Q.  What is an annulment?

A.   In some situations, the Court may dissolve a marriage by an annulment, which results in the marriage being treated as if it never existed. A party to a marriage may be granted an annulment if, at the time of the marriage, either party lacked mental capacity to enter the marriage, or if one or both parties were intoxicated under duress, or if the marriage was entered based upon certain types of mistake or fraud. 

To qualify to seek an annulment in Nevada, the law requires that either the marriage occurred in Nevada or that the petitioner be a resident of Nevada. The Court has a great deal of discretion to determine whether to grant a annulment, as opposed to a divorce. Generally, an annulment is more likely to succeed in a short-term marriage. As such, when a party to a marriage discovers the grounds for the potential annulment, he or she should immediately consult an attorney and determine whether and how best to proceed, so as to increase the likelihood of succeeding on the petition.

Black & LoBello’s family law attorneys are familiar with not only the laws of this State, but also the local Court system. In the event you are seeking to dissolve your marriage by annulment, we have the experience to ensure that your case is presented properly and efficiently, which will increase the likelihood of dissolving your marriage by annulment rather than by divorce.

Michele Touby LoBello, Esq.

Related posts:

1. Can You Get Divorced in Nevada?
2. Nevada’s Domestic Partners Struggle Against Marriage Standard
3. Domestic Partnerships in Nevada