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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Ashley was amazing when it came to handling my case. I recommend her to anyone seeking a help with family court issues.- Seth
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I just completed the Texas simple divorce program, and I have to say divorce has been the worst and most difficult time of my life, Lauren Cardamone made all the difference. I was treated with such kindness, respect, care, and attention. I would highly recommend this program, and Lauren to anyone facing a divorce.- Rafaela R.
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Anthony and Toya were absolutely lovely throughout my case. They were always understanding, nonjudgmental, and willing to break each step down for me.- Kayla K.
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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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Mr. Pax aka TJ was awesome! He was very professional, kind and understanding to my situation. From start to finish I felt like he was going to take care of me, and he did. Throughout the entire process I was kept informed and properly prepared for trial! If I ever have to go through any sort of family court again, I will only go with TJ!!- David
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Having Malorie by my side gave me the confidence and assurance I desperately needed during the most difficult and chaotic time in my life. She, and her team, were always available to thoroughly answer my constant questions, and in language I could understand. They always made me felt “seen” during the numerous times situations turned emotional, while at the same time, reassured by their calming expertise on a path forward. Time after time, that expertise was challenged, and without fail, was found to be correct. They proved to me that I could trust them to always tell me the correct, and up-to-date information on matters they are experts in, and just as importantly, when to seek different counsel on matters they are not. I truly cannot express how much I appreciate all Malorie and her team did for me. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you need someone to be your champion, please call them and see for yourself. I am so glad I did.- Russ
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I hired Jackie Cannon for my divorce and I’m so so thankful to God for sending her my way. I met with so many lawyers regarding my divorce case and child custody but nobody ever explained like Jackie did. She was patient, explained everything in detail, took her time with me always and never rushed me. Her paralegal Holly Keen, I would say the best too because every time I had a question I would email holly and Jackie and I would get a response from them both right away. I would definitely recommend Jackie, Holly and Lauren.- Marium
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My divorce was challenging, Jackie and Holly were compassionate, took the time to listen and helped guide me through the process. I would definitely recommend.- Anne L.
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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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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