An Experienced Advocate For California Annulments

A marriage annulment is an alternative to a divorce that classifies a marriage as “void,” which is the legal equal of determining that a marriage did not exist. People seek annulments for religious, emotional and/or personal reasons. Because an annulment has more challenging legal requirements than a divorce, a skilled attorney can help guide you through the process.

At the Law Offices of Linda J. Claypool, we help our clients determine if an annulment is possible and then guide them through the family law proceedings. Our Riverside attorney has represented clients going through legal separations and divorces for over 15 years. We will examine your marriage termination options and show the court your need for an annulment.

What Are The Grounds For Annulment?

To qualify for an annulment, a person must prove that they would not have married another person if they knew certain information before the marriage or that the marriage was not legal from the start. Similar to a divorce, an annulment can require parties to divide their community assets and create a child custody agreement.

To have a marriage annulled in California, you must have at least one of these reasons:

• Force or fraud compelled a person to marry.
• One partner was married to another person at the time of the marriage.
• One partner was not mentally capable of entering into the marriage.
• One or both parties were under the age of 18 at the time of marriage.
• The married partners are close blood relatives.
• One partner is physically unable to consummate the marriage.

There are some time limits when applying for an annulment, which makes it even more important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. If a person wants an annulment because physical incapacity or force they have four years from the date of marriage to get an annulment. A person who was married before they were 18 must get an annulment within four years of turning 18. If a person wants an annulment because their spouse was already married or because their spouse is of unsound mind, they must obtain an annulment before the death of their spouse.

Our Lawyer Can Explain Annulments In Straightforward Terms

Annulments have complex legal rules and discussing your case in-person is the best way to understand your rights. You can learn more about your options for ending a marriage in a free consultation at our law firm. Call us at 951-824-6574 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation.