Unlike a divorce, an annulment is a legal proceeding that completely erases your marriage. If the court grants you an annulment, legally, it will be as if you were never married in the first place. However, getting an annulment is much more difficult than getting a divorce. The Law Office and Mediation Center of Jeannine M. Talbot in Torrington, CT explains the five basic steps for a successful annulment.

1. Speak With An Attorney

The first step you should take once you decide to get an annulment is to speak with a divorce or family law attorney in your state. An experienced attorney will be able to tell you if your marriage qualifies for an annulment and can walk you through the legal process.

2. File A Complaint In Court

Next, you need to complete a complaint requesting that the court grant you an annulment. This legal document must adhere to your local court requirements and must include your name, your spouse’s name, addresses, names of children from the marriage, and the legal grounds for the annulment. The acceptable grounds for annulment vary state by state. Speak with your attorney to see if you qualify for an annulment in your state.

3. Serve The Complaint On Your Spouse

After filling out the complaint, you must serve an official copy of the complaint with your spouse. In some towns, the local sheriff will assist you with the serving process. Once your spouse has a copy, the complaint is filed with the court.  Your spouse must then file an answer with the court.  

4. Attend The Annulment Hearing

Once the initial paperwork is final, the judge on your case will schedule the annulment hearing. At this hearing, you and your attorney will be able to argue why the annulment should be granted and your spouse will also be able to speak. The judge will either grant the annulment or deny the request and advise that you get a divorce instead.  

5. Speak With Your Attorney About The Next Steps

If the judge denies your annulment, you should speak with your attorney to decide whether it would be better to appeal the annulment decision or move forward with divorce proceedings.  

To speak with a family law lawyer about whether or not an annulment might be the right decision for you, contact the Law Office and Mediation Center of Jeannine M. Talbot at (860) 482-9004, or visit Attorney Jeannine’s website to learn more.