Experienced & Skilled Legal Counsel
While most people feel a divorce is enough to mark the end of their marriage, some instances require something a little more encompassing and permanent. In cases which may require a marriage to be marked completely null and void, an annulment is the most viable option. While a divorce acknowledges a marriage once existed between the two parties, an annulment erases the marriage from the legal realm as if it never existed at all.
There are several instances in which an annulment can take place, including but not limited to:
- The couple is related by blood
- One party was already married to another, resulting in bigamy
- One party was underage at the time of marriage
- One or both parties were not of sound mind during the marriage
- One party was forced into the marriage
- Either spouse perpetrated fraud--for example, marrying for a green card
- One party has an incurable physical incapacity, such as impotence
As you can see, there are very specific instances which must occur in order to qualify for the strict stipulations of an annulment--the regular contentions which may take place in a marriage are not enough to constitute completely erasing the union from existence.
How to Get a Marriage Annulled in Oregon
In Oregon, individuals seeking to annul their marriage must meet certain criteria. The first is that the marriage must either be void or voidable under state law. If the marriage is determined to be voidable. If it is determined that your marriage is void, you can file paperwork at any time. Also, the marriage must have taken place in Oregon or at least one spouse must have lived in Oregon for six months before filing for an annulment. After filing paperwork, both parties will receive notifications of hearings and may be asked to provide evidence supporting their claim for annulment. Once both parties have been heard by the court, a judge will decide whether or not the marriage should be annulled and issue an official document that states such.
Contact Our Portland Family Law Attorneys
Family law issues are some of the most important you will ever have. Our Portland family law attorneys at Pacific Cascade Legal, understand the emotional burden and pressures you may be feeling during this difficult time, and which is why we step in to take the stress off of you. We are dedicated to ensuring your peace of mind while your family law concerns are resolved, and we will do so by applying all of our time, energy, and resources to your case. To schedule an initial consultation with someone from our legal team, contact us today!