A marriage can be annulled in Connecticut if the court finds the union either void from the start or voidable. If you marry and divorce, the result is the dissolution of the marriage contract, which means your marriage ends. However, if your marriage is annulled, it means a legal marriage never took place.
The distinction is significant, and having a marriage annulled is legally challenging. Working closely with an experienced New Haven annulment lawyer can make a significant difference. Our divorce attorneys at Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, can help you understand the process.
If you are seeking to have your marriage annulled, a New Haven lawyer can help determine if one of the relevant statutory grounds applies.
A lack of mental capacity can support an annulment. This refers to one of the parties lacking the ability to understand the significance of their actions. Prime examples include being impaired by alcohol or drugs or having a mental incapacity.
If either person engaged in fraud or deceived their spouse regarding matters significant to the relationship, the court may grant an annulment. Common examples include having a serious criminal history or a spouse lying about their identity. The same is true when force, duress, or any other form of coercion is involved.
If either party is already married, they do not have the legal capacity to enter into another marriage. Doing so is the crime of bigamy, which voids the marriage.
To marry in Connecticut, both parties must be at least 18 years old. In the past, there was an exception for those who were at least 16 years old with parental approval, but now 18 is the absolute minimum age for marriage. It is important to note, however, that remaining in your marriage beyond the age of 18 may lead to your request for an annulment being denied.
To marry in this state, the blood relationship between the parties must be more distant than that of first cousins. Anything closer is deemed an ineligible union, which is based on the increased risk of genetic defects for any children of the marriage.
In any of these situations, continuing to live together as a married couple after recognizing that your marriage is voidable can lead to the denial of your complaint for annulment. Do not wait to discuss your best legal options with a trusted annulment attorney.
While annulment can be a speedier process than divorce in some states, this is not necessarily the case in Connecticut. To have your marriage annulled, you will need to prove that it is void or voidable, which can require a considerable amount of evidence.
There can, however, be benefits to having a marriage annulled, and they include:
A dedicated New Haven attorney from our firm can help you gather evidence and establish appropriate grounds for an annulment.
An annulment can play an important role in your future. Where your case warrants an annulment, a seasoned New Haven annulment lawyer is committed to building a strong case on your behalf and skillfully advocating for a favorable resolution. Reach out to Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, today to learn more about what we can do to help you move forward.
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