Annulment Attorneys in California (Family Code Section 2200)
An annulment in California is the legal procedure in which the family court declares that a marriage or domestic partnership is null and void. Thus, the court order is stating that a marriage or domestic partnership was invalid from the moment it was created or that the marriage or domestic partnership never legally existed.
However, this aspect of California family law can be very complicated. Therefore it is essential that you speak with an experienced California annulment attorney.
The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have successfully helped thousands of clients with their annulment cases for over 30 years. We can help you, too. Visit our testimonials page to see what some of our clients have to say about us.
This longstanding reputation has helped us achieve the highest of merits, including a 5 out of 5 AV rating on Lawyers.com, a 10 out of 10 rating on AVVO.com, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Contact our annulment attorneys today at (888) 749-7428 for professional legal advice about your case.
Legal Marriage Or Domestic Partnership
Under California Family Code Section 300, a marriage or domestic partnership is defined as a “personal relation arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary.” In addition, to consent, the couple must obtain a marriage or domestic partnership license from the county clerk, solemnize the marriage or domestic partnership through a priest, minister, rabbi, or judicial officer, and both parties must be at least 18 years of age. Lastly, the person who solemnized the marriage or domestic partnership must authenticate it on the marriage or domestic partnership certificate and return that certificate to the county recorder within 10 days after the ceremony.
Void vs. Voidable Marriage
It is important to distinguish the difference between a void and voidable marriage.
If there are any illegalities or defects in the legal formation of the marriage or domestic partnership, then the marriage or domestic partnership can be rendered “void” or “voidable.”
A marriage or domestic partnership is void when the marriage or domestic partnership has been invalid from its inception. A marriage or domestic partnership is voidable when the marriage or domestic partnership is susceptible to an annulment. Being “void” or “voidable” may affect the rights of each party and may also entail different procedural guidelines.
Annulment vs Divorce
An annulment differs from a divorce in that a divorce terminates a validly recognized marriage or domestic partnership. Thus, when a couple files for an annulment, since the marriage or domestic partnership never legally existed, under California Family Code Section 2212, the person returns to the status of “unmarried person.”
Another difference between an annulment and a divorce is that an annulment, must show that the marriage or domestic partnership was illegal from the beginning of the marriage or domestic partnership or that the marriage or domestic partnership deviated from the requirements of state law during its formation. But with a divorce, the grounds for the divorce usually arise after the marriage or domestic partnership has been legally established.
California Annulment Attorney
Wallin & Klarich has handled divorces, legal separations, and annulments for more than 30 years. We know our clients are going through a difficult transition. It is because of this we are committed to providing timely, informative legal advice to our clients. When you place your trust in a California family law attorney from Wallin & Klarich, you rely on our promise to work vigorously to get the best possible outcome in your case.
With offices located in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Victorville, West Covina, Sherman Oaks, Torrance and Ventura , there is a Wallin & Klarich attorney available wherever you happen to live.
To speak with an experienced California annulment attorney about your case, call us at (888) 749-7428. We will get through this together.