How to Initiate an Annulment Proceeding

Start the process of nullifying a marriage by consulting with one or both of the spouses in question, or with any concerned person who has a connection to the matter. In cases of fraud, blood relation, coercion or inability to consummate the marriage, an annulment can be granted.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Discover the conditions under which the two parties were wed. There are several factors that will, if applicable, make the annulment process more feasible and speedy.
2. Find out what criteria there may be in proceeding with the annulment. Many times, there are mitigating circumstances which define the annulment; look into these immediately.
3. Look into the relationship of those seeking an annulment. If they were too young to legally marry, then you have a case for immediate annulment. Or if one party was incapable of consummating the marriage, an annulment may be granted.
4. Ask if one spouse entered into the marriage under force or duress; this is a sure sign an annulment may be necessary. Also, if the couple is related, closely by blood, then a marriage can be annulled.
5. Initiate an annulment proceeding within the first year of marriage, which is typically when most couples ask to be granted an annulment. This is not merely for convenience; the less time a couple is married, the easier it will be for an annulment to be granted.
6. Meet the residency requirements of the state in which you reside not necessarily in the state where the marriage took place.
7. Acquire an attorney. Like regular divorce procedures, annulments follow strict state laws, so it would be in your best interest to have an attorney to help you comprehend the more advanced legal jargon.