Annulment

An annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, essentially erasing it from existence. Unlike divorce, which terminates a valid marriage, an annulled marriage deems the marriage invalid from the start. While some individuals may opt for annulment over divorce for religious or financial reasons, it's important to note that grounds are limited.

Under Utah law, a marriage can be annulled for specific reasons related to whether the marriage was legal, including:

1. One spouse was still married to another person, even if a divorce was pending.
2. One spouse was underage and did not have parental or judicial consent.
3. The marriage was between close relatives who are prohibited from marrying.
4. There were technical problems with the ceremony or marriage license.

An annulment may also be granted in cases where one spouse has been significantly dishonest or fraudulent about the marriage. Fraud or dishonesty typically refers to one spouse concealing or lying about crucial information or intentions that would have impacted the other spouse's decision to marry.

It's important to clarify that the duration of the marriage does not constitute grounds for annulment under Utah law, though it may prove or disprove some of the facts supporting the petition.  This is a common misconception for many individuals who seek to annul their marriage. 

If you believe your situation meets the criteria for annulment, the process closely resembles that of divorce. It involves confirming eligibility, obtaining and filing the necessary forms, serving the opposing party, attending hearings if necessary, and acquiring the decree. After this point, your legal documents and records will reflect your marital status as annulled, as if the marriage never happened.

 We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team to discuss the specifics of your case. Let us guide you through the process and provide the support you need.

Resources: 

• Understanding Annulment vs Divorce Blog Post 
• Utah State Courts Annulment Page