When a couple marries, they typically do so intending to remain happily married for the rest of their lives. However, we all know that this isn’t always the case. Countless marriages do not work out due to a myriad of reasons. In such cases, depending on the circumstances, there may be the common option of seeking a divorce or perhaps an annulment. A Miami family law lawyer can be highly useful in figuring out what options may be available.

An annulment declares the union null and void, which means there is no legal record of it happening. As a result, the grounds for annulment are significantly restricted. A partner must show the court that the marriage was never legitimate, such as when both partners were inebriated and incapable of making good decisions. An annulment could also be given if one of the couples omitted crucial evidence, such as the fact that one of them was already married or they are underage.

Divorce, on the other hand, dissolves a marriage while preserving its legality. Even after a court grants a divorce, there will be a legal record that the couple was married. Former partners must contend with a host of significant consequences of their divorce, including sharing joint property equally and child custody responsibilities if applicable.

Divorces and annulments have certain similarities, such as authorizing the couples to marry other people lawfully. In Florida, annulments rarely result in alimony fees or other property rights for former partners; instead, most courts empower former spouses to take care of splitting assets themselves in annulment scenarios. Many successful annulment proceedings take place early in the union, reducing the need for the court to become involved.

Any questions about annulment, divorce, child custody, or other related issues, please contact our family law attorneys in Miami. We would be happy to help.

This information is provided for educational or informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice.