How to Be Eligible for an Annulment

A legal annulment declares that a marriage is invalid. To be eligible for an annulment, certain criteria must be met that would nullify the marriage. Learn the eligibility requirements for an annulment to determine if it is the right way to end your marriage.

Instructions

1. Live in the state where you'd like to receive an annulment. Most states have residency requirements that must be followed in order to be considered for an annulment.

2. Know that annulment criteria vary by state. Hire an attorney in your area who can guide you through the requirements of your state as you begin the annulment process.

3. Consider the necessary criteria that can make your marriage eligible for an annulment. If the married couple are biologically close relatives (parent and child, grandparent and grandchild) than they are eligible for an annulment. If one of the parties is deemed mentally incapable to be married due to drunkenness or mental disease at the time of the marriage, than an annulment is a viable option. If one or both of the parties didn't meet age requirements or if the union was never consummated, the marriage is eligible to be declared invalid.

Tips & Warnings

• A legal annulment is rarely granted when children are involved in the marriage.

• An annulment can alter the settlement of an estate once legal separation is granted.

• A legal annulment and a religious annulment are two separate processes. A religious annulment is not legally recognized and is under the jurisdiction of the church of the couple's choice.