What is an annulment?
An annulment is a court process to declare that the persons were never legally married to begin with, because at the time of the marriage something was so wrong that no legal relationship could be established by marriage. Arizona law lets only “void” or “voidable” marriages be annulled. A void marriage is one the law prohibits, such as between certain blood relatives. Reasons a marriage may be voidable include: undissolved prior marriage, duress, and fraud.
The words “duress” and “fraud” have precise legal meanings as they relate to annulment. If you think you entered into a marriage as the result of duress or fraud, an attorney can advise you about whether your circumstances meet the legal requirements for annulment.
No matter how short a time you have been married, your marriage must be void or voidable for another reason provided in law for you to have it annulled.
If you want to end a marriage and your circumstances do not qualify for an annulment, you may ask for a legal separation or divorce. Self-Help Centers have free forms and instructions for these procedures.
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