Navarre Annulment Attorneys
Effectively Guiding Our Clients to the Dissolution of Their Marriage
Marriage annulment is an often-misunderstood legal process. Many people do not realize that annulments and divorces are entirely different actions. While both work to end a marriage, there are extra steps a couple must take if they would like to annul their marriage. At The Virga Law Firm, our skilled attorneys can help you determine whether your situation warrants an annulment.
To speak to one of our attorneys, call us today at (800) 822-5170!
While a divorce ends a valid marriage, an annulment ends a marriage that is invalid in the eyes of the law. It can be difficult to prove the invalidity of your marriage because the court will only annul a marriage if there is proof of certain circumstances. However, our knowledgeable attorneys can guide you through this process.
Grounds for an Annulment
In Florida, there is a difference between void marriages and voidable marriages. A void marriage is one that was not legal to begin with and a voidable marriage is one that may have been legal to begin with, but certain factors surrounding the marriage made it illegal. Both types can usually be annulled; however, certain voidable situations might be interpreted as a traditional marriage. For example, if a party was coerced into marriage, but is unable to prove how they were tricked, the judge may not grant an annulment. In these cases, the marriage must be terminated through divorce.
Florida courts consider the following grounds for annulment:
- Bigamy: If either party was already legally married to someone else at the time of the marriage, then it was never legal and can be annulled.
- Lack of Consent: If either party was mentally compromised to the point that they could not make decisions on their own at the time of the marriage, then it is voidable and can be annulled.
- Fraud: If either party coerced the other into marriage by misrepresentation, tricks, or any other fraudulent actions, then the marriage is voidable and can be annulled.
- Underage: If either party was under the legal age of adulthood(18 years or older) at the time of marriage, then the marriage is void and can be annulled.
- Infertility: If either spouse is unable to have children and the other spouse was not aware of this at the time of marriage, then the marriage is voidable and can be annulled.
In Florida, fraudulent marriages can be validated if the couple consummates the action after a party discovers the fraud. For example, if the spouses entered their marriage while intoxicated and had sexual relations once they regained their mental faculties while knowing they were married, this would invalidate their candidacy for annulment.
The Effect of an Annulment
Since an annulment works to erase the marriage from all records, some people worry about the it this could have on other aspects of their life. For example, a child is born as the result of a marriage that is ultimately annulled by the court; in this case, either parent may worry that since an annulment erases all legal evidence of the marriage and therefore could void the established paternity of their child. However, an annulment does not affect the paternity of children born during the marriage.
Paternity can be called into question if the annulled marriage was void to begin with. In this case, since the marriage was illegal and never truly valid, the parents of children born from the situation must establish paternity through the court.
Other common effects of annulment include:
- The court can grant support pendente lite (temporary alimony) to either party after an annulment. Additionally, the judge may require the spouse with more wealth to pay for the other’s attorney and legal fees.
- Neither spouse can claim or attempt to claim the property rights of the other party. This means they cannot collect Social Security, insurance, or inheritance from the other party’s assets. Instead, the parties must restore their independent financial positions on their own.
Offering Skilled Legal Services
If you believe your marriage meets the criteria for an annulment, our knowledgeable attorneys can help you. When you choose to work with The Virga Law Firm, you are choosing to work with lawyers who can provide you with exceptional advice and advocacy.
Call our firm today at (800) 822-5170 or contact us online to get started.
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
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Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
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ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
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Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position
The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL
Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?
We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.
Who We Are
The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.
Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.
Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate:
- Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
- Has a passion for family law
- Excels at identifying crucial case details
- Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
- Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
- Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Is committed to helping others and leading by example
Minimum Qualifications
- An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Demonstrated experience in family law
- Proven history of passionate representation and client service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
- Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
- Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
- Ability to work independently and produce superior work product
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
- Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
- Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
- Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
- Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
- Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
- Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
- Progressive Paid Time Off:
- One week per six months
- Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
- Paid holidays and one flex holiday
- Parental and bereavement leave
- Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
Why Choose The Virga Law Firm
- Unified company culture dedicated to success
- Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
- Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
- An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- No-drama, no-judgment work environment
- Strong focus on team collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Current resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter
How to Apply
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates.
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