Annulment Lawyers

Understanding Annulments Under California Law

In the state of California, an annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage is null and void from the very beginning, as if it never existed. This differs from a divorce, which dissolves a legally valid marriage. According to California law, grounds for annulment can include:

• Fraud or misrepresentation of facts that go to the essence of the marital relationship

• Incurable physical incapacity to consummate the marriage

• Force, violence, or intimidation to induce the marital agreement

• One spouse being underage at the time of marriage

• Existing marriage/bigamy

• Incest between the spouses

Initiating the Annulment Process in California

To begin the annulment process in California, you can file in any county where you or your spouse reside. Our attorneys will guide you through the necessary steps, including:

1. Filing Forms: You will need to complete and file the Petition — Marriage/Domestic Partnership (form FL-100), Summons (Family Law) (form FL-110), and potentially additional forms if you have children together or require a fee waiver.
2. Serving Your Spouse: Your spouse must be legally served with copies of the filed forms and given 30 days to respond. We can assist in properly serving your spouse and filing proof of service.
3. Spouse’s Response: If your spouse does not respond within 30 days, we can proceed without their involvement. If they do respond, the next steps will depend on their response and any disputes that need to be resolved.
4. Court Hearing: Regardless of your spouse’s response, you will need to obtain a court date to prove to a judge that there are legal grounds for annulling your marriage under California law.

Our team has an in-depth understanding of California’s annulment laws and the specific legal requirements involved in these cases. We recognize that annulments are particularly delicate, as they often involve fundamental misunderstandings or misrepresentations at the inception of the marriage.

Personalized Guidance from Our Experienced Family Law Team

Our Family Law department is led by a team of seasoned attorneys who bring a profound understanding of the emotional and legal nuances involved in annulment cases. We recognize that each client’s situation is unique, shaped by their individual experiences and reasons for seeking an annulment.

Our attorneys take the time to listen attentively to your concerns, providing personalized guidance and support throughout the entire process. We understand that annulments touch upon deeply personal aspects of an individual’s life, and we approach these cases with the utmost respect, discretion, and empathy.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Annulment Cases

At Fontes Law Group, we approach each annulment case with a clear, structured methodology:

1. Eligibility Assessment: We begin by thoroughly reviewing the circumstances of your marriage to determine if you meet California’s legal criteria for annulment based on the grounds outlined in state law.
2. Meticulous Case Preparation: Our team meticulously prepares your case, ensuring all necessary documentation and evidence are aligned with the legal requirements for the specific annulment grounds.
3. Compassionate Representation: We provide a supportive, discreet environment for our clients throughout the annulment process, recognizing the deeply personal nature of these cases.

Located conveniently in Santa Ana and serving clients throughout Southern California, Fontes Law Group is here to support you through the annulment process with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to protecting your rights and future. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in restoring clarity to your marital status.