Fairfax Annulment Attorneys

Navigate the Annulment Process in Virginia with Confidence

Annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never existed. In Virginia, there are specific criteria for annulment, including void marriages and voidable marriages. Our experienced annulment lawyers in Fairfax can guide you through the annulment process and help you understand whether your marriage qualifies for annulment under Virginia law.

Contrary to popular belief, annulments are rarely granted in Virginia because of the limited circumstances under which a marriage can be annulled.

Not only is an annulment rarely granted, but they are also very expensive, and if you annul a voidable marriage, you are basically asking the court to declare that a valid marriage never existed. This means that a court can’t help you divide your assets and property or debts or order spousal support. Furthermore, annulling your marriage means that you may not have rights to certain medical benefits, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, and joint tax-filing benefits.

At Keithley Law, PLLC, we can help you determine whether your marriage can be annulled and whether it would be a good decision to annul your marriage, versus going through with a divorce.

Do you think an annulment may be right for you? Contact our Fairfax annulment attorneys at (703) 454-5147 or by filling out our online form to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Annulments: Types of Marriages in Virginia

Virginia law recognizes two types of marriages that can be annulled: those that are “void” from the outset or those that are “voidable.”

1. Void Marriages: What You Need to Know

Under Virginia law, void marriages are those that are “void ab initio” or void from the outset, and as such, a marriage really couldn’t exist, and a judicial determination isn’t necessary. For example, if your spouse was still married at the time you thought you entered into a marriage together, the second marriage could never technically exist because bigamy is illegal in Virginia.

According to Virginia Code Section 20-38.1, void marriages also include marriages between siblings, even those related through adoption and half-siblings, and most marriages between family members.

2. Voidable Marriages: Conditions for Annulment

Under Virginia law, voidable marriages are those that are not void from the outset but can be annulled in limited circumstances by court order. This means that if you want to pursue an annulment because you fit into one of the limited categories, a judge has to hear evidence before annulling it.

You will have to prove that your marriage should be annulled by court order and have presented enough evidence in court to annul it. Under Virginia Code Section 20-89.1, voidable or “annullable” marriages include those that were procured by:

Fraud
While under duress
Mental incapacity or incompetency

Involuntary Marriages: Grounds for Annulment

As marriage is a legally binding contract, the theory for annulling marriages for these reasons is that it wasn’t “voluntary.” Thus, if someone dangled you over a bridge unless you agreed to sign a marriage license, pretended to be someone else, or committed some other fraud, or one of you was not legally able to enter into a binding contract because of an existing condition that made you unable to sign a contract, then your marriage can be annulled with enough proof.

Proving Fraud in Marriage: Challenges and Considerations

“Green-card marriages” are also not always voidable, since it is extremely difficult and can be very expensive to prove that a “green-card” marriage was a sham from the outset. People married to narcissists, con artists, and people with anti-social tendencies who lied about who they really were may believe they fall into the “fraud” category, but that is rarely the case. Just because someone never loved you because he/she lacked the capacity to bond and lacked empathy, does not lead to an annulment.

Other Grounds for Annulment: Children, Felonies, and Underage Marriages

The other limited circumstances in which you can annul your marriage include certain situations where a husband or wife has a child out of wedlock, an unknown felony conviction before the marriage, an unknown past life as a prostitute, and some underage marriages. One other final category for voidable marriages is when a couple failed to conform to Virginia law for obtaining a valid marriage license and having at least some ceremonial solemnization. Again, the circumstances in which this could apply are extremely limited, and you need a very experienced Virginia family law attorney to help you understand your options.

Get Legal Help: Contact a Fairfax Annulment Lawyer Today

Our team can assist you in providing evidence for annulment, such as proving fraud in a marriage, involuntary entry into a marriage, having a child out of wedlock, unknown felony convictions, or underage marriages. We understand the complexities of family law and can provide the legal support you need to navigate the annulment process in Virginia.

If you or your spouse wants to seek an annulment, we can ensure you understand your legal options. At Keithley Law, PLLC, we provide dedicated and experienced legal advice to our clients during emotionally troubling times. Our Fairfax annulment attorneys are here to protect your rights and see that you are not taken advantage of. You can rely on us to handle your case with the efficiency and tact that it deserves.

Contact Keithley Law, PLLC at (703) 454-5147 to schedule a consultation with an annulment attorney in Fairfax today.

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If I could extend a rating beyond the maximum of 5 stars, I would gladly do so.
“If I could extend a rating beyond the maximum of 5 stars, I would gladly do so. Following my initial consultation with Ms. Soo, I engaged the legal services of Ms. Dawn, both of whom exhibit a remarkable depth of expertise within the realm of family law. Over the past year, their collective commitment to securing a fair and equitable custody agreement has endowed me with a profound understanding of Virginia's custody laws.

Ms. Dawn has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to my case, ensuring seamless guidance from its inception to its resolution. Her responsiveness to my legal inquiries has been exceptional, often addressing them with remarkable promptness. Simultaneously, Ms. Soo has remained well-versed in the particulars of my case, delivering unparalleled representation within the courtroom.

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for facilitating a safe and harmonious environment for my daughter. While it is customary for negotiations to leave parties with varying degrees of satisfaction, I firmly believe that the outcome achieved could not have been more favorable. Thank you immensely for your invaluable assistance!”

- Jamius V.
Thank you so much for sharing your information on the internet.
“Thank you so much for sharing your information on the internet. I have been with the same man for 35 years - high school sweethearts. I have tried so hard for so long, and slowly over the past year and a half, I was doing what your site recommends - taking time during the silence to read, journal, reflect and work on myself. THEN I found your page "Narcissism, Stonewalling, & Ghosting". THANK YOU so much for sharing the details you've gleaned over your career and compiling them in such a clear, concise manner! This page describes my relationship to a T! Your site pulls together all the signs, and symptoms I have been slowly connecting, but with your help, I now have a better description of the personality I'm married to.”

- Anonymous
Saving Grace!
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Gentle pacing when needed. Patience and excellent listening skills have really been a saving grace.
”

- Former Client
Thank you so much for your kindness and wonderful guidance through difficult times.
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Dawn and Soo are great attorneys who give you support, empathy, prompt advice with experience and knowledge. Customer service from the office is also superb. Thank you so much for your kindness and wonderful guidance through difficult times.
”

- Former Client
I am very happy that Mr. Thompson took the time to hear my "elevator pitch" and chronology about what my issues were without interruption or tangential questions.
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I am very happy that Mr. Thompson took the time to hear my "elevator pitch" and chronology about what my issues were without interruption or tangential questions. He further demonstrated that he is very detail-oriented and made some very good points I hadn't considered with my case.
”

- Former Client
I felt the attorney had useful knowledge of the Virginia Landlord tenant law.
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I felt the attorney had useful knowledge of the Virginia Landlord tenant law. He was able to help me decide which path might be the best to take, given many clear options. Thanks!
”

- Former Client
All were very professional yet very friendly where this can be a very hard mix to find in lawyers this firm had an impressive dynamic.
“
Soo Keithley and Dawn Rogan-Titus were an inspiration to me as they helped direct me through the divorce procedure. They both knew how to handle a controversial divorce and guided me in the process of what to expect. Divorce is a very emotional time for anyone and to know that your lawyer will do anything to help you is refreshing. They were always honest and upfront with my questions even if the answer was not what I wanted to hear. Their legal team worked well together and complemented each other. All were very professional yet very friendly where this can be a very hard mix to find in lawyers this firm had an impressive dynamic. Thank you to Soo, Dawn, and your team for helping me through this excruciating time in my life.
”

- Former Client
Gave me helpful advice!
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The attorney was frank and gave me helpful advice.
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Took the time to answer my questions!
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I just met with Henry Thompson II, who helped me think through my complex and highly emotional family law case. He gave me helpful advice and took the time to answer my questions as well. When the consultation appointment ended, I felt like I had a good sense of how to proceed, both practically and as far as my mindset. Thank you very much! My case is one that shows that it's better to retain legal counsel early in the process rather than waiting year after year to pass.
”

- Hope G.

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