An annulment is when a marriage is treated legally like it never happened. Just like the name sounds, it makes the marriage null and void. An annulment can only be granted on very specific legal grounds. Some of the more common reasons for an annulment are that the marriage could not be consummated, at least one party wasn’t of sound mind when the marriage took place, and fraud. For example, if you were drunk and got married in Vegas, the marriage could be annulled because you weren’t in a proper frame of mind to enter into a legal agreement.

If you’re not sure if you have grounds for an annulment, talking with a family law attorney can help answer your questions and provide you with a clear path forward. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation.

How Do I Get an Annulment?

To get an annulment, you have to file for one through the California family courts. The process is similar to what you would go through to get a divorce; the end result is just different legally. Couples who get an annulment usually aren’t married for very long, so there may be fewer complications to work out, such as property division or child custody. After you file the paperwork, you will be given a hearing date. At this time, a judge will hear your petition and either grant the annulment or not. If the courts decide you do not have grounds for an annulment, and you still want to end the marriage, you will need to file for divorce.

What Happens If I Get Married Again?

If you are granted an annulment, it’s the same as if the marriage never happened for legal purposes. If you choose to get married again, it will still be considered a first marriage, and you don’t have to do anything specific before you can marry again. It is important to note that you do need to wait for the annulment to be official and go into effect before marrying again.

Do I Need a Lawyer for an Annulment in California?

The process for filing for an annulment is very straightforward, and many people wonder if they can just handle it themselves. The answer is yes, but it comes with a catch. Filing for an annulment is easy–it’s just a matter of filling out the correct paperwork. But convincing the courts that the marriage meets the legal grounds for annulment can be more difficult. These kinds of situations can benefit greatly from an experienced attorney who knows how to show that you have grounds for an annulment and is prepared to argue your case before the courts.

When it comes to annulments, the sooner you start the process, the better. Contact our firm at (213) 351-1000 to talk with an attorney about your case, why you think an annulment is fitting, and what the next steps should be.