Are you looking for information on annulments in Fredericksburg, Virginia? In this daily blog, Shawna L Stevens PLLC, a family law attorney in Fredericksburg, will guide you through the eligibility criteria and procedures for obtaining an annulment in the state. We will refer to the relevant Virginia legal code sections to ensure you have a clear understanding of the process.
I. Annulments in Virginia: Overview
A. Definition: Unlike a divorce, an annulment declares that a marriage was never legally valid. B. Legal Code: Virginia Code §§ 20-89.1, 20-45.1, and 20-45.2 govern annulments in Virginia. C. Types: Void marriages and voidable marriages.
II. Void Marriages
A. Definition: Legally invalid from the beginning, no court action necessary. B. Grounds (Virginia Code § 20-45.1): 1. Bigamy 2. Consanguinity 3. Mental incompetence
III. Voidable Marriages
A. Definition: Valid until a court declares them invalid. B. Grounds (Virginia Code § 20-89.1): 1. Underage 2. Fraud or duress 3. Impotence 4. Felony conviction 5. Pregnancy by another man 6. Prostitute or felon
IV. Annulment Procedures in Virginia
A. Filing: Petition with the circuit court in the county or city where either spouse resides. B. Contents: Grounds for annulment and relevant supporting facts. C. Legal Assistance: A family law attorney like Shawna L Stevens PLLC can help. D. Court Ruling: If granted, marriage is declared void from the beginning. E. Related Issues: Court may address property division, spousal support, and child custody.
Conclusion
Annulments in Virginia can be a complex legal process, and it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and procedures involved. Shawna L Stevens PLLC, a family law attorney in Fredericksburg, is here to help you navigate this process and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to discuss your annulment case or any other family law matters.