Annulment Attorneys in Denton County, Collin County, & Tarrant County
Seeking an Annulment? We Can Provide Step-by-Step Counsel.
Divorce may not always be your best option. Some married couples who are seeking to separate find that an annulment is a more effective and beneficial solution. Our experienced and dedicated annulment attorneys at Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers can discuss your situation and help you determine the right path for you. With more than 110 years of collective experience, we have a comprehensive understanding of family law and can help you find a favorable resolution.
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Texas Annulment vs. Divorce
While a divorce dissipates and ends a marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never existed and legally declares it void. While there are many reasons that a couple might pursue an annulment over a divorce, there are specific grounds that must be met in order for an annulment to be granted under Texas annulment laws.
How to Get an Annulment in Texas
In order to actually get an annulment in Texas, you will need to file a petition with the court titled "A Suit to Declare Void the Marriage." In Texas, the other spouse can either agree with the annulment or insist on a jury trial. Similar to dissolution of marriage, an annulment will require you to specify how mutual property will be divided and who will have parenting rights over the children, if you have kids together.
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- Megan H.
When I first contacted this firm, I was unsure. I was unsure on many things. I had a set of unique circumstances where I needed to seek a change for the safety of my son but due to something that is somewhat new territory. Shelby was upfront w/ me about both the positive & the negative possible outcomes but let me tell you – Shelby (and Rachel) fought for us.
There was NOT one moment in time that I felt ignored, dismissed or unimportant; Moreover, I have severe, high anxiety & rather than punish me for it, Shelby & Rachel were understanding, comforting, logical & proactive EVERY STEP of the way. It was like I showed up, threw everything I had on a table while being a sobbing mess – they looked at every piece, held my hand & told me it would be okay. The entire system is long & draining but when we got to our trial date, Shelby was ON FIRE. My faith in him never waivered but that day in court, when we were finally through, I could’ve flown. Shelby (of course w/ the help of his right hand, Rachel!) was absolutely in his element & he stood up for us in all the ways my spirit needed to protect my son. I have shed more tears than I will EVER admit during the entire process but even during my madness, Shelby & Rachel were kind, uplifting & our WARRIORS in the courtroom.
When I did my phone set up for a consultation, I told them I needed someone aggressive. When you first talk with them, they are so sweet! You’ll think: okay, these are not aggressive or mean people – BUT when the time comes, you can bet your bottom dollar they GO TO WORK. I cannot thank Shelby & Rachel enough for the things they’ve helped my son & I with. They have kept my son SAFE!!!! There aren’t enough descriptive words in our vocabulary to accurately portray what they mean to me. If you want a damn good team – YOU WANT THEM. Thank you Shelby & Rachel! Dax & I love yall!!
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We are from California and we needed a local probate attorney. After calling around and speaking with 3 different attorneys, we settled on Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers. Tyler Livingston and his staff were amazing and very efficient. Even though we are in California, he kept us up to date. He settled our case in 5 months and we are extremely grateful for the service we received. If you are looking for a highly-skilled, affordable attorney, this is the firm we recommend.- Helena R.
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“I cannot thank Shelby & Rachel enough for the things they’ve helped my son & I with”- Megan
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“I highly recommend her and Coker Legal in general.”- Luke
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I had a nasty divorce going with my ex-wife who was using one of the High Power Dallas Lawyers that was intent on making things difficult and costing both of us most of the money we were fighting over. Duane was able to calm me down and came up with an idea for the settlement that not only saved me and the ex money, but actually made his fees LESS EXPENSIVE!!! You will not hear of that many times with any lawyer. I would recommend him for a simple divorce or a complex one with all of the circumstances that always make things difficult. He just has a way of working things out with all parties that make so much sense the case gets settled and everyone gets what they want.- Jay N.
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Ashley Covert and her paralegal, Ashley Leverett were amazing from the very beginning. After my consult with Ashley C. I immediately felt comfortable with opening up to her about my situation and hired her right there. She made my divorce process very easy and stress free (this was HUGE for me as I had a lot of stressful situations arise during this process). Would definitely recommend and hire her again if I ever needed to!- Kathryn L.
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- Jimmy V.
They made my divorce easy even in a difficult situation. I was stressed but they handled everything professionally and fast. I’m so grateful to the team. If you need a simple divorce they are the perfect choice.
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Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers made my legal process easy even in tough circumstances. The whole team was professional and quick, which really eased my stress. So grateful.- Jimmy V.
Grounds for Annulment in Texas
There are two types of grounds for annulment in Texas. There are “void” and “voidable” marriages. An individual may have grounds for annulment based on a void marriage if he or she is already married to someone else, for instance. Another example would be if the person has married a close blood relative. Voidable annulment grounds, on the other hand, encompass several scenarios.
Texas annulment requirements are very specific. Grounds for annulment in Texas include:
- Marriage Less than 72 Hours After Issuance of License – A Court can grant an annulment if the marriage took place within 72 hours after issuance of the license and the suit is brought within 30 days of the date of marriage.
- Marriage of a Person Under 18 – A parent, managing conservator, guardian, or “next friend” can file for an annulment of a marriage of a person 16 years of age or older, but under 18 years of age that occurred without parental consent or Court order. This suit must be filed before the child turns 18 and, if filed by a “next friend,” it must be filed within 90 days of the marriage. Annulment under these circumstances is within the discretion of the Court, meaning that the Court does not have to do it.
- Marriage While Under Influence of Alcohol or Narcotics – A Court may annul a marriage if, at the time of the marriage, the person requesting the annulment was under the influence of alcohol or narcotics and, as a result, did not have the capacity to consent to the marriage.
- Mental Incapacity – A Court may grant an annulment if either party to a marriage, at the time of the marriage, did not have the mental capacity to consent to the marriage or understand the nature of the marriage because of mental disease or defect.
- Impotency – A Court may grant an annulment if either party, for physical or mental reasons, was permanently impotent at the time of marriage AND the person asking for the annulment didn’t know of the impotency at the time of marriage.
- Concealed Divorce – A Court may grant an annulment if one party finalized a divorce within 30 days before the marriage and the petitioner was unaware at the time of entering the marriage.
- Marriage by Fraud or Force – A Court can grant an annulment if either party used fraud or force on the other to enter the marriage.
Benefits of Annulment in Texas
Whether your marriage ends through annulment or divorce doesn’t change the need for a settlement. But the significant legal difference between the two paths can show in how the settlements are negotiated. Perhaps no difference is bigger than in the division of property.
In an annulment, equitable distribution does not apply. The court, to the greatest extent possible, simply returns property to whomever brought it into the marriage. Unlike a divorce, where the objective is to equitably end a marriage, the annulment’s objective is to recognize that the marriage should never have been in the first place. The same logic also makes it less likely that the financially advantaged spouse will have to make alimony payments.
The same principles apply for marital debt. If, for example, your spouse brought more credit card debt into the marriage, they will have that returned to them in an annulment. In a divorce, it might get split evenly.
An annulment can invalidate a prenuptial agreement. The very premise of the prenuptial agreement is that a valid marriage is taking place. If that premise is not true, the agreement that sprung from it can be thrown out.
If you are the spouse who brought more property and/or less debt into the marriage, the final terms of an annulment can be favorable to you.
Why Choose Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers?
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Voted Best Family Law Firm & Best Law Firm in Denton County
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Working Hard to Achieve the Best Results Possible
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Deeply Committed to Listening & Helping You
Get Started with One of Our Four Board Certified Family Lawyers
Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers has the experience, knowledge, and understanding of annulment laws to help you pursue a resolution. Our Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County family attorneys can take the time to address your concerns and help you determine the best option to meet your needs.
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