Last updated 11/12/2019

Perhaps the glimmer has come off of your Golden State romance, and you are looking at options for ending your marriage. With a few options from which to choose (legal separation, summary dissolution, annulment, divorce), how do you know which one is right for you? Marriage-ending legal proceedings generally have strict rules regarding who they apply to and what circumstances they cover. This is a brief introduction to one of those processes, annulment, and a brief look at types of prohibited marriages in California.

Annulments and Prohibited Marriages

States have their own laws regarding annulment and the various types of marriages that are prohibited (such as those between blood relatives). California annulment and prohibited marriage laws govern the grounds for annulment (a court ruling that the marriage was never valid in the first place), time limits for obtaining an annulment, and the various scenarios in which a marriage would not be recognized by the state.

Annulment Laws in California

Each state may have different annulment laws. Below are some general highlights of these various laws, found in the California Family Code.

Related Resources for Annulment and Prohibited Marriage Laws

The decision to end a marriage is never an easy one, especially if you are concerned about the legality of your marriage to begin with. To find more general information about this topic, you can visit FindLaw’s sections on annulment, divorce, and California family law. If you would like legal assistance with your case, you can consult with an experienced California divorce attorney.