Understanding Annulment: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Annulment?

Annulment, also known as nullity of marriage, is a legal process that declares a marriage invalid from the beginning. This means that the marriage was never legally valid and therefore did not exist in the eyes of the law.

Unlike divorce, which terminates an existing marriage, annulment seeks to void a marriage that has not been consummated or has been entered into under duress, fraud, or other circumstances that render it invalid.

Types of Annulment

There are several grounds for annulment, including lack of consent, fraud, duress, and mental incompetence. In some cases, a marriage may be annulled due to the absence of consummation.

It's essential to note that each state has its own laws regarding annulment, and the specific grounds for annulment can vary significantly.

The Annulment Process

To initiate the annulment process, one party must file a petition with the court. The other party will then be served with notice of the proceedings.

A judge will review the evidence and make a decision based on the specific circumstances of the case.