Some people assume incorrectly that civil annulment is merely a desirable alternative to divorce for recently married spouses. This is not the case. To obtain an annulment, you must demonstrate that the union was never proper to begin win due to one of the specific reasons given in new York Law. At the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis in Williamsville and downtown Buffalo, we will answer your questions about whether your marriage is eligible for annulment. If it is, we can guide you through the relevant legal process. Alternatively, our firm can develop a plan for a relatively speedy divorce so that you can move on.
Like divorce, annulment is the end of a couple’s married life together. The primary difference is that an annulment is a court order declaring that a marriage was never valid in the first place. A court will consider six reasons for voiding a marriage:
An attorney with experience handling divorce and annulment matters can help you make your case by collecting evidence demonstrating that the union was not proper from the start. The longer you wait while living as spouses, the harder it may be to invalidate the marriage.
Once you have determined that you are eligible for an annulment of your marriage, you should work on settling issues related to the division of property and custody of any minor children that you share with the other party. Just as in divorce, if these matters cannot be agreed upon between the parties, the matter will have to be decided by a judge. A court can order an equitable distribution of shared property as well as maintenance payments, also known as alimony. In the case of children, just as in a divorce, you both remain responsible as parents and a court will issue an order concerning child support, custody and visitation.
Call the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis today at 716-886-9600 or contact our firm online to schedule an initial consultation regarding annulment or another family law concern. From our offices in Williamsville and downtown Buffalo, we represent clients living throughout Western New York.