If you want a legal annulment in Michigan, it's crucial to get help from a qualified Michigan annulment attorney. They can explain your options and the legal annulment proceedings that are involved. 

Michigan recognizes four types of annulments: voidable marriages, non-consummated marriages, impotency annulments, and underage marriages. Your attorney can help you determine which type is right for you and guide you through the process.

Meeting specific requirements is necessary to obtain an annulment in Michigan. You must file a petition, provide evidence, and appear in court. An experienced family law attorney can explain the eligibility requirements, help with paperwork, and represent you if needed.

Before deciding on an annulment in Michigan, consult an experienced Dearborn family law attorney who can clarify the legal requirements, review your situation, and advise you on the best course of action. Clarity Law Firm is here to help, call us at (313) 513-1919 to schedule a free consultation.

What is Annulment?

Annulled marriages are legally declared to have never happened and are considered invalid. This is different from a divorce, which ends a legally recognized marriage.

When an annulment is granted, it means that the original marriage ceremony did not establish valid bonds between the parties. In Michigan, common reasons for seeking an annulment include coercion and fraud.

a couple signing paperwork with their annulment attorney

Each state has different grounds for annulment, so it's important to consult a lawyer for specific requirements. Furthermore, strict eligibility requirements and extensive proof are often necessary to obtain an annulment.

The Differences Between an Annulment and a Divorce

An annulment and a divorce are two different legal processes with different purposes. An annulment is when a court terminates a marriage and declares it as if it never existed. A divorce, on the other hand, ends a legal marriage.

The main difference is that an annulment requires proof that the marriage was never valid, while a divorce acknowledges the end of the marriage and divides property and debt accordingly.

Grounds For An Annulment In Dearborn

Certain circumstances in Michigan can lead to a marriage being considered void and eligible for annulment. One reason is if either party is below the legal age of consent, which is 16 years old or 18 with parental permission. If a person is under 16 when they get married, the marriage can be annulled by law.

Another situation where annulment may be granted is if one party has a declared disability that affects their ability to understand and agree to marriage contracts. If one spouse was already married to someone else when they entered the current marriage, that can also be grounds for annulment.

Lastly, if the potential spouses are closely related, such as siblings, the marriage is considered invalid and can be voided by annulment.

Bigamy

Bigamy is a crime in the state of Michigan and can be grounds for annulment. Bigamy occurs when someone is legally married to two or more people at the same time. This means that they have entered into multiple marriage contracts without dissolving any of them beforehand.

As a criminal offense, bigamy carries jail time as well as possible fines, depending on the circumstances.

Mental Condition

The state of Michigan permits annulment in specific situations, including when an individual has a mental condition. A court may grant an annulment if the individual's mental incapacity was severe enough to hinder their comprehension of the implications of their decision to marry.

someone signing off on paperwork for their annulment

If you are pursuing an annulment on the legal grounds of a mental condition, it is crucial to undergo evaluation by a medical professional and provide the court with the resulting assessment.

Physical Incapacity

In Michigan, one of the main reasons for granting an annulment is physical incapacity. If a spouse was unable to consummate the marriage, you may be eligible for an annulment. To prove this, you must provide evidence supporting your case. For a Michigan court to grant an annulment, the petitioner must demonstrate that the marriage was never valid.

If you are considering filing for an annulment, it is important to consult with a skilled Michigan annulment attorney who can assess your case and determine if you have grounds for one. A knowledgeable attorney can help you prove that the marriage was not legally binding and should be annulled.

Forced Into Marriage

Forced marriage is a serious problem that often goes unnoticed or unreported. In Michigan, annulment can be an option for those who were forced to marry against their will. Annulment is a legal process that cancels a marriage, essentially erasing it as if it never happened.

When someone is forced into marriage, they may not realize they have legal options like annulment. It's important to contact a skilled Michigan annulment attorney who can review your case and determine if you qualify for an annulment. A skilled attorney can assist you in providing evidence that the marriage was not entered into willingly or by choice at the time and therefore should be nullified.

Improper Ceremony

Improper ceremonies can potentially lead to annulation in Michigan. This can occur if the ceremony was not conducted by a legally authorized individual or if the couple did not obtain a valid marriage license beforehand.

a couple reviewing documents related to their annulment

In Michigan, marriages must be solemnized by a licensed minister, an ordained rabbi, or a judge to be legally recognized. If the ceremony was not performed by one of these authorized individuals and no valid license was obtained, seeking a religious annulment may be an option.

Fraud & Concealed Intent

In Michigan, annulment is possible if fraud or concealed intent is proven. Annulment is a legal procedure that invalidates a marriage. To obtain court approval for annulment, evidence of fraud or concealed intent must be provided.

Fraud happens when one spouse intentionally deceives the other into getting married this can be situations such as marriage for immigration fraud.

Concealed intent occurs when a spouse hides important information, like mental illness or criminal history. If the petitioner can prove either fraud or concealed intent, the court may grant an annulment of marriage.

The Annulment Process

Annulment is a legal process that ends marriages. It's different from a divorce because it completely dissolves the marriage. Annulments are retroactive and erase any evidence of the marriage existing. In Michigan, only specific grounds qualify for an annulment.

If you think your marriage qualifies, contact a Michigan annulment attorney. They can review your case and determine if you have grounds for an annulment. An experienced attorney will help prove the marriage was invalid and should be dissolved.

What is the Process for Obtaining an Annulment?

The process for obtaining an annulment in Michigan is relatively straightforward. First, you need to file a petition for annulment with the court. The petition must include certain information such as your name, address, date of marriage, reason for wanting the annulment, and details about any children involved. The court will then review the petition and decide whether or not to grant the annulment. If the court grants the annulment, it will issue a decree of nullity that legally dissolves the marriage.

a torn paper heart with two wedding rings on top of it

If you think your marriage qualifies for an annulment, contact a skilled Michigan annulment attorney. 

When can an Annulment be Granted in Dearborn?

When seeking an annulment in Dearborn, Michigan, there are several key factors to consider. An annulment is a legal action that nullifies a marriage and can be granted only when certain conditions are met. Generally, the following criteria must be satisfied to receive an annulment in Dearborn:

The marriage was entered into under duress or fraud.

  • A valid marriage license was not obtained before the ceremony.
  • The marriage was not solemnized by a person legally authorized to do so.
  • Either one or both parties involved in the marriage were below the legal age.
  • One or both parties are medically incapable of consummating the marriage.
  • One spouse has concealed their criminal record, history of drug or alcohol abuse, or mental illness.

An annulment may be granted in Dearborn when certain criteria are met. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney to ensure a smooth process. They can assess your case and determine if you have valid grounds for an annulment.

When is an Annulment Right for Me?

When deciding if an annulment is the right choice for you, there are several factors to consider. The first factor you should consider is the length of your marriage. In Michigan, an annulment can only be granted if the marriage lasted less than three hundred days. If your marriage has been longer than this, then an annulment is not an option for you.

The next factor to consider is the grounds for annulment. Michigan law allows annulments to be granted on several grounds, including duress or fraud, lack of valid marriage license, failure to solemnize the marriage, underage marriage, and incapacity of one or both spouses. If your marriage meets any of these criteria, then it may qualify for an annulment.

Call Our Experienced Dearborn Annulment Attorney Today!

At Clarity Law Firm, our experienced Dearborn annulment attorney will fight for your rights and help you understand the process for a marriage annulment. We understand that filing for an annulment is a difficult decision and can be daunting. That’s why we are here to guide you through it every step of the way.

We strive to provide superior legal advice to help you make informed decisions and resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. Let us help you find the clarity you need to move forward.