Divorce vs. Annulment Under New Jersey Law

 

You have two options for dissolving a marriage: divorce or annulment. To determine which option is appropriate for you, speak with a divorce attorney in New Jersey. However, these are the basics that you should understand.

Annulment

Annulments are a much quicker and simpler process since it legally nullifies the marriage. The catch is that far fewer couples qualify for them. To obtain an annulment, you generally must prove that the marriage was either void or voidable from the beginning. For example, if you and another person wed while intoxicated, you may be granted an annulment. Likewise, if you discover that your partner is already married or has been purposefully hiding impotence or addiction, you may qualify. 

Speak with an experienced divorce attorney if you believe you might qualify for an annulment. However, bear in mind that you might lose certain property rights under an annulment; they are typically only sought for short marriages where finances and assets haven’t mingled.

Divorce

Most people get divorced, which is the legal process of ending a marriage. Under New Jersey law, you may divorce due to a defined cause or through the no-fault route if you’ve been married for a certain amount of time. During the divorce process, you and your partner’s finances and assets will be divided, and matters such as child custody, alimony, and more will be settled. Schedule a consultation with a divorce attorney to explore the options available to you.