When might an annulment be granted?

An annulment makes a marriage null and void. The rules allowing annulment vary from state to state. In general, an annulment is granted because one or more conditions for the marriage to be upheld were not followed. 

What are some common reasons for an annulment?

There are several common reasons why an annulment may be granted. Examples include the following:

• The person officiating was not legally allowed to marry the parties.
• One or both people were not of legal age.
• One or more people in the marriage was already married to someone else at the time.
• One or both people were mentally handicapped at the time of marriage.
• The marriage certificate was not valid because of fraud.
• The couple is committing incest, meaning they are not legally allowed to wed. Some states do not allow first cousins to marry, for example, and other states only forbid brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers, or fathers from marrying.
• False information was given during the marriage process. For example, if one party lied to gain the consent of the other, and the other would not have agreed to the marriage had he or she known, that may be grounds for annulment.
• The couple committed adultery.
• The couple was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
• One or more of the parties to the marriage killed an existing spouse in order to be free to marry.
• One party can prove that the other party did not intend to remain faithful.
• One party abducted the other to compel them to marry.

If I am considering an annulment, should I consult a lawyer?  

This is just a brief list of examples that may be grounds for legal annulment. If you would like to know more about the rules and requirements for annulment in the state where you live, speak with a lawyer who specializes in family law. A lawyer can assist you in determining your eligibility for annulling your marriage.