Annulment vs. Divorce

When a marriage comes to an end, it can be a painful and difficult process for everyone involved. Although most people opt for a divorce, there are some extenuating circumstances that might prompt the couple to nullify their marriage rather than just get a divorce.

An annulment differs from a divorce in that it completely voids the previous marriage. While divorce is the legal proceeding that cancels the marriage, it still existed in the past despite of the separation. An annulment is a retroactive declaration that the marriage was wrong from the beginning, and therefore never truly existed.

Catholicism and Annulments

An annulment is typically considered a Catholic practice. The Catholic faith believes that marriage is a life-long commitment to your spouse, and divorce is not an option. However, when it is absolutely necessary for a couple to get a divorce, neither is free to remarry if they are Catholic. Catholicism requires that the marriage to be nullified in order to completely void it.

Reasons for an Annulment

If you are Catholic, a tribunal will review your marriage to see if it can be annulled. However, even non-Catholics may seek an annulment of marriage for one of the following reasons:

• Accidental or forced marriage between two close relatives
• Impaired mental capability at the time of marriage
• Fraud in the marriage, such as a concealment of sterility
• Marriage to someone who is already married
• Marriage due to threat

Contact Us

If you or someone you know would like to explore their options in dissolving a marriage, contact the experienced and caring Frisco divorce lawyers of Alexander & Associates today at 972-420-6570.