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ANNULMENT ATTORNEY IN MURRIETA, CA

Annulment Expert in Murrieta, CA guiding you through the legal process with confidence.

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What Our Annulment Lawyers Can Do For You

  • Clear Legal Guidance: Understand your rights and the annulment process with expert legal advice.
  • Protect Your Interests: Ensure your assets and rights are safeguarded throughout the annulment proceedings.
  • Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We’ll assess your situation to determine the best strategy for your annulment case.
  • Free Initial Consultation: Speak with an experienced attorney to explore your options with no obligation.
  • Local Expertise: Serving Temecula, CA, and surrounding areas with personalized legal care and attention.
  • Time-Sensitive Actions: Annulment cases have specific legal deadlines—don’t wait to protect your future.

Your Annulment Attorneys in Murrieta

Annulments can be tough, both legally and emotionally. We’re here to guide and support you through the process.

If you need clarity about your marriage's legal status, our team in Murrieta will walk you through every step.

What is an Annulment?

An annulment is a legal ruling that cancels a marriage, making it as if it never existed.

Annulment vs. Divorce

Divorce ends a marriage. Annulment erases it completely. There are specific legal steps for annulments, and we’ll walk you through each one, so you don’t have to make this journey on your own.

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Ending a Marriage

An annulment cancels the marriage, and legally, it’s as if the marriage never happened. A short marriage doesn’t automatically qualify for annulment, and changing your mind after a valid marriage isn’t grounds for one. Annulments have very specific requirements.

Both a divorce and an annulment can end a marriage, but annulment erases it completely. Depending on your situation, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each.

What is an Annulment of Marriage?

An annulment in California isn’t the same as a divorce. Once a marriage is annulled, it’s considered invalid. The courts cannot award alimony, divide property, or grant survivorship rights.

In California, community property laws don’t apply to annulled marriages, so you can’t receive alimony or share assets. However, if you married in good faith and are still unhappy, you may be able to file for divorce based on unsound mind.

Here are some examples of why a marriage would be annulled:

  • Fraud: the parties never intended to live together
  • Bigamy: one of the parties was already married
  • Fraud: the marriage was only for immigration purposes
  • One or both of the spouses were coerced or duped into marrying
  • One or both of the spouses were under the age of marriage.
  • One spouse hid a severe problem, such as substance abuse or a criminal record

Obtaining an Annulment vs. a Divorce in Murrieta, CA

In California, you can get an annulment instead of a divorce. An annulment invalidates the marriage, erasing it from your history. While annulments and divorces are different, annulments can be more beneficial because they end a marriage and restore its legal status.

Consider these key factors before making a decision: 

Time limits: In California, you usually have four years to file for an annulment, but this can change.

Let's say one partner was under 18 when marrying. Therefore the annulment has to be filed within 4 years of the wedding. Given the time limit has passed, you might need to consider divorce or legal separation.

Second, grounds for annulment are specific. California courts recognize reasons like incest, bigamy, and cohabitation, but many other grounds require mutual agreement between the parties.

While obtaining an annulment can be more difficult than divorce, it’s still possible if you and your partner agree. Consulting a divorce or annulment lawyer can help ensure the best outcome.

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Why Choose Family Law Matters?

When you choose us, you can expect:

  • Expert Representation: We specialize in all aspects of family law, including child custody, child support, and divorce.
  • Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique situation and needs.
  • Compassionate Support: Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process with care and clarity.

Moving Forward Together

We know how personal and impactful family law issues can be. That’s why we’re committed to:

  • Helping you set realistic expectations based on your situation.
  • Providing strong support, whether you need a softer approach or firm litigation.
  • Standing by your side every step of the way.

If you’re in need of caring, compassionate help with your divorce or family law case in Corona, CA, we’re here for you. Contact us to start the conversation.

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costs of annulment in California

The court filing fee for an annulment in California usually ranges from $400 to $450, depending on the county.

If you can’t afford the fees, you might qualify for a fee waiver. The court can waive fees if you can prove that your income is low or if you're receiving public assistance.

The total cost of an annulment can vary based on your situation. Consulting an attorney can help you get a clearer idea of what your costs might be and explore ways to reduce them.

Cost of Annulment in Murrieta, CA

If you’re considering an annulment in California, the cost will depend on several factors, including whether you hire an attorney and how complex your case is. Annulments are often less expensive than divorces, but costs can still add up.

Legal fees are usually the biggest expense. Hiring an attorney could cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how complicated your case is and how much time is required.

Besides legal fees, you’ll need to cover court filing fees and other costs, such as serving legal documents to the other party.

On public record

An annulment is not sealed and is public record. Anyone can access information about the annulled marriage. Because it always requires a court trial, it is as expensive-or even more expensive-than divorce.
 
Many people who qualify choose not to obtain one for these reasons.

Legal Dissolution: Annulment vs. Divorce

Both types of dissolution can be costly and time-consuming in the courtroom.

And they both begin with one or both spouses filing a formal divorce or annulment petition with the court.

Limitations on Annulment in California

While annulment may seem like an attractive option for those who want to quickly dissolve their marriage, there are limitations to who can qualify for an annulment in California.

Grounds for Annulment

First, the grounds for annulment are limited to specific circumstances, such as fraud, force, or incapacity.

If the reason for the annulment is something that could have been discovered or addressed before the marriage, such as a previous marriage that was not legally dissolved, the marriage may be voidable instead of eligible for annulment.

Time Limitations for Filing an Annulment

Additionally, there are time limitations for filing a petition for annulment. If a party is seeking an annulment based on fraud or force, they have only four years from the time of the marriage to file the petition.

If seeking annulment based on incapacity, the time limit is four years from the time the party knew or should have known of the incapacity.

Exceptions and Ratification

It’s important to note that if a party turns 18 and continues to live with their spouse, they may be considered to have ratified the marriage and may no longer be eligible for annulment.

Similarly, if the parties have legally married and have begun to cohabitate, they may not be eligible for annulment even if they have not consummated the marriage.

Navigating Annulment Laws in California

Navigating the laws surrounding annulment in California can be complex, and it’s important to work with a qualified law office that has experience in family law.

An experienced attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for an annulment or if another legal option, such as divorce, is more appropriate for your situation.

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Simplifying the Process

If both parties agree to end the marriage without numerous problems or debates about how to do so, either a divorce or an annulment can be simple and inexpensive.

How Our Annulment Lawyers Can Help

Our family law attorneys / divorce lawyers in Murrieta can walk you through the whole process and support you in the hearing. Our family law firm has extensive experience with cases of annulment in California, making them a perfect partner for you

Beshoy Shehata Family Lawyer

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our experienced divorce attorneys are here to help. Schedule a free consultation today and get the legal support you need.
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Riverside Divorce Lawyer Temeculadivorce.com
Family Law Matters – is a team of highly experienced, hand-picked family, litigation and divorce attorneys from South California. Get in touch with us.

Serving Temecula, Corona, Temescal Canyon, Murrieta, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, Menifee, Sun City, Hemet, Riverside, Riverside County and San Bernardino, California.

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27307 Via Industria
Temecula, CA 92590

(951) 972-8287
info@temeculadivorce.com


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Corona, CA 92883

(951)-299-3366
info@temeculadivorce.com

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