California Annulment and Prohibited Marriage Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 26, 2023
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States have their own laws regarding civil annulments and the various types of marriages that are prohibited. In part, laws in California related to prohibited marriages govern the grounds for civil annulments. Other laws govern time limits for obtaining such an annulment and the various scenarios in which a marriage would not be recognized by the state. In a civil annulment, a court rules on whether a marriage was ever valid in the first place.
Civil Annulments in California
Each state may have different laws related to civil annulments. Below are some general highlights of these various laws, found in the California Family Code.
Grounds for Annulment |
Under § 2210 of the California Family Code, a marriage qualifies for a civil annulment under the following circumstances:
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Time Limits for Obtaining Annulment |
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Legitimacy of Children |
Under common law, the children of marriages that are legally invalid or marriages that have been civilly annulled are considered legitimate. |
Prohibited Marriages |
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Civil Annulments and Prohibited Marriages: Related Resources
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 civil annulments, divorce, and California family law. If you would like legal assistance with your case, you can consult with an experienced California divorce attorney.
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