How to Get an Annulment
Marriage can be annulled by a judge if there are valid legal grounds. This could be an ideal solution for couples who have been married a long time and wish to restore their relationship.
Some people opt for annulment instead of divorce due to its distinct process. An annulment signifies that the state no longer recognizes your marriage, helping you avoid property ownership issues and potential legal disputes in the future.
In most cases, you must file for annulment with the court if you want one. To do this, fill out paperwork and present evidence of why you need an annulment.
Generally, you must establish that there are at least eight legal grounds for annulment. Consulting a lawyer may help determine which grounds you qualify for and how best to proceed.
Once you file for annulment, it is essential to serve your spouse the papers with which you have served him/her. This can be done either personally, by a family member, or local law enforcement. Ensure that all paperwork is served correctly so your annulment can be finalized successfully.
Catholics can take advantage of a special process within the Church for annulments. Non-Catholics should check with their religious leader to see if there are any non-Catholic alternatives that can be utilized during this process.
Your case can be heard by a judge, who will ask you questions about why you want an annulment. Divorce Lawyer Menifee Once they give their approval, the judge will draft a Decree of Annulment that will legally end your marriage.
Step 1: Submitting Your Request
Before the statute of limitations on annulments expires (usually 6 months from your marriage’s end), you must file your request with the courts in your county. In this step, you’ll need to provide a brief history of the marriage, an explanation as to why you want an annulment and any additional terms you would like included in the decision.
Once your paperwork is filed with the court, they will schedule a hearing to hear why you want an annulment and what benefits you hope to gain from it. Most judges are eager to listen carefully to your arguments and address any queries that arise during this process.
After the hearing, the judge will decide if your case warrants a trial or not. If granted an annulment without a trial, they’ll give you a date to submit your proposed Decree of Annulment to the judge so that they can conclude your proceedings.
Step 2: Serving Your Papers
Once all your paperwork is in order, it is time to serve your spouse the papers filed for annulment. You can do this yourself, through a family member, or with the assistance of a lawyer.