Grand Rapids Annulment Attorneys

Helping You Understand the Annulment Process in Michigan

Annulments are often misunderstood. Many people believe that an annulment is a religious process that can only be obtained if the marriage was not consummated. In reality, an annulment is a legal process that can be obtained for a variety of reasons. If you are considering an annulment, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney to understand your rights and options.

At Thacker Sleight, our Grand Rapids annulment lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of family law matters. We understand the complexities of the annulment process and can help you navigate the legal system. Our team is committed to providing you with the compassionate and personalized legal representation you deserve.

Call our office today at (616) 300-2367 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.

What Is an Annulment?

An annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void. In other words, an annulment is a legal declaration that the marriage was never valid. Unlike a divorce, which is the legal process of ending a valid marriage, an annulment is a legal process of declaring that a marriage was never valid in the first place.

There are two types of annulments in Michigan:

• Void marriages: A void marriage is one that is considered invalid from the beginning. In Michigan, a marriage is void if one or both of the parties were already married at the time of the marriage. A marriage is also void if the parties are closely related by blood.
• Voidable marriages: A voidable marriage is one that is considered valid until it is annulled. In Michigan, a marriage is voidable if one or both of the parties were underage at the time of the marriage, one or both of the parties were mentally incompetent at the time of the marriage, one or both of the parties were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the marriage, one or both of the parties were forced into the marriage, or one or both of the parties were physically unable to consummate the marriage.

It is important to note that an annulment is not the same as a religious annulment. A religious annulment is a process that is recognized by a church or religious organization. A religious annulment does not have any legal effect and does not end a marriage. If you are seeking to end your marriage, you must obtain a legal annulment or a divorce.

How to Get an Annulment in Michigan

The process of obtaining an annulment in Michigan is similar to the process of obtaining a divorce. You must file a petition with the court and provide evidence to support your request for an annulment. If your spouse contests the annulment, the court will hold a hearing to determine whether the marriage is valid.

There are several grounds for an annulment in Michigan, including:

• Bigamy: If one or both of the parties were already married at the time of the marriage, the marriage is void and can be annulled.
• Underage: If one or both of the parties were underage at the time of the marriage, the marriage is voidable and can be annulled. In Michigan, the legal age to get married is 18. If a person is 16 or 17 years old, they can get married with the consent of a parent or guardian. If a person is 15 years old or younger, they can get married with the consent of a parent or guardian and the approval of a judge.
• Mental incapacity: If one or both of the parties were mentally incapacitated at the time of the marriage, the marriage is voidable and can be annulled. Mental incapacity means that a person is unable to understand the nature of the marriage contract and the duties and responsibilities that come with it.
• Physical incapacity: If one or both of the parties were physically unable to consummate the marriage, the marriage is voidable and can be annulled. Physical incapacity means that a person is unable to engage in sexual intercourse.
• Force or fraud: If one or both of the parties were forced into the marriage or if one or both of the parties were deceived about a material fact, the marriage is voidable and can be annulled. Force means that a person was physically or emotionally coerced into getting married. Fraud means that a person was deceived about a material fact, such as the ability to have children or a criminal history.

It is important to note that there are time limits for obtaining an annulment in Michigan. If you are seeking an annulment based on bigamy, you must file your petition within two years of the date of the marriage. If you are seeking an annulment based on any other ground, you must file your petition within two years of the date you discovered the ground for the annulment.

How Long Does an Annulment Take?

The length of time it takes to obtain an annulment in Michigan depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If your spouse contests the annulment, the process will take longer. In general, it takes several months to obtain an annulment in Michigan.

How Much Does an Annulment Cost?

The cost of an annulment in Michigan depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If your spouse contests the annulment, the cost will be higher. In general, an annulment is less expensive than a divorce because it is a simpler process.

How Does an Annulment Affect Children?

An annulment has no effect on children. If you have children with your spouse, you will still need to establish child custody, child support, and parenting time. The court will make these decisions based on the best interests of the child.

How Does an Annulment Affect Property?

An annulment has no effect on property. If you and your spouse own property together, you will still need to divide it. The court will divide your property based on the principle of equitable distribution.

How Does an Annulment Affect Debt?

An annulment has no effect on debt. If you and your spouse have debt together, you will still need to divide it. The court will divide your debt based on the principle of equitable distribution.

Call our office today at (616) 300-2367 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.