Annulments: What You Need To Know

Making the decision to end your marriage is a difficult one. Marriages generally end in divorce. However, if you want to avoid divorce, you may want to consider an annulment. Annulments are an option in some instances, but there are specific parameters that need to be met to qualify for an annulment. If you think you would like an annulment to end your marriage instead of a divorce, keep the following in mind. 

When Can You Get an Annulment?

There are criteria to meet in order to get a marriage annulled. There must be a valid reason to get an annulment. For example, if a spouse committed fraud against the other, it could qualify for an annulment. Fraud must be the primary reason why the marriage needs to end. For instance, if one person claims they want children but later decides they do not, it may constitute fraud.

The withholding of major information from one spouse may be another way to get an annulment. Some examples include concealed drug use, sexual orientation, or sexually transmitted disease.

Impotence is another reason you can provide to get an annulment, especially if this information was not shared prior to marriage.

In addition, a lack of consent to marriage can be grounds for an annulment. This happens when one or both spouses are not mentally competent to consent to marriage. If one spouse was coerced into marriage, they can seek an annulment on these grounds as well. For example, if you got married and one or both of you were intoxicated at the time, you can seek an annulment to end the marriage.

How Long After the Marriage Can You Get an Annulment?

If you want to annul your marriage, you need to take action as soon as possible after the marriage. If you wait too long, you may need to seek a divorce.

Why Would You Want an Annulment Instead of a Divorce?

There are several reasons why you may want annulment instead of divorce. A divorce is much more costly and can take longer to finalize. Certain religions also do not permit divorce.

If you want to end your marriage, you need to speak to a divorce attorney, even if an annulment is your preferred method. Your attorney will ask you several questions to determine if you qualify for an annulment. If you cannot get an annulment and you still want to end your marriage, you may have to go through the divorce process.

Reach out to a local divorce lawyer to learn more.


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