{"id":351775,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/questionnaire-are-you-entitled-to-an-annulment.html"},"modified":"2023-07-14T16:00:53","modified_gmt":"2023-07-14T21:00:53","slug":"questionnaire-are-you-entitled-to-an-annulment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/questionnaire-are-you-entitled-to-an-annulment.html","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Get An Annulment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How Do I Get An Annulment?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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An annulment is one way to dissolve a marriage.  Unlike a divorce, an annulment erases the marriage, as if it never existed. You can only pursue an annulment if you meet your state’s eligibility criteria.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

An annulment, like a divorce<\/a>, terminates the marriage relationship. But when an annulment is granted, it is as though the marriage never existed at all. <\/p>\r\n

Sometimes a marriage might happen under circumstances that undermine its validity. The parties may seek an annulment<\/a>. Laws regarding annulments vary from state to state.<\/p>\r\n

You Must Qualify To Get an Annulment<\/h2>\r\n

First, you need grounds to request an annulment. Check your state laws<\/a> to determine if you have a voidable marriage. Or, your marriage might be void, meaning it was never legitimate in the first place.<\/span>
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Many states also have a statute of limitations for annulments depending on the reason. This law shows the time limit for filing after your marriage ceremony.<\/p>\r\n

The Annulment Process<\/h2>\r\n

Once you verify that you qualify, the process to annul a marriage usually follows these steps:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Determine which family court you should file with. Usually, this is the district court where you live.<\/li>\r\n
  2. File a petition or complaint for annulment.<\/li>\r\n
  3. Complete the summons and follow the court\u2019s instructions to serve your spouse. Just like the divorce process, serving papers will give them a chance to respond to the annulment.<\/li>\r\n
  4. The court will review your annulment forms and schedule a hearing.<\/li>\r\n
  5. Both spouses attend the court proceedings to finalize any outstanding legal issues.<\/li>\r\n
  6. The court declares the marriage invalid or void.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    This process can vary by state and court. Consulting with a lawyer can be helpful whenever you\u2019re considering a legal proceeding. The best time to talk to a family law attorney is before you fill out any court forms.<\/p>\r\n

    Are You Entitled to an Annulment?<\/h2>\r\n

    You may have grounds for annulling your marriage if you can answer "yes" to one or more of the following questions:<\/p>\r\n