Do you know the difference between divorce and annulment? In legal terms, divorce terminates a marriage, whereas annulling the marriage means it never existed. Don’t risk hiring an annulment lawyer that won’t protect your interests. Instead, call our team at Carmiece Graves Law for qualified legal representation from an attorney you can trust.
Our founder and principal attorney, Carmiece Graves, Esq., has experience handling family law, divorce, and annulment cases in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Her practice area is specifically divorce and family law for men and fathers.
Why Do People Seek Marriage Annulments Instead of Divorce?
Unfortunately, the Maryland courts are usually very reluctant to grant annulments. However, we’ll fight as hard as possible to achieve a favorable outcome in your case.
Maryland courts rarely grant marriage annulments, except in special circumstances. So, why do people even bother seeking an annulment when they could get a divorce?
In the eyes of the law, an annulled marriage (or void marriage) means it never existed in the first place, meaning that both parties can legally say they were never married. Many people seek annulments for religious reasons, although religion is not valid grounds for filing.
In addition, a marriage annulment also protects the property rights of both parties. It may also come with a decree regarding the support of any children.
Another important note: Seeking a marriage annulment does not make any children that resulted from the marriage “illegitimate.”
What Are Grounds for Marriage Annulment In Maryland?
In Maryland, the courts need clear, specific proof that the marriage is invalid. The burden of proof is on the person seeking the annulment, who must establish one of these grounds:
- Either party was mentally ill or mentally incapacitated during the ceremony—that is, under the influence of drugs/alcohol and therefore incapable of consent
- Either party used fraud, lies, or misrepresentation to convince the other party to get married
- Either party already had a living spouse at the time of the marriage
- The parties are closer genetic relations than first cousins
- Either party was under the age of 18 without parental consent
- The spouses never consummated the marriage for physical reasons or impotence
- Either party forced the other to consent to the marriage under duress or threat of physical harm
If you can prove any of those points, your marriage may be eligible for annulment in Maryland.
How Do You File for Marriage Annulment in Maryland?
Before you begin annulling your marriage, you’ll need the help of an experienced Maryland annulment attorney. Once you have qualified legal representation, here’s the process you’ll have to follow:
- Establish legal grounds that your marriage is eligible for annulment under Maryland law.
- File a Complaint for Annulment in court with the help of your annulment lawyer.
- Serve your spouse with a copy of the official complaint.
- Testify in court regarding the validity of legal grounds to a judge.
If you plan to file for a marriage annulment in Maryland, our legal team at Carmiece Graves Law is here to help you navigate the process. In addition, we also help men going through divorce proceedings, ensuring that we represent their voices and needs during such a challenging time.
Contact the Team at Carmiece Graves Law Today for a Maryland Annulment Lawyer
Maryland law makes it challenging to prove legal grounds for annulling a marriage. You’ll have to provide clear evidence meeting the eligibility requirements, and you must testify to a judge in court. If you’re going to file for an annulment in Maryland, you’ll need the help of a competent and experienced annulment lawyer like Carmiece Graves to guide you and provide sound legal advice.
Call our team at Carmiece Graves Law at (240) 573-7153 in Upper Marlboro, MD, to schedule your case consultation today.