What is an annulment?

An annulment, like a divorce, is the end of a marriage.  The only difference is that with an annulment, it is like the marriage never existed.  It is available under certain legal conditions.

California Family Code Section 2200 describes certain marriages as ‘null and void’ from the beginning.  Examples include:

·     A marriage in which one spouse is still married

·     Incestuous marriage – between parents and children, brothers and sisters, any relatives

·     Fraud – one person lies on the marriage license application

·     Falsehood – lying in order to convince an individual to marry (i.e. wants children)

·     Age – if either party is under 18

·     Lack of capacity – under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, insanity, unable to make

     rational decisions

If you are thinking about an annulment of your marriage, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who will provide you with the guidance throughout the process and representation in court if needed.