Catholic Annulment Lawyer Chesapeake, VA

You and your spouse may have married in the Catholic Church, believing your union was permanent—yet now find yourselves seeking clarity about whether the marriage was sacramentally valid. A Catholic annulment is not a divorce; it is a declaration by the Church that a valid sacramental marriage never existed. For couples in Chesapeake, Virginia, this process involves both ecclesiastical law and, often, civil legal considerations. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assist individuals navigating the intersection of Church annulment proceedings and Virginia family law, including any necessary civil annulment or property settlement matters that may accompany a religious declaration. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On this page

Understanding Catholic Annulment in Chesapeake

A Catholic annulment, formally called a declaration of nullity, is a determination by a Church tribunal that a marriage lacked a necessary element for sacramental validity from the start—such as free consent, psychological capacity, or adherence to the essential properties of marriage. The process is governed by the Code of Canon Law and handled through the diocesan tribunal, typically the Diocese of Richmond for Catholics in Chesapeake. A civil annulment, by contrast, is a legal proceeding in the Virginia courts under Va. Code § 20-89.1, declaring that the marriage was void or voidable under state law. While a Church annulment does not automatically dissolve a civil marriage, many individuals who obtain a Catholic annulment also seek to resolve their legal marital status. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can coordinate with your advocate before the Church tribunal and, if necessary, file a civil annulment or divorce petition in the Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. This dual-track approach helps ensure that your spiritual and legal needs are both addressed.

How a Catholic Annulment Differs from a Civil Divorce

A civil divorce ends a valid legal marriage; a Catholic annulment declares that a valid sacramental marriage never occurred. Because the Church does not recognize divorce, an annulment is often sought by individuals who wish to remarry in the Catholic Church. Even if you are already civilly divorced, you may still need a Church annulment to marry again in the faith. Our firm understands the Church’s requirements and can help you prepare necessary documentation, locate witnesses, and present your case to the tribunal while ensuring your civil property, custody, and support interests are protected in the Virginia legal system.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Catholic Annulment Matters

When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we begin by listening: what is prompting you to seek a Catholic annulment, and what civil legal issues—such as property division, spousal support, or child custody—may need attention. We work with canon lawyers and tribunal advocates to support your Church annulment while managing any parallel civil case. Because Virginia is an equitable distribution state, property acquired during the marriage is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. A civil annulment, if granted, can affect property classification and support obligations differently than a divorce. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will help you understand these distinctions and pursue a path that aligns with your goals.

The process usually involves gathering evidence of the marriage’s defect (such as lack of intent to be faithful, psychological incapacity, or prior bond), presenting it to the tribunal, and awaiting its decision. On the civil side, we can file a complaint for annulment in the Chesapeake Circuit Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction under Va. Code § 20-96. Throughout, we maintain open communication so you know what to expect at each stage. Our team does not guarantee any particular outcome; we work to achieve a resolution that respects your religious convictions and legal rights.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He concentrates his practice on family law matters, including annulments, divorce, and custody disputes for clients in Chesapeake and throughout the Hampton Roads region. Mr. Sris is supported by experienced Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive combined legal experience to every case. Results may vary. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Catholic annulment?

A Catholic annulment is a declaration by a Church tribunal that a marriage lacked a necessary element for sacramental validity, meaning no valid marriage bond existed. It is not the same as a civil divorce or annulment. The Church examines whether consent was free, the parties had the capacity to enter marriage, and the essential obligations were understood. If a tribunal finds that any of these were absent at the time of the wedding, it issues a decree of nullity. This allows the individuals, if they are otherwise free, to marry in the Catholic Church.

Do I need a civil annulment if I obtain a Catholic annulment?

Not necessarily; a Catholic annulment does not automatically change your civil marital status, so if you wish to be legally unmarried, you must obtain a separate civil annulment or divorce. In Virginia, a civil annulment is available under Va. Code § 20-89.1 only on specific grounds, such as bigamy, mental incapacity, or fraud. If you do not meet those grounds, you will likely need to file for divorce instead. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assess your situation and advise you on the appropriate civil proceeding to accompany your Church annulment.

How long does the Catholic annulment process take?

The timeline varies based on the diocese, the complexity of the case, and the availability of witnesses, but a formal annulment often takes nine months to two years. The Diocese of Richmond tribunal has its own procedures and schedules. Your cooperation in providing documents and identifying witnesses can help expedite the process. On the civil side, an uncontested divorce or annulment in Chesapeake may resolve in a few months, while contested matters take longer. We help coordinate both timelines so that your legal and religious goals stay on track.

Can a Catholic annulment affect child custody or property rights?

A Church annulment itself does not decide civil custody, property division, or support—those issues are handled solely by the Virginia courts. However, if you file for a civil annulment or divorce, the court will address child custody based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and it will classify and distribute property under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advocate for your parental rights and equitable financial arrangements during any parallel civil case.

How can a lawyer help with my Catholic annulment?

A lawyer can assist by gathering and organizing evidence for the tribunal, working with your canon advocate, and managing any civil legal issues that arise from the end of the marriage. We understand the nuances of both ecclesiastical and state law. While we do not represent you before the Church tribunal directly (you will need a canon lawyer for that), we can coordinate with your canon advocate and handle your civil annulment or divorce in Chesapeake Circuit Court. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to learn more.

What are the grounds for a civil annulment in Virginia?

Virginia Code § 20-89.1 permits a civil annulment on limited grounds such as bigamy, mental incapacity, marriage procured by fraud, impotence, or one party’s being underage without consent. These are distinct from the grounds for a Catholic annulment, which are based on Church canon law. If none of the civil grounds apply, you may need to pursue a no-fault divorce based on separation. We will review your circumstances and help you choose the right path.

For additional information on Virginia family law, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and the Chesapeake Circuit Court website.

You may also find the following pages helpful:

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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.