What Are the Grounds for Annulment in Michigan?

When it comes to ending a marriage, many people immediately think of divorce. However, annulment is another legal avenue that some might consider. Understanding the grounds for annulment in Michigan is crucial for anyone contemplating this legal process. Unlike divorce, which legally ends a marriage, an annulment declares that the marriage was never valid from the start. Our attorneys at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office help you explore what annulment means and the specific grounds for annulment in Michigan.

What is an Annulment?

An annulment is a legal procedure that effectively erases a marriage as if it never existed. While commonly misunderstood as a quicker or simpler alternative to divorce, annulments are only granted under specific circumstances. A civil annulment impacts your marital status in the eyes of the law. It can affect issues such as child legitimacy and property division.

Legal Grounds for Annulment in Michigan

Michigan law outlines several specific grounds under which an annulment may be granted. Understanding these grounds is essential for any spouse seeking this legal resolution.

Force or Fraud

If a marriage was entered into under force or fraud, it might be annulled. This includes situations where one spouse deceived the other about significant issues such as the ability to have children or existing pregnancies that were undisclosed. For instance, if one spouse hid their intention never to have children or engage in marital relations, this may be grounds for annulment. Importantly, the couple must not have voluntarily lived together after the discovery of such fraud.

Bigamy

Bigamy occurs when one spouse is already legally married to another living person at the time of the second marriage. This situation renders the subsequent marriage void from the beginning. If you suspect bigamy, an annulment is a legal remedy to address this invalid marriage.

Incapacity

A marriage can be annulled if one spouse was physically or mentally incapable of entering into the marriage contract. Physical incapacity must be brought to court within two years of marriage. Mental incapacity may involve a third party filing the annulment on behalf of the incapable spouse. If the incapacity was later resolved and the couple chose to remain together, the marriage can become valid.

Underage Marriage

Michigan law now requires individuals to be at least 18 years old to marry. If one or both parties were under the age of consent when married, they can seek an annulment. 

Kinship

Marriages between closely related individuals, including step-relations closer than first cousins, are prohibited in Michigan. Such marriages are considered invalid and can be annulled.

Why Seek Legal Assistance?

Navigating the complexities of annulment law requires professional guidance. The process involves intricate legal standards and can significantly impact your life and future. At the Van Den Heuvel Law Office, our seasoned attorneys are well-versed in Michigan’s annulment laws. We provide personalized representation at each step of the process.

Contact Our Law Office

If you are considering an annulment and believe you meet one of the legal grounds outlined above, it is crucial to seek professional legal advice. The skilled team at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office is ready to help you explore your options and guide you through the annulment process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your marital status.