The path forward might seem unclear when you realize your marriage needs to end. While divorce represents the most common choice, you do have options available. Aside from expedited or nonadversarial divorce and legal separation, there is also annulment.
Many people might not know that Connecticut law allows for marriage annulment. Although similar, this option does differ significantly from divorce. Understanding whether annulment suits your situation could make a meaningful difference in your future.
Pros and cons of getting an annulment
An annulment declares your marriage invalid from the start, unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage. This distinction matters for various reasons.
Annulments often carry less social stigma, especially in religious communities. Moreover, annulments eliminate the need for property division in most cases. They also typically move through courts faster than divorces.
However, annulments require specific grounds and thorough evidence. This makes them more challenging to get approved than divorces, even if they move through courts faster.
Legal reasons Connecticut courts grant annulments
There are several possible legal grounds for a civil annulment in Connecticut. These may include:
- Either party was under 16 when married
- The marriage occurred under fraud or force
- One spouse concealed the inability to have children
- Close blood relation exists between spouses
- One spouse lacked the mental capacity to consent to marriage
- Either spouse was already married to someone else
- Someone without proper authority performed the ceremony
These grounds must exist at the time of marriage, not develop later. You’ll need strong evidence to prove any of these circumstances in court.
Making the right choice for your future
The decision between annulment and divorce depends on your specific situation. While annulments might seem appealing, they aren’t always the best or easiest choice. A qualified family law attorney can review your circumstances and help determine whether you meet Connecticut’s annulment criteria. Their guidance can prove invaluable in choosing the most beneficial path for ending your marriage and moving forward with your life.