In the state of Ohio, there are three ways to end a marriage: divorce, dissolution, and annulment. An annulment is a court decree that states a marriage was never legal or valid in the first place. In that sense, an annulment does not actually end a marriage, but rather, it demonstrates the marriage never existed in the first place. The family lawyers from Swartz Law Office in Batavia, OH, explain how the annulment process works.

Family Lawyer Discusses How to Get an Annulment

1. Determine If You Qualify

A couple is only eligible for an annulment if there was some issue that deemed the union invalid from the start. Qualifying issues include incest, an underage spouse, bigamy, mental incompetence, fraudulent or forced consent to marry, or a failure to consummate the union.

2. Determine What Kind of Marriage You Have

If you have a void marriage, you do not need a court order to secure an annulment because it is invalid immediately. If you have a voidable marriage, you will need to prove you have grounds for an annulment in a trial. An underage spouse, an unconsummated union, or consent obtained by fraud or force may constitute a voidable marriage.

3. Contact a Family Lawyer If You Need to Arrange a Hearing

If you have a voidable marriage, contact a family lawyer. Your attorney can help you gather the necessary documents to prove the marriage was invalid. You will need to present this proof before a judge, and your attorney’s experience will help in presenting your case.

If you think you might qualify for an annulment, turn to Swartz Law Office in Batavia, OH. Visit their website to learn more about their areas of practice, and call (513) 732-0900 to schedule an initial consultation with a family lawyer today.