Experienced Annulment Attorneys in Santa Monica, California
get your free case evaluationAt Fernandez Law Group, our dedicated Santa Monica family law attorneys pride ourselves on listening and offering unique legal guidance for our client’s circumstances, including those seeking an annulment.
An annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void as if it never existed.
At Fernandez Law Group, we understand that entering a marriage often involves personal expectations and ideals. When these expectations aren’t met, it can lead to a range of emotions. We recognize that there may be societal stigmas associated with seeking an annulment, but we want to assure you that we are here to support you, not to judge you.
With a team of seasoned attorneys, each with a wealth of legal experience, Fernandez Law Group is a standout in California family law. We pride ourselves on our unique approach to each case, which is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. We are not just another law firm but your trusted legal partners.
Meet with one of our skilled annulment attorneys in Santa Monica today for a confidential consultation to learn more about our approach to family law cases.
Contact Fernandez Law Group today or call (310)622-9434 to schedule a free consultation with one of our family law lawyers in Los Angeles!
What is the Difference Between Annulment and Divorce in Santa Monica, California?
Most married couples require a Santa Monica divorce attorney to help them navigate a divorce or legal separation. However, there are a few specific situations in which a California couple can seek an annulment. First, it is vital to understand the differences.
An annulment is a nullification of a marriage or domestic partnership. In an annulment, the court verifies that the domestic partnership or marriage was void or not legally binding at its inception. An annulment is treated as if a marriage never legally occurred. This means that both parties return to their single status as to property and all other matters, with certain legal exceptions involving shared minor children.
Legal reasons for seeking an annulment in California include, but are not limited to:
- Underage Marriage
One or both parties were underage at the time of marriage and didn’t have proper consent from parents or legal guardians.
- Legal Invalidity
Legal invalidity can have several definitions, including one party that was already married (bigamy), lack of consent, or the incapacity to consent due to intoxication/impairment or mental incompetence where the person couldn’t understand the nature of the marriage contract.
- Fraud or Misrepresentation
If one party entered into the marriage based on fraudulent information or misrepresented themselves to the other in a way that significantly affected the decision to marry.
- Incest
The spouses are close-blood relatives, making the marriage legally prohibited in most jurisdictions.
- Impotence
One party was physically incapable of consummating the marriage, and the other party was unaware of this incapacity at the time of marriage.
- Force or Duress
If one party was coerced or forced into the marriage against their will.
The significant difference is that an annulment essentially declares that the marriage was never legally valid, whereas a divorce ends a legally valid marriage. Some spouses in invalid marriages and domestic partnerships may not be eligible to seek an annulment as they have exceeded the time limit or statute of limitations. These spouses must pursue a divorce.
California is a no-fault divorce state. This means that the court may grant a divorce or dissolution of marriage for “irreconcilable differences” or an “irrevocable breakdown of the marriage.” Neither spouse must shoulder the blame for the divorce.
If you are unsure whether your marriage meets the necessary criteria to pursue an annulment, contact our skilled family law attorneys in Santa Monica today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
What Clients Say About Fernandez Law Group
What Happens If My California Marriage Does Not Qualify for an Annulment?
If your marriage is not eligible for annulment, you can file for divorce in California. A divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage, legally terminates a valid marriage. Unlike an annulment, which treats the marriage as if it never existed, a divorce ends a legally recognized marital relationship.
We can help you understand how a California divorce will impact your future, including your rights to shared property. California is a community property state, meaning marital property acquired during the marriage is generally divided equally between the spouses. We can also help you determine issues such as spousal support and, if applicable, child custody and support arrangements.
We Also Focus on the Following Areas in Santa Monica:
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Domestic Violence
- Family Law Mediation
- Judgment Modification
- Move Away and Relocation
- Paternity
- Restraining Orders
- Spousal Support
- Order Enforcement
Contact Our Experienced Annulment Attorneys in Santa Monica, California for Help Today
Family law cases can be overwhelming and stressful, especially ones where you are unsure how to proceed. At Fernandez Law Group, we will answer your questions and concerns while ensuring you understand how California’s family laws and statutes impact you and your case.
Our law firm’s founder and managing partner, Steven Fernandez, is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, and they have the experience and resources to provide you with the quality legal representation you want and deserve.
Do not allow your legal burdens to weigh you down. Let Fernandez Law Group shoulder your concerns and legal issues so you can confidently move forward, starting today.