How to File for an Annulment in Maryland

Maryland marriages are annuled when they are deemed void by the court.

An annulment, different from a divorce, is a court decision that declares a marriage invalid from the start. Whereas a divorce determines a valid marriage has ended. Gaining an annulment in the state of Maryland requires a valid reason for annulment and the proper paperwork. Ending a marriage through annulment does not have to be done in a certain period of time; the marriage can be years old before the annulment is granted. The annulment process is long and full of paperwork, but it's worth the hassle if the marriage is invalid.

Things You'll Need

• Annulment paperwork
• Past court cases involving the marriage or children
• Court fees or payment waiver

Instructions

1. Obtain a petition for annulment from the local family courts. Annulments are granted by the jurisdiction where you or your spouse resides, therefore, the paperwork is obtained through that jurisdiction. Alternately, hire a lawyer to help obtain and complete the paperwork.

2. Complete the paperwork thoroughly. You will be asked for your name, address and telephone number as well as information regarding your spouse. The date and location of marriage are necessary, as is your Maryland residence history. List any children resulting from the marriage as well as any past court cases regarding the marriage and children. Information about properties and the reason for the annulment request also are required.

3. Check the reason for the annulment before filing the paperwork. Maryland law allows for annulments under the following circumstances: consanguinity, bigamy, impotency, mental disability and duress. Consanguinity refers to a marriage where participants are related by blood. Bigamy refers to a person who is married to more than one person, and duress refers to a forced marriage.

4. Submit the completed paperwork to the clerk of the district court, along with the filing fee. This fee varies by district. If you are unable to pay the fee, file a poverty affidavit requesting a fee waiver.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, hire a lawyer for the annulment. A lawyer is well-versed in the law and will find places you might miss during the process.

References

• Granat Legal Services: Grounds for Divorce in Maryland
• AboutDivorce: Maryland Annulment Laws
• Maryland State Courts: Complaint for Limited Divorce