Family Law & Divorce Attorney in New Jersey

Need an annulment?

Every person and couple's needs are unique. Divorce may not be the only option available to couples. Annulment may be appropriate in your case. Annulment is not a divorce in terms of terminating a marriage. Essentially, an annulment voids a marriage from its inception so that it never legally existed.

There are several causes for a Judgment of Nullity under the N.J.S.A. 2A:34-1.

• One spouse is married to another living person(bigamy) at the time of the marriage;
• One spouse is under the age of consent at the time of marriage;
• A spouse was forced, threatened or coerced into getting married;
• A spouse was either mentally incapacitated or intoxicated at the time of marriage;
• A marriage was entered into based on fraudulent actions or statements;
• One spouse is physically and incurably impotent, and the party making the application shall have been ignorant of such impotency or incapability at the time of the marriage, and the parties have not consummated the marriage; and
• Incestuous marriages.

Annulments are typically granted when a spouse fails to disclose impotency, enters a marraige to gain citizenship only, or enters the marriage promising a family and then reneges on that promise. Marriage is prohibited by law with persons closer than first cousins.

Since New Jersey allows for parties to file for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, annulments are rare. Most often, annulments are sought for religious purposes. Obtaining a civil annulment can be quite difficult and you will need to consult with a knowledgeable New Jersey divorce lawyer to see if it is an appropriate action in your case.

New Jersey Divorce Lawyer

It is crucial that you receive a thorough examination of your case by a skilled attorney. At the Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan, we have the know-how and resources you need to explore all possible routes to success in your case. Our lead attorney was named one of the top lawyers in New Jersey by "Super Lawyers" in 2009, and our team is prepared to put its expertise and care to work for you.

For more information on annulments and other courses of action when a separation is sought, contact a New Jersey divorce attorney as soon as possible.