Can I Get An Annulment In Texas?

Sometimes, marriage feels like a big mistake. It doesn't turn out as a person expected, and they wonder if it's possible to have it undone. In Texas, the law allows for annulment of marriage in some cases. Here's what you should know.

First, What Is an Annulment?

An annulment is a proceeding to have a marriage declared void – as if it never existed. An annulment is unlike a divorce, which is a proceeding to end a valid marriage. Annulment is like a divorce, however, in that courts will divide property and determine child custody, if necessary.

Grounds for an Annulment in Texas

There are several grounds for an annulment in Texas. The Texas Family Code says that courts can annul a marriage if:

Lawyers cite fraud as one of the most common reason courts grant annulments, simply because there are so many situations in which fraud can play a role. When one spouse lies about critical facts to trick another into marrying them, Texas courts have granted annulments.
Annulments have been granted in cases involving lies about a partner's financial situation, a pregnancy that didn't actually exist, or a child from another partner that wasn't disclosed. Each situation is different, so it's important to talk with an attorney about yours.

What's Not Grounds for an Annulment?

There are some things, however, that are not grounds for an annulment (even though many people think they are):

Choose a Family Law Attorney Who Can Help

Think you might be eligible for a marriage annulment? Turn to a lawyer who can help you navigate the process. Get started by calling the Fort Worth divorce law office of the Schneider Law Firm, P.C., at 817-799-7125. Even if an annulment can't be granted in your case, you may have other options. A lawyer can guide you through the divorce process or, in some cases, have a marriage voided because it never should have legally occurred.
Sources:
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm#6.201
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