Understanding Annulment: A Guide to Ending Your Marriage

What is Annulment?

Annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void from the beginning. It's different from divorce, where a couple seeks to end their marriage after it has been legally recognized. In an annulled marriage, the couple never had a valid marriage in the first place.

This can happen for various reasons, such as fraud, coercion, or a lack of capacity to consent. If you're considering annulling your marriage, it's essential to understand the process and its implications.

When Can You Seek Annulment?

You can seek annulment if you were coerced into marrying, or if your spouse was already married when you got together. Additionally, if you were under the age of 18 at the time of marriage, you may be eligible for an annulment.

In some cases, a couple may also be able to seek annulment due to fraud or duress. For example, if one partner hid their true identity or concealed information about themselves before the wedding.

The Annulment Process

To initiate an annulment, you'll need to file a petition with your local court and provide evidence supporting your claim. This may include witness statements, documents, or other forms of proof.

Once the petition is filed, both parties will be notified, and a hearing date will be set. During this hearing, a judge will review the evidence and make a decision.