Lakeland Annulment & Divorce Attorney
Annulment vs Divorce
If you are planning on ending your marriage, you have two options: a divorce or an annulment. They are not the same thing. A divorce is more common and ends a valid marriage, while an annulment ends an invalid marriage.
A marriage can be declared invalid for many reasons, but the main reason is fraud. With an annulment, a marriage is deemed null and void, as if it never happened. One myth is that a short marriage can be annulled. This is not true. While it’s much easier to annul a marriage that is short-lived, that is not the main requirement. There are other conditions that apply.
Does your marriage qualify for an annulment? Most likely, no, but Lakeland annulment & divorce attorney Darla K. Snead Dulin can assess your situation and help you find the right option.
Grounds for Annulment
An annulment is not as easy as a divorce, where you can simply state irreconcilable differences.
In order to get an annulment, you have to have grounds. These grounds may include:
- Fraud. Fraud involves the behavior of one spouse against the innocent spouse. Fraud can happen in many ways. Immigration, public benefits, Social Security benefits, and greed are common types of fraud. Marriages tend to break down due to these reasons shortly after the wedding. In any case, the facts must suggest there was no intent to live together as a married couple.
- Bigamy. Bigamy is the most common reason for annulment in Florida. It means your spouse was already married at the time of your marriage. This is actually a crime in the state.
- Lack of consummation. If you and your spouse got married but have never had sexual relations, then you may be able to annul your marriage, However, you need to act quickly. Don’t wait a year or two.
What to Know About Annulments
Many people think of an annulment as an easy way to end a marriage, but the truth is that annulments are often more complex than divorces because there are more limitations involved. It’s common for judges to deny them. You may get all the way to the final hearing, only to have the judge deny it.
Also, annulments can be more costly because of all that is involved. Plus, these cases are tricky, so it’s a good idea to have a lawyer on your side.
Contact Darla K. Snead, P.L. Attorney at Law Today
Many people confuse a divorce with an annulment, but it’s not the same thing. Annulments are only for voidable marriages, in which there is typically some fraud or crime involved. Divorces, on the other hand, can happen at any time and for any marriage.
If you are looking to end your marriage, Darla K. Snead, P.L. Attorney at Law can help. Our Lakeland annulment v. divorce lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. Call (863) 619-5291 to schedule a consultation.
