Annulments in California – Orange County Annulment Attorney
Every year, marriages and domestic partnerships in California end not by divorce, but through annulment or legal nullification. Although annulments are less common, they remain an important option for individuals whose unions were never valid under the law. As an experienced California annulment attorney, Moshtael Family Law provides clear guidance and compassionate support to clients seeking to determine whether they qualify for a nullity of marriage or domestic partnership.
Nullity of Marriage or Domestic Partnership
Divorce is not the only way to end a marriage; there are other options available. An annulment declares that—legally—it is as though the marriage never existed. Only certain marriages qualify for annulment, typically those that were never valid to begin with, such as marriages entered into under duress, through fraud, due to incapacity, or when one spouse was already legally married.
What Is an Annulment?
An annulment is a legal process that determines a marriage was invalid from the start. A marriage may be considered:
- Void: Never legally valid (e.g., bigamy, incest).
- Voidable: Valid but challengeable (e.g., fraud, coercion, incapacity, underage marriage).
Once granted, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never existed—although court records remain public.
What Are the Effects of an Annulment?
The effects are retroactive, erasing the marriage legally so parties can claim they were never married, though records of the annulment remain public. Courts protect property rights, child support, and custody, as in divorce—children are not deemed illegitimate—and may award spousal support if it is equitable, without invalidating prenuptial agreements in all cases.
Difference Between Divorce and Annulment
While a divorce and an annulment both bring about a determination about a marriage, they are drastically different. A divorce ends an existing marriage that is seen as legally valid by the court. By contrast, an annulment is granted when the court finds that the marriage was never valid to begin with. An annulment means that, in the eyes of the law, that marriage never really existed.
Understanding this distinction is critical when considering legal options in Orange County.
Grounds for Annulment in California
In California, there are specific grounds under which a marriage may be annulled:
- One or both parties have a prior existing marriage
- The marriage was entered into with unsound mind
- One or both of the parties was forced or coerced into the marriage
- Physical incapacity, if one or both of the parties was physically unable to give consent
- If the party who wishes to annul was under the age of 18 at the time of the marriage.
With over 130 years of combined experience among our attorneys, and an unwavering commitment to providing personalized support, we at Moshtael Family Law are here to provide the help you need with your annulment. Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and options.
How to Get an Annulment in California
1. Confirm Eligibility
Your situation must meet one of California’s legally recognized grounds for annulment.
2. Prepare the Filing (Petition for Nullity)
File the appropriate forms with the Superior Court in your county (e.g., Orange County).
3. File Within Legal Deadlines
Annulments have strict statutes of limitations depending on the grounds (see next section).
4. Serve Your Spouse
After filing, you must serve your spouse within 30 days.
5. Spouse’s Response
Your spouse has 30 days to respond. If uncontested, the process may move faster.
6. Court Review & Hearing
A judge evaluates the evidence and determines whether the marriage was valid or invalid from the start.
7. Final Judgment of Nullity
If approved, the marriage is legally erased as if it never existed.
Statute of Limitations for Annulment (Family Code §2211)
In California, annulment deadlines vary by reason under Family Code §2210. File within these limits:
- Underage marriage (§2210(a)): Minor files within 4 years of turning 18; guardian files before then.
- Unsound mind (§2210(b)): Either spouse files during the other’s lifetime; former spouse anytime.
- Fraud (§2210(c)): Injured party (or conservator) files before either spouse dies.
- Force/duress (§2210(d)): Injured party files within 4 years of marriage.
- Physical incapacity (§2210(e)): Injured party files within 4 years of marriage.
Void marriages (e.g., bigamy) have no deadline. Missing limits often requires divorce.
Annulment & Paternity
Since an annulled marriage is not seen as valid, the children born during that marriage can technically be viewed as though they were born to single parents. However, you can always ask a judge to establish paternity. Additionally, in California, fathers are protected by the presumption of paternity – this is the legal assumption that the former husband is the father, even if the marriage was not valid.
Working with an Attorney to Annul Your Marriage
If you believe you may qualify for an annulment, the Orange County annulment lawyers at Moshtael Family Law can offer experienced, knowledgeable insight. Nullity of a marriage or domestic partnership is a legal matter with certain complexities and timelines that must be considered. Our attorneys can ensure you qualify, help you with all documentation, and guide you through the necessary legal proceedings.
Key Issues Every Client Should Understand
- Eligibility Requirements – Not all marriages qualify; deadlines are strict.
- Grounds for Annulment – Fraud, duress, bigamy, underage marriage, unsound mind, or physical incapacity.
- Financial & Property Considerations – Even annulled marriages may involve division of property or assets.
- Child Custody & Support – Children’s interests are protected even if the marriage is annulled.
- Documentation & Evidence – Organized evidence is essential for proving grounds for annulment.
- Temporary Court Orders – Courts may issue temporary custody, support, or property orders during proceedings.
- Local Court Knowledge Matters – Familiarity with Orange County courts and judges can improve your outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between annulment and divorce?
Divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment declares a marriage null and void, as though it never existed.
Do I need an attorney to file for annulment in Orange County?
While you can file pro se, having an attorney ensures eligibility, proper documentation, and effective representation.
What documents are needed for an annulment?
Marriage certificate, evidence of grounds for annulment (emails, texts, legal documents), financial records, and any supporting paperwork.
Can annulments affect property, assets, or debts?
Yes. Even annulled marriages may involve property division, financial obligations, or support arrangements depending on the circumstances.
Can children be involved in an annulment case?
Yes. Child custody, visitation, and support are handled according to the child’s best interests, even if the marriage is annulled.
What are the most common grounds for annulment in California?
Fraud, concealment of essential facts, underage marriage without consent, duress, physical incapacity, or unsound mind.
