Frequently Asked Questions
Time limits vary widely by state and ground. Fraud may have 2-5 year limits; underage marriage may be annullable until age of majority plus a grace period; bigamy has no statute of limitations. Some states allow annulment indefinitely for void marriages.
Yes. Annulment doesn't affect child custody or support obligations. Children born during the marriage (even void or voidable) are legitimate and have inheritance/support rights. Annulment only nullifies the marriage, not parental obligations.
Civil annulment is granted by the civil court and affects legal rights, property division, and custody. Religious annulment (Catholic, for example) is granted by the church and addresses sacramental validity but doesn't affect civil law or remarriage rights in civil court.
No. Most states treat annulment and divorce similarly for property division and support. Even if the marriage is annulled, courts divide marital property equitably and determine custody/support as if it were a divorce.
Not necessarily. Proving grounds for annulment requires substantial evidence and may require expert testimony. Divorce using no-fault grounds (irreconcilable differences) is often faster and requires less proof. Annulment can be contested and litigated just like divorce.
An annulment declares the marriage void or voidable; it has a different legal effect than divorce but similar practical outcomes. Once annulled, you are no longer married and can remarry. Refer to your divorce decree or annulment order for specific legal status.