Just like a divorce, an annulment brings your marriage to an end. However, whilst a divorce dissolves your marriage, an annulment of marriage means that in the eyes of the law, the marriage never took place.
An annulment is a legal procedure that ends a marriage by declaring it null and void. It can be granted if a marriage is deemed to be either defective or was never valid in the first place. That's why, if you can establish that your marriage to your partner was never legal, then in the eyes of the law, it is as though it didn't happen.
In contrast, a divorce doesn't bring into question the legal validity of a marriage; instead, it is the legal dissolution of a marriage. Unlike an annulment - which you can get at any time after your wedding - you must be married for a year before you can apply for a divorce.
Why seek an annulment rather than a divorce?
There may be cultural or religious reasons why you wish to avoid getting a divorce; and obtain an annulment instead – provided the stringent conditions are met.
How to annul a marriage in the UK
To apply for an annulment, your marriage must be deemed to be either 'void' or 'voidable'. The first category, void marriages, relates to marriages that were never legally valid when entered into. This might include situations when:
One or both parties were under the age of 16 at the time of the wedding
One person was already in a marriage or civil partnership with another person at the time of the wedding
The couple are closely related to one other
If any of these criteria apply to your marriage, it won't have been legal in the first place, and it should be relatively straightforward to have your marriage annulled.
The second category is voidable marriages. Cases that fall into this category include situations when:
One person didn't properly consent to the marriage: for example, they were under the influence of alcohol during the marriage ceremony, or were intimidated going ahead with the marriage
The marriage wasn't consummated, either due to refusal or inability
A female partner was pregnant with someone else's child when the marriage took place, and the male spouse was unaware of this fact
One spouse had a communicable sexually transmitted disease when the wedding ceremony took place
Can I get a civil partnership annulled?
Yes, if you meet the criteria as outlined above, it is possible to get a civil partnership annulled instead of dissolved. This means that if your annulment is granted, the civil partnership will to all intents and purposes never have existed.
How do I start the annulment process?
If you wish to start the annulment process, the first step is to contact our specialist annulment lawyer. All you'll need to do is provide some details about your marriage and the circumstances surrounding it, and our lawyers will ask a few essential questions to establish whether or not you may qualify for an annulment.
If both parties agree to the annulment, this means it is 'uncontested, making the process relatively straightforward as long as you meet the necessary criteria.
However, if one party disagrees and chooses to contest the annulment, our lawyer will need to gather evidence and put a case together to prove that the marriage is invalid. In many cases, an annulment can be granted in as little as three to five months. However, if the annulment is contested or there are unusual circumstances surrounding the marriage, it can take longer.
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint.
C I (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf.
J B (family and personal matters case)
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with S&G - from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued.
B L (family and personal matters case)
In any case, rest assured that Slater and Gordon's marriage annulment lawyers are here to handle your annulment with sensitivity and discretion.
If you believe that there are grounds for annulling your marriage of civil partnership, speak to one of our experienced annulment lawyers today. Call us now on 0330 107 5021 or contact us and we will call you.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s marriage annulment lawyers?
Whatever your personal circumstances, rest assured that Slater and Gordon's marriage annulment lawyers are here to handle your annulment with sensitivity and discretion.
Led by our head of family practice, Georgina Chase, our family law team has received recognition and numerous accolades from the legal industry. Georgina herself is ranked in the independent legal directory Chambers and Partners, and many of our team are recognised in the Legal 500.
We are Lexcel accredited, which was introduced by The Law Society as a quality mark for client cases, practice management and legal compliance.
We are proud members of Resolution, an organisation of family justice professionals committed to promoting a constructive approach to family issues, and have office nationwide so we’re able to bring our expertise to your doorstep.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of family solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We offer affordable, expert legal advice on divorce and child arrangements. Book a consultation for clear guidance and next steps. Our assessment helps you understand your situation and make informed decisions. Consultation charged at £150 for 45 minutes.
Tailored advice
We understand that family situations differ – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
There is no strict time limit for obtaining an annulment. What’s more, unlike divorce, you don’t have to wait for twelve months before applying for an annulment. However, it is worth noting that if you apply for an annulment many years after the marriage, you may be required to explain the delay.
Can you still marry if you are annulled?
Yes. If you’ve previously had a marriage annulled, you can remarry. An annulment entirely voids a marriage by proving it was never valid, which means legally speaking you were never actually married at all. You will need the legal paperwork, known as a decree of nullity or nullity of marriage order, to prove your marriage was annulled if you wish to remarry.
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint. C I (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf. J B (family and personal matters case)
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with S&G - from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued. B L (family and personal matters case)