By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 27, 2023
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Typically, marriage is regulated at the state level. State laws prohibit certain marriage arrangements, while they also establish limits and procedures for civil annulments. Marriages may be civilly annulled for a variety of reasons, and civil annulments have the effect of erasing a marriage as if it never took place.
At the same time, historically, certain varieties of marriage have been treated as legally invalid. Certain varieties of marriage remain that way. If a marriage is legally invalid, it often automatically qualifies for a civil annulment.
Continue reading for a breakdown of legal issues and laws related to civil annulments and prohibited marriages in Missouri.
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court heard Obergefell v. Hodges. In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court found that state laws against same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that they are violations of constitutional guarantees to equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment. In the wake of that decision, same-sex marriages became legal across the country.
The following table lists some basics of Missouri laws that are related to civil annulments and prohibited marriages. See FindLaw's Marriage Law section to learn more.
| Prohibited Marriages |
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| Time Limits for Obtaining Annulment | No Missouri law explicitly addresses a time limit for pursuing a civil annulment. |
| Legitimacy of Children | Under common law and public policy, children that are born to legally invalid marriages or marriages that have been annulled are considered legitimate. |
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(s) you are researching.
Consider reviewing the following resources, as well, for more information about laws in Missouri, including those related to civil annulments and prohibited marriages:
Consider reviewing the following resources, as well, for more information about laws and legal issues related to civil annulments and prohibited marriages:
Ending a marriage is one of the most stressful and confusing life events a person can experience. The emotional stress often associated with the process can make it difficult to focus on the legal details. A legal professional can help you better understand your legal options and represent you in court. Find a Missouri family law attorney today.
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