In Virginia, the legal avenues to obtain an annulment are fairly limited. For that reason, if you are desiring an annulment, be sure to speak with an experienced family law attorney about your options.
Definition of Annulment
- A legal declaration that a marriage was invalid (aka null and void)
Grounds for Annulment
- In Virginia, annulments can be obtained for two types of marriages:
- Void Marriages: marriages that the law determines to be automatically invalid (i.e. when at least one party was still validly married to another person at the time of the nuptials; marriage to certain, close relatives)
- Voidable Marriage: marriages that the law may determine to be invalid, depending on the circumstances (i.e. impotency; failure to disclose a felony conviction)
Because Virginia law is somewhat limited in terms of what circumstances may warrant an annulment, it is often a surprise to many (especially those who inquire about annulment within the first six months of marriage) that they would need to pursue a divorce instead. If you have questions about an annulment, the experienced family law and divorce attorneys at BoykoNapier can help. Our attorneys handle cases throughout Central Virginia, including Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover. Call us at (804) 658-3418.
