By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 17, 2024
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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 marriage types include both 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 Vermont.
The basics of Vermont's annulment and prohibited marriage laws are listed in the following chart. See FindLaw's Marriage Law Overview section for additional articles.
Grounds for Annulment |
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Time Limits for Obtaining Annulment |
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Legitimacy of Children |
The children of a civil marriage that is annulled are legitimate and shall succeed to the real and personal estate of both parents (15 V.S.A. § 520) |
Prohibited Marriages |
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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.
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 Vermont divorce attorney today.
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