Glendale Annulment Attorneys

Helping Clients in Pasadena, Burbank, & the San Fernando Valley

Annulments are often misunderstood. Many people believe that an annulment is a religious process that is only available to those who were married in a church. In reality, an annulment is a legal process that is available to anyone who meets the legal requirements. If you are considering an annulment, it is important to speak to an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your options.

At Holmes & Holmes, our Glendale annulment lawyers have been helping clients throughout the San Fernando Valley since 1972. We have a comprehensive understanding of the annulment process and can help you determine if you qualify. If you do, we can help you take the necessary steps to dissolve your marriage.

Call (818) 284-6632 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team today.

What Is an Annulment?

An annulment is a legal process that dissolves a marriage. Unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed. In other words, an annulment is a legal declaration that the marriage was never valid in the first place.

Because an annulment treats the marriage as if it never happened, the court will not divide property or make orders for spousal support. However, the court can make orders for child custody, visitation, and support if the couple has children together.

It is important to note that an annulment is not the same as a religious annulment. A religious annulment is a separate process that is conducted by a church. While a religious annulment may have spiritual significance, it does not have any legal effect. In other words, even if you receive a religious annulment, you are still legally married.

What Are the Grounds for Annulment in California?

In California, you can only get an annulment if you can prove that your marriage is void or voidable. A void marriage is one that is invalid from the beginning. A voidable marriage is one that is valid until it is annulled. If you are in a voidable marriage, you can choose to stay married if you want to.

There are several grounds for annulment in California, including:

• One or both spouses were under the age of 18 at the time of the marriage and did not have the consent of a parent or guardian
• One or both spouses were already married or in a domestic partnership at the time of the marriage
• One or both spouses were of unsound mind at the time of the marriage
• One or both spouses were physically unable to consummate the marriage and the other spouse did not know
• One or both spouses were fraudulently induced to enter into the marriage
• One or both spouses entered into the marriage as a result of force

If you are considering an annulment, it is important to speak to an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your options. At Holmes & Holmes, our Glendale annulment lawyers can help you determine if you qualify for an annulment and guide you through the process.

How to Get an Annulment in California

The process for getting an annulment in California is similar to the process for getting a divorce. However, there are some key differences. For example, you do not have to meet the residency requirements to get an annulment. In other words, you can get an annulment in California even if you were married in another state or country.

To get an annulment in California, you must file a petition with the court that includes:

• Your name and address
• The name and address of your spouse
• The date and location of your marriage
• The reason you are seeking an annulment
• Whether you want the court to make orders for child custody, visitation, and support

Once you have filed your petition, you must serve your spouse with a copy of the petition. Your spouse will then have 30 days to file a response. If your spouse does not file a response, the court will grant your annulment by default. If your spouse does file a response, you will need to attend a hearing. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence to support your request for an annulment. If the court grants your annulment, it will issue a judgment that declares your marriage void or voidable.

How Long Does an Annulment Take in California?

The length of time it takes to get an annulment in California depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case and the court’s schedule. In general, an annulment takes about six months to complete. However, it can take longer if your case is particularly complex or if the court is backed up.

How Much Does an Annulment Cost in California?

The cost of an annulment in California depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case and whether you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your annulment. In general, an annulment is less expensive than a divorce. This is because an annulment is a simpler process that does not involve dividing property or making orders for spousal support.

If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your annulment, you can save a significant amount of time and money. At Holmes & Holmes, our Glendale annulment lawyers can help you negotiate a settlement that protects your interests. If you and your spouse cannot agree, we can represent you in court and fight for a favorable outcome.

How Does an Annulment Affect Property?

Unlike a divorce, an annulment does not involve dividing property. This is because an annulment treats the marriage as if it never happened. In other words, the court will not divide property because it will assume that you and your spouse kept your property separate.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you and your spouse purchased property together during your marriage, the court may order you to sell the property and divide the proceeds. Similarly, if you and your spouse have children together, the court can make orders for child custody, visitation, and support.

If you are considering an annulment and have questions about how it will affect your property, it is important to speak to an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.

Call (818) 284-6632 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team today.