What is the process for filing for an annulment?
In Washington, an annulment is a legal process that ends a marriage before it has been legally recognized. To file for an annulment, a couple must submit a complaint to their local family court. This complaint must explain why the couple believes their marriage is void or voidable. Once the complaint is filed, the court will review the facts of the case and make a decision. A void marriage is one that was never legally recognized. This can include cases of underage marriage, bigamy, or lack of a valid marriage license. It can also include cases of fraud or force, in which one party was forced into marriage or lied about a major aspect of their identity or life. A voidable marriage is one that was legally recognized, but can be ended because of a certain legal factor. This can include cases of bigamy, impotency, incest, mental incapacity, or failure to consummate the marriage. If the court finds that the marriage is void or voidable, they will then issue an annulment decree. This decree will terminate the marriage and allow the parties to move forward as if the marriage never occurred.
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