If you’re like most people, you’ve heard the term annulment before—but what does it mean, and how different is it from divorce? Is it even possible to get an annulment in Wisconsin?
For most people, legal annulment isn’t an option; instead, they talk to a Milwaukee divorce attorney who helps them work out custody, child support and property division.
What is an Annulment?
An annulment is the legal dissolution of a marriage. In that way, it’s a lot like divorce.
However, in an annulment, it’s as if the marriage never happened. Essentially, it’s a way that the state can enable you to declare that you were never legally married.
What Are the Grounds for Annulment in Wisconsin?
In order to have your marriage annulled in Wisconsin, you’ll need to show that it was an invalid marriage in the first place.
Some common grounds for annulment in Wisconsin include:
- An underage spouse
- Force or duress
- Fraud
- Bigamy
- Incest (first cousins or closer)
- Mental incapacity
The law forbids an annulment after one party to the marriage dies.
How to Get an Annulment in Wisconsin
If you do qualify for an annulment, you can file the appropriate petition with the court. However, because most people don’t fit the criteria for an annulment, they choose to file for divorce instead.
Divorce is the only way to legally dissolve a valid marriage, which is why it’s important to talk to a Wisconsin divorce lawyer as soon as you begin contemplating a split. Remember, talking to a lawyer doesn’t have to mean you’re committed to divorce; it’s just a way to explore your options if your marriage isn’t working.
If you’d like legal advice on annulment or divorce, we can help. Call us at 414-383-6700 or contact us online. We have been helping people in situations similar to yours for more than 15 years, and we would welcome the opportunity to help you, too.
Meta: What is an annulment, and is it an option for you? Here’s what you need to know about annulment and divorce.
