Catholic Annulment Lawyer Fauquier County, VA

If you are seeking a Catholic annulment, you likely understand that the Church requires a prior civil annulment (or divorce) before the tribunal will consider your petition. For Catholics in Fauquier County, Virginia, that means filing a civil annulment action in the Fauquier County Circuit Court under Virginia law. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys assist clients throughout Fauquier County, including Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains, with civil annulment proceedings that align with the Church’s requirements. A civil annulment differs from a divorce: it declares the marriage void from the beginning, based on specific grounds set out in the Virginia Code. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., works with individuals and families to evaluate whether an annulment is viable and to guide them through the procedural steps at the Fauquier County courthouse. For a consultation about your annulment matter, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On this page

What Catholic Annulment Means in Fauquier County, Virginia

A Catholic annulment is a religious decree that a marriage lacked valid sacramental character at the time it was contracted. However, to obtain that decree, most diocesan tribunals require that the parties first obtain a civil annulment—or at least a civil divorce—in the jurisdiction where the marriage took place or where the parties reside. In Virginia, a civil annulment is governed by Va. Code § 20‑89.1, which permits the court to annul a marriage on specific grounds, such as bigamy, impotence, fraud, duress, or one spouse’s prior felony conviction unknown to the other spouse. Unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment declares that no valid marriage ever existed.

For residents of Fauquier County, the Fauquier County Circuit Court located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton has exclusive jurisdiction over annulment actions. The court sits in the Twentieth Judicial District. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the local rules and practices of that court, including the requirement that at least one corroborating witness appear at the final hearing. Because the grounds for annulment are narrow, many petitioners find that a no-fault divorce is the more practical path to satisfy the Church’s civil-decree prerequisite, and the firm evaluates each client’s situation individually to determine an appropriate $1.

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

In a Catholic annulment matter, the civil case proceeds independently of the Church tribunal. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. focuses on the civil side, preparing and filing a complaint for annulment—or, if grounds are lacking, a complaint for divorce—in the Fauquier County Circuit Court. The firm gathers necessary evidence, including marriage records, witness statements, and any documentation supporting the statutory ground for annulment. Because Virginia law also permits the court to address child custody, support, and equitable distribution of property in conjunction with an annulment, the firm ensures that all related family-law issues are properly pleaded.

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, brings a practical understanding of court procedure to each case. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—each experienced in Virginia family law—assist with case preparation, negotiation of property and support matters when appropriate, and representation at hearings. Throughout the process, the firm communicates with the client about what to expect at the courthouse, the evidentiary standard for annulment, and how the civil decree will be presented to the Catholic tribunal. For any complex family-law matter in Fauquier County, call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm to provide disciplined, client-focused representation across multiple practice areas, including divorce, annulment, child custody, and support. His testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova) reflects his long-standing engagement with Virginia family-law policy.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—independent, non-employee practitioners—collaborate on family-law cases. Together, Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys provide experienced guidance through the annulment process in Fauquier County courts. The firm does not employ associates or partners; every attorney who works on a matter does so as Of Counsel, ensuring a collaborative, senior-level approach to each file.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Catholic annulment?

A Catholic annulment is a decree from a Church tribunal that a marriage was invalid from the beginning. In the area of civil law, the Church typically requires that the parties first obtain a civil annulment or divorce. In Virginia, a civil annulment is governed by Va. Code § 20‑89.1 and may be granted on specific grounds such as fraud, duress, or bigamy. Once the civil decree is entered, the petitioner may submit it to the diocesan tribunal to begin the canonical process.

Do I need a civil annulment before I can start the Catholic annulment process?

Most diocesan tribunals require a civil annulment or divorce before they will consider a petition for a Catholic annulment. The tribunal wants a final civil resolution of the marriage before it examines the sacramental validity. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can pursue a civil annulment in Fauquier County Circuit Court or, if annulment grounds are not available, obtain a final divorce decree that satisfies the tribunal’s prerequisite.

What grounds does Virginia recognize for annulment?

Virginia recognizes annulment on limited grounds, including bigamy, impotence, fraud, duress, or a prior felony conviction unknown to the other spouse. Under Va. Code § 20‑89.1, the court must find that one of these statutory defects existed at the time of the marriage. The burden of proof is on the petitioner. If grounds are not met, a divorce may be the more viable option to obtain the civil decree needed for a Catholic annulment petition.

Where are annulment cases filed in Fauquier County?

Annulment actions are filed in the Fauquier County Circuit Court. The circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and annulment matters in Virginia. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles separate custody, support, and protective-order matters. The firm will prepare the complaint and file it with the clerk at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. At least one corroborating witness is typically required at the final hearing.

Will my Catholic annulment affect child custody or property division?

Yes, the civil court can address custody, support, and property issues in connection with an annulment. Even though an annulment declares the marriage void, Virginia law permits the court to resolve the rights and obligations of the parties regarding children and property. The firm can seek a comprehensive order that addresses these matters, ensuring that the civil decree fully resolves all outstanding issues before the Church tribunal reviews the case.

How do I start the civil annulment process in Fauquier County?

Contact an experienced family-law attorney to evaluate your situation and determine if you have viable grounds for annulment. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys will review the facts of your marriage, advise whether an annulment or a divorce is the better path, and prepare the necessary pleadings. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Related Family Law Pages:

Virginia Legal Resources:

Virginia Code Title 20 – Domestic Relations • Fauquier County Circuit Court

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

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