An annulment, ‘nullity’ or judicial separation is a court decree (or declaration) that a marriage or a civil partnership has become invalid for some reason or was never valid in the first place.
The Grounds for Annulment
In the UK, an annulment can be granted for a host of different reasons, including if you never had sexual intercourse with the person you married (not in same-sex situations), if you were forced into the marriage, if one of the partners had a mental disorder, or if one party was pregnant by someone else. In these cases, the marriage or partnership was valid at the start but became ‘voidable.’ A marriage or civil partnership could be declared invalid if you are too closely related to the person you married or if you should find out that your spouse is already in a civil partnership or married to someone else.
It may seem as if the grounds for an annulment is straightforward, but it is not. You will need to discuss your situation in detail with a Robertsons Family Law professional solicitor specialising in this area of the law.
Our annulment experts can tell you whether there are grounds for your relationship to be nullified, what the process entails and give you practical advice in your particular situation.
In some cases, there is a time limit within which to commence nullity proceedings. What should you do about the family home or the division of assets? It is questions such as these that we can assist you with.
It is important to remember that your marriage or civil partnership legally exists until the court nullifies it. You need the paperwork (a ‘decree of nullity’) to prove that it came to an end to be able to marry or register a civil partnership again.
At Robertsons Family Law, we know that an annulment can be very sensitive. However, nobody should judge you for the situation you are in. We won’t, and in fact we are here to make your life easier.
Why not seek expert legal advice from our annulment specialists at Robertsons Family Law? Our team is experienced in all annulment areas and the corresponding court procedures. With us, you’ll know what is happening at all times. In addition, you’ll find us friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable.
FAQs on Annulments
Is there an expiry date on annulment?
Would I need to go to court?
Can I get financial provision as I am getting an annulment?
How long will an annulment take?
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce?
Unlike a divorce, you do not need to state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. You only need to prove that the marriage or partnership was never legally valid or that it became void.
