respond to a petition, you can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Annulment Means in Manassas Park

Annulment in Virginia is not a simple alternative to divorce. It is available only when a marriage was legally defective from the start. Under Va. Code § 20-89.1, the grounds include: a prior undissolved marriage (bigamy), mental incapacity at the time of the marriage, impotence, fraud or duress, or the marriage of an underage person without proper consent. The same residency requirement as divorce applies—one party must be a domiciliary and resident of Virginia for at least six months before filing, per Va. Code § 20-97. In Manassas Park, all annulment petitions are filed in the Circuit Court, which has exclusive original jurisdiction over annulment and divorce matters under Va. Code § 20-96.

Manassas Park is an independent city within the Thirty-first Judicial District. Its Circuit Court, which also serves the adjacent Prince William County, hears annulment cases alongside matters of equitable distribution, spousal support, and child custody that may be tied to an annulment. Because the court has the authority to address related issues such as property division and child support, a thorough approach is necessary—even if the marriage is declared void, the legal consequences for shared assets and children remain real. The court will apply equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to divide any marital-like property, and the trusted-interests factors of Va. Code § 20-124.3 to custody and visitation determinations.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Annulment Cases

Annulment litigation demands a careful factual and legal foundation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by evaluating whether a valid ground exists under Va. Code § 20-89.1. This involves gathering documentary evidence—marriage certificates, medical records where relevant, correspondence, and witness statements—to establish the defect at the marriage’s inception. If the ground is fraud, for example, the petition must detail the specific misrepresentation that induced the marriage. The firm works with clients to assemble the necessary proof and prepare the sworn complaint for filing in the Manassas Park Circuit Court.

Once a petition for annulment is filed, the case proceeds through the Circuit Court’s docket. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle all procedural requirements, including service of process on the respondent, scheduling of hearings, and preparation of the final decree. If the annulment is contested, the matter may require an evidentiary hearing where testimony and exhibits are presented. The firm also addresses any ancillary requests, such as temporary spousal support or custody orders, that may be needed while the annulment is pending. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to ensure that each step complies with Virginia procedural rules and that the client’s interests are protected.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings an understanding of trial procedure and evidentiary standards that is valuable in contested annulment hearings. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The Of Counsel attorneys who assist in family law matters include experienced litigators with backgrounds in Virginia courtrooms. The firm’s team approach ensures that annulment cases receive thorough attention to both the procedural and substantive aspects of Virginia law. The team’s familiarity with the Manassas Park Circuit Court and the surrounding Prince William County court system helps clients navigate the annulment process efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the grounds for an annulment in Virginia?

Virginia law provides specific, narrow grounds for annulment under Va. Code § 20-89.1. These include bigamy (a prior undissolved marriage), mental incapacity at the time of marriage, impotence existing at the time of marriage, fraud or duress inducing the marriage, and the marriage of a person under the age of consent without proper approval. A marriage that is void ab initio—for example, a marriage between close relatives—may also be declared void by the court. Annulment is not available simply because a marriage was short or unhappy; a specific legal defect must be proven.

How is annulment different from divorce in Virginia?

The key difference is that an annulment declares the marriage void from the beginning, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. A divorce recognizes the marriage existed and terminates it; property is divided equitably, and spousal support may be awarded. Annulment, if granted, treats the marriage as though it never legally occurred, which can affect property rights and support obligations differently. The grounds for annulment are also distinct—they focus on defects at the marriage’s inception, while divorce grounds include no-fault separation or fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. The same residency requirement of six months applies to both actions in Virginia.

Can I get an annulment in Manassas Park if my spouse lives in another state?

Yes, as long as one party meets Virginia’s residency and domiciliary requirement. Under Va. Code § 20-97, either the petitioner or the respondent must be a bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months before filing. If you are a Manassas Park resident and your spouse lives elsewhere, you may file in the Manassas Park Circuit Court. However, jurisdictional issues—such as service of process on an out-of-state respondent—must be handled properly. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advise on the procedural steps needed to serve a non-resident spouse in compliance with Virginia law.

What is the process for filing an annulment in Manassas Park?

The process begins with filing a complaint for annulment in the Manassas Park Circuit Court. The complaint must state the specific ground for annulment, the factual basis, and the relief requested. After filing, the respondent must be served with the complaint and summons. The respondent has a set time to file an answer. If the annulment is contested, the court may schedule a trial or hearing; if uncontested, a final decree may be entered upon proof of the grounds. Throughout the case, the court may also address related issues such as temporary custody, support, and property matters. The timeline varies by the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case.

Is a Catholic church annulment the same as a civil annulment in Virginia?

No, a Catholic annulment is a religious procedure and has no legal effect on the marriage under Virginia law. A civil annulment must be obtained through the Virginia Circuit Court for the marriage to be considered legally void. The two processes are entirely separate, and one does not substitute for the other. You may need to obtain both a civil annulment and a religious annulment if you intend to remarry in the Catholic Church. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assist with the civil annulment process in the Manassas Park Circuit Court; for the religious process, you would consult with your diocese.

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Last reviewed: July 2026

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.