By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 30, 2023
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Although it may seem simple, the legal proceedings surrounding marriage actually have strict rules. Each state has its own set of laws that relate to civil annulments and prohibited marriages. A prohibited marriage is void because the marriage was never legally valid to begin with. Commonly prohibited marriages include bigamous and incestuous marriages. In bigamous marriages, a person tries to marry more than one spouse. In incestuous marriages, a person tries to marry a closely related family member.
A civil annulment is a way to void a marriage. While both an annulment and a divorce end a marriage, an annulment wipes the slate clean as if there had been no marriage to begin with. By law you usually need to get an annulment within a certain amount of time, so it's important to know the laws and act promptly if you are considering annulling your marriage.
This article provides a brief overview of laws related to civil annulments and prohibited marriages in Tennessee.
In the chart below, you'll find information about the laws in Tennessee that are related to civil annulments and prohibited marriages.
Prohibited Marriages |
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Grounds for Annulment |
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Legitimacy of Children |
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Same-Sex Marriages |
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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.
Deciding to end a marriage (or wondering whether or not your marriage was legal to begin with) is never a simple choice. For more information and resources regarding this topic, you can visit FindLaw's sections on Annulment, Divorce, and Tennessee Family Law.
If you are considering annulling your marriage or have questions regarding its legitimacy, you should speak to a local family law attorney. An experienced attorney can view the specific facts of your case and give you legal advice using the relevant laws of your jurisdiction.
Get started by receiving a consultation from a Tennessee divorce attorney today.
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