Va. Code » Title 20. Domestic Relations » Chapter 6. Divorce, Affirmation and Annulment
Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 20-90 (2026)

Suit to affirm marriage

✓ current as of May 2026
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When the validity of any marriage shall be denied or doubted by either of the parties, the other party may institute a suit for affirmance of the marriage, and upon due proof of the validity thereof, it shall be decreed to be valid, and such decree shall be conclusive upon all persons concerned.

Code 1919, § 5102; 2016, cc. 457, 543; 2024, c. 737.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases, 1986–2017 · leading case: MacDougall v. Levick, 805 S.E.2d 775 (Va. 2017).
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MacDougall v. Levick, 805 S.E.2d 775 (Va. 2017). · cites it 2× “" See also Code § 20-90(B) (permitting "the party who was under the age of 18 at the time of the solemnization " to petition to have the marriage affirmed) (emphasis added).”
In re Hukma Kulmiye, 77 Va. Cir. 67 (Fairfax Cir. Ct. 2008). · cites it 7× “Va. Code § 20-90 provides that: When, the validity of any marriage shall be denied or doubted by either of the parties, the other party may institute a suit for affirmance of the marriage, and upon due proof of the validity thereof it shall be decreed to be valid, and such…”
Hager v. Hager, 349 S.E.2d 908 (Va. Ct. App. 1986). · cites it 2× “See Code § 20-90. The trial court held that the marriage was valid and granted appellee leave to proceed with a suit for divorce.”
In re Ejigu, 79 Va. Cir. 349 (Fairfax Cir. Ct. 2009). · cites it 4× “” Va. Code Ann. § 20-90 . Virginia Code § 20-31 further provides the means of validating certain defects where at least one of the parties believes in good faith that they were lawfully married: No marriage solemnized under a license issued in this Commonwealth by any person…”
Gottlieb v. Crouch, 44 Va. Cir. 268 (Arlington Cir. Ct. 1998). · cites it 7× “Va. Code § 20-90. Thus, the lack of authority in the officiant does not automatically invalidate the marriage.”
— Va. Code Ann. § 20-90(B) — 1 case
MacDougall v. Levick, 805 S.E.2d 775 (Va. 2017). “" See also Code § 20-90(B) (permitting "the party who was under the age of 18 at the time of the solemnization " to petition to have the marriage affirmed) (emphasis added).”
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