By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 26, 2023
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Though it seems simple, the legal proceedings surrounding marriage actually have strict rules, with each state having its own set of annulment and prohibited marriage laws that prohibit marriages under certain circumstances. A prohibited marriage is void because the marriage was never lawful. Generally, there's no need to get an annulment or divorce in these cases. Commonly prohibited marriages typically include bigamous marriages, where a person tries to marry more than one spouse, or incestuous marriages, where a person tries to marry a relative.
An annulment, on the other hand, is a way to void a marriage that would be otherwise invalid. While both an annulment and a divorce end a marriage, an annulment wipes the slate clean as if there was no marriage to begin with. However, you usually need to get an annulment within a certain time limit, so it is important to act promptly if you are considering an annulment.
This article provides a brief overview of annulment and prohibited marriages in the state of Iowa.
The chart below lists the details of Iowa's annulment and prohibited marriage statutes.
Grounds for Annulment |
Marriage in Iowa may be annulled under I.C.A. § 598.29 if:
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Legitimacy of Children |
Children born to the parties, or to the wife, in a marriage relationship that may be terminated or annulled shall be legitimate to both parties unless the court shall decree otherwise according to the proof. (I.C.A. § 598.31) |
Prohibited Marriages |
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| Out-of-State Marriages | A marriage solemnized in another state, territory, country, or any foreign jurisdiction which is valid in that jurisdiction is valid in the state of Iowa if the parties meet the requirements for validity and if the marriage would not otherwise be declared void. (I.C.A. § 595.20) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(so) you are researching.
Although Iowa's marriage statute says, "Only marriage between a male and a female is valid," the Iowa Supreme Court ruled the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional in Varnum v. Brien (2009). At the time, Iowa was just the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Since then the U.S. Supreme Court, in the landmark 2015 case Obergefell v. Hodges, ruled that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional. FindLaw's Same-Sex Marriage section has more information and updates on the latest same-sex marriage developments.
State statutes regarding the marriage process can be complicated, whether you're wondering if you can get married, or if you're wondering if your existing marriage was legal to begin with. You can find additional articles and resources in FindLaw's sections on Annulment, Divorce, and Iowa Family Law.
If you are considering annulling your marriage or have questions regarding its legitimacy, you should speak to a local divorce attorney. An experienced attorney can view the specific facts of your case and give you legal advice using the relevant laws of your jurisdiction.
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