You are here:

Home
Family & Mediation

Annulment of a marriage

Family Law

An annulment differs from a divorce; as when the process is complete the annulled couple will be deemed to have never been married.

The circumstances in which you can annul a marriage

If you are looking to end your marriage through annulment you will need to prove that the marriage was not valid in the first place or fall under one of the following categories-

If your marriage was void.

If your marriage was not legal for one of the following reasons;

- if your spouse is closely related by birth.

- same sex.

- age reasons i.e. one of you were under 16.

- If one of you were already in a civil partnership or marriage.

If the marriage was not legal then in the eyes of the law it never existed.

If your marriage is deemed as defective (voidable)

A number of reasons fall under this category

If you have not had sex with your partner since the wedding.

If you were not capable of consenting to the marriage.

If your partner had any form of STD at the time of marriage.

If the female of the relationship was pregnant by another person.

If you wish to apply for an annulment of your marriage you will need to complete a nullity petition, these forms are available online along with guidance on how to complete them, we would recommend however that you take legal advice.

Two copies of these forms will have to be sent to your local divorce court along with the appropriate fee, in addition, you will have to send in 2 copies of the statement of arrangements for any children under 16 or 18 if they are in education; a specific form is available for this.

Once you have sent in your petition to the courts they will send documents to the other party and they will need to respond within 8 days to the court, stating if they agree or not.

If they agree you can move to apply for a Decree Nisi, to obtain this you will need to complete an application for the decree nisi (conditional order)

With this application you must confirm all your statements are true, the courts have two forms for a statement in support of your annulment depending on if the marriage was void or voidable (refer to above).

Once you obtain your decree nisi you can apply for your decree absolute sometimes called a decree of nullity.

You will need to apply for this and once again a form is available for this called a notice of application for a decree nisi to be made absolute.

The courts will check during this process to ensure that the marriage can be annulled and you may need supporting documents/statements but will be advised during the process, once you have the decree absolute you are no longer married.

related news

Agricultural Law.

Aviation Law Solicitors.

This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.

Charity Law Solicitors.

As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com

Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com

Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.

Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com

Consumer Law, Consumer problems.

We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.

Education solicitors | Solicitors.com

Travel & Tourism Law Solicitors.

Holiday Claims.

Mental Health Solicitors.

News and Information on Mental Heath legal issues.

Property Abroad.

If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.

recent articles

Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

link

The legal rights of unmarried couples.

The legal rights of unmarried couples, regarding property. - In the event of the breakup of a relationship where the couple are not married what happens to the..

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

The sex offender register

The sex offender register - Guide..

Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples

A change in the marriage laws..

link

Mediation Solicitors.

Mediation Solicitors.
Mediation is a process during which a couple is helped by an impartial third party (a mediator). ..

Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples

A change in the marriage laws..

Children and the Law - Car Safety

Up until a child reaches the age of 12, or 135 cm, a child must use a booster or car seat, when a child is not required to use a car seat or booster they must,..

How to end a Civil Partnership.

Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many way..

link

How to end a Civil Partnership.

Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many ways, ending one can follow similar lines to a marriage breakdown...

Clare`s Law - Domestic Violence.

The domestic violence disclosure scheme named after domestic violence victim Clare Wood has been brought in throughout England and Wales. If you feel you could..

Registering your Childs Birth.

Registration of a Childs birth is a legal requirement - understand what you need to do...

Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law

Conveyancing Solicitors.

Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.

Criminal Solicitors.

We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.

Commercial law.

If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com

Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors

If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medical compensation solicitor via solicitors.com

Personal Injury Claims.

If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitor can help you with your injury claim.

Debt Collection Solicitors.

The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 0808 223 1133.

Dental Negligence Solicitors

To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.

Employment Law Solicitors.

Employment Law Solicitors for Employers and Employees.

Family Law Solicitors.

Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.

Motoring Offences Solicitors.

Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.

Will & Probate

Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.

Tenant Solicitors

Tenant solicitors will be able to help with any housing related problems.