Catholic Annulment Lawyer New Kent County, VA

For individuals in New Kent County seeking the dissolution of a marriage through annulment, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation. An annulment is a legal ruling that a marriage was void or voidable from the beginning, and the process in Virginia differs significantly from a divorce. Our firm assists clients before the New Kent County Circuit Court, the court with jurisdiction over annulment actions in the county. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys understand the procedural requirements under Virginia law and offer guidance to those navigating both civil and religious annulment processes. To discuss your matter, reach us at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder
Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York
Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

What Catholic Annulment Means in New Kent County

A Catholic annulment is a declaration by a Church tribunal that a sacramental marriage never existed. It is distinct from a civil annulment granted by a Virginia court. Clients in New Kent County often seek both a civil annulment through the New Kent County Circuit Court and a religious annulment through the Diocese of Richmond. While the two processes are separate, a civil annulment can resolve property, custody, and support issues that the Church tribunal does not address. Our firm focuses on the civil annulment proceeding under Virginia law, while coordinating with the client’s ecclesiastical advocate as needed.

The New Kent County Circuit Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124, is part of the Ninth Judicial District. All annulment complaints are filed there. The court requires that at least one party be a resident and domiciliary of Virginia for six months before filing, consistent with the residency requirement under Va. Code § 20-97. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in this court, and we are familiar with local scheduling, motion practice, and the expectations of the court.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Annulment Cases

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for an annulment matter in New Kent County, we begin by reviewing the facts to determine whether the marriage qualifies as void or voidable under Virginia law. Grounds for civil annulment are narrow compared to divorce. The law provides for annulment if, for example, one party was already married, the parties are related within prohibited degrees, or consent was obtained through fraud, duress, or mental incapacity. We gather evidence, prepare the complaint, and handle all filings and service of process.

If the annulment involves issues of spousal support, property division, or children, the court may also address these in the same proceeding. Where the parties agree, a property settlement agreement can resolve ancillary matters. Mr. Sris, with an accounting and information systems background, is well-positioned to address financial and asset-related questions that often arise in these cases. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional experience in family law litigation, ensuring that your interests are protected at every stage.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. He is a former prosecutor whose experience includes testimony 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. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring a range of backgrounds in family law, including courtroom advocacy and familiarity with Virginia’s equitable distribution framework.

Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys focus on delivering practical, well-prepared representation in annulment and related family law matters. We understand the local court culture in New Kent County and work to achieve outcomes that address both the legal and personal dimensions of each case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Catholic annulment, and how is it different from a civil annulment?

A Catholic annulment is a religious declaration by a Church tribunal that a valid sacramental marriage did not occur, while a civil annulment is a court ruling that the marriage was void or voidable under state law. The two processes are entirely separate. A civil annulment in Virginia can resolve custody, support, and property division, but it does not affect a person’s standing in the Church. Catholics who seek to remarry in the Church typically need both a civil divorce or annulment and a Church annulment.

What are the legal grounds for an annulment in Virginia?

Virginia law recognizes annulment when a marriage is void or voidable due to bigamy, incest, mental incapacity, fraud, duress, impotence, or conviction of a felony prior to marriage, among other grounds under Va. Code § 20-89.1. When a marriage is void, it was invalid from the start. When voidable, a party may seek annulment as long as the defect existed at the time of the marriage. The court may also consider other factors such as whether the parties cohabited after discovering the grounds.

Does a Catholic annulment affect my legal marital status in Virginia?

No, a Catholic annulment has no civil legal effect in Virginia. Only a decree of annulment or divorce entered by a Virginia court can change your legal marital status. Even if a Church tribunal issues a decree of nullity, you remain legally married under state law until a court order is entered. For this reason, many people obtain a civil divorce or annulment alongside a religious annulment.

Can I pursue a civil annulment and a Catholic annulment at the same time?

Yes, clients often pursue both proceedings simultaneously, and doing so can help resolve all aspects of the marriage dissolution. The civil annulment addresses legal issues such as property division and support, while the Church annulment addresses the religious dimension. Our firm handles the civil proceeding, and we coordinate with your ecclesiastical advocate to ensure timelines and documentation are aligned where possible.

Do I need a lawyer for an annulment in New Kent County?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but legal guidance helps ensure the annulment petition is properly prepared and the grounds are clearly established. Annulment grounds are narrower and more fact-specific than divorce grounds. The New Kent County Circuit Court follows strict procedural rules, and an experienced family law attorney can present the evidence effectively. The firm offers consultations to discuss whether annulment is the right path for your situation.

What is the process for obtaining an annulment in Virginia?

To obtain a civil annulment, a complaint is filed in the circuit court of the county where either party resides, alleging one or more statutory grounds and requesting that the marriage be declared void or voidable. The defendant is served and has an opportunity to respond. If the grounds are uncontested, the court may hear testimony and enter a decree. If contested, the case proceeds like other civil litigation, with discovery, motions, and possibly trial. New Kent County Circuit Court handles all annulment matters for the county.

How long does an annulment take in New Kent County?

The timeline for an annulment in New Kent County varies depending on whether the grounds are contested, the court’s calendar, and the complexity of related issues such as custody or property division. An uncontested annulment with agreement on all issues can resolve relatively quickly. A contested annulment with disputed facts may take longer. The court schedules hearings based on its docket, and we work to move the matter forward efficiently.

What are the residency requirements for an annulment in Virginia?

At least one party must have been a resident and domiciliary of Virginia for six months before filing an annulment complaint, under Va. Code § 20-97. The residency requirement is the same for annulment as for divorce. If the petitioner meets this threshold, the case may be filed in the circuit court of the county where either party lives. New Kent County residents satisfy this requirement without difficulty.

What happens to property and children in an annulment?

When an annulment is granted, the court may also decide custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and property division, applying the same legal principles used in divorce cases. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. For children, the best interests of the child standard governs custody and visitation orders. These issues may be resolved by agreement of the parties or decided by the court after a hearing.

Can an annulment be contested in Virginia?

Yes, the defendant can contest the annulment by denying the grounds or asserting that the marriage is valid, which converts the case into a contested litigation matter. Contested annulments may involve depositions, motions, and a trial before the New Kent County Circuit Court. The party seeking the annulment bears the burden of proving the defect by clear and convincing evidence in some instances. Our firm prepares each case thoroughly to present a strong evidentiary foundation.

Where can I find a Catholic annulment lawyer near New Kent County?

You can speak with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys about your annulment matter by contacting Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. The firm’s Richmond location serves clients throughout New Kent County, and consultations are available by appointment. We handle civil annulment proceedings while respecting the separate religious annulment process.

What should I bring to a consultation about an annulment?

Bring any marriage certificate, evidence supporting the grounds for annulment, financial records, and information about children or property acquired during the marriage. Having these documents helps us evaluate whether the marriage qualifies for annulment under Virginia law and what ancillary issues may need to be addressed. We can discuss the case without these materials as well, but they allow a more targeted initial assessment.

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