Annulment Decree: What It Is & How It Differs from Divorce
An Annulment Decree is a court order declaring a marriage legally invalid, as if it never happened. Unlike divorce, which ends a legally recognized marriage, an annulment erases the marriage from legal records due to reasons such as fraud, coercion, or incapacity.
Common Reasons for an Annulment
- Fraud or Misrepresentation – One spouse misled the other about an essential fact (e.g., hidden previous marriage).
- Lack of Consent – One or both parties were under duress or incapable of giving informed consent.
- Bigamy – One spouse was already legally married to someone else.
- Underage Marriage – A spouse was underage and lacked legal permission to marry.
How to Obtain an Annulment Decree
- File a petition for annulment with the appropriate court.
- Provide evidence supporting your claim (e.g., witness statements, documents).
- Attend a court hearing, where a judge determines whether an annulment is granted.