Annulled

Annulled

Annulled refers to the legal declaration that a marriage is null and void, as if it never existed. Unlike a divorce, which ends a legally valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never happened. Annulments can be granted for various reasons, including fraud, bigamy, underage marriage, and lack of consent.

Grounds for Annulment

There are several grounds on which an annulment can be granted:

• Fraud: If one party was deceived into the marriage by the other party.
• Bigamy: If one party was already married to someone else at the time of the marriage.
• Underage Marriage: If one or both parties were below the legal age of consent.
• Lack of Consent: If one or both parties were unable to give informed consent due to mental incapacity, intoxication, or coercion.

Legal Process

The process for obtaining an annulment varies by jurisdiction but generally involves filing a petition with the appropriate court. The petitioner must provide evidence supporting the grounds for annulment. If the court finds the evidence sufficient, it will issue a decree of annulment.

Effects of Annulment

An annulment has several legal effects:

• The marriage is considered void from the beginning.
• Any children born during the marriage are considered legitimate.
• Property and financial matters are typically resolved as if the marriage never existed.

Religious Annulments

In addition to civil annulments, some religious institutions, such as the Roman Catholic Church, also grant annulments. A religious annulment has no legal effect but may be necessary for individuals who wish to remarry within their faith.

Related Legal Concepts

• Divorce
• Separation
• Marriage
• Bigamy
• Fraud

See Also

• Divorce
• Separation
• Marriage
• Bigamy
• Fraud