Why Would Someone Want an Annulment?

The end of a marriage is a deeply personal matter for all people, and it’s no different when it comes to deciding whether to favor an annulment over a divorce. If you’re wondering why someone would want an annulment, read on to learn about a few considerations. 

How Do People Choose to Annul a Marriage?

The end of a marriage is never easy, and the decision to pursue an annulment over a divorce is one that is never taken lightly. Given the legal complexity that often surrounds annulments, however, one might be led to question whether it makes more sense to just get a divorce. 

The truth is that people may opt for an annulment for personal, social, or even economic reasons. For example, a spouse could ask for an annulment for: 

• Personal reasons – This one seems obvious but is often overlooked. Simply put, when some people uncover the sort of earth-shattering deception that ends a marriage, like infidelity or fraud, they just want to act like it never existed in the first place. 
• Social reasons – Although it’s true that less and less social stigma exists around divorce, there are some people that still feel that an annulment is a better way of bringing their marriage to an end. 
• Religious reasons – Getting a religious annulment doesn’t have any impact on the legal side of your marriage. But for some people in faith-based communities, the same reasons that lead them to pursue a religious annulment compels them to ask for a legal one as well. 
• Financial reasons – In California, the court doesn’t have the authority to authorize spousal support or other financial measures after an annulment. Similarly, property and other assets must be separated entirely. The upshot of this is that some people choose annulment over divorce because they feel it gives them a chance to save money when compared to attachments of a divorce. 

Grounds for Getting Your Marriage Annulled in California

California law mandates that annulment only be granted in limited scenarios. These may include marriages where bigamy, incest, fraud, or coercion were involved, to name a few. The complicated requirements for getting an annulment, as well as the enormously consequential financial stakes, compel most people to consult with a trusted family law attorney before making an ultimate decision. 

Contact an Annulment Lawyer in Southern California 

When considering something as dramatic and permanent as annulment, you only get one chance to make sure your best interests are looked after. The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock features experienced lawyers specializing in family law who can walk you through the annulment process. 

Call 909-466-7661 or fill out the form below to contact an experienced Southern California annulment lawyer today.