Ending a marital relationship can be challenging. The decision is never easy, whether you’re doing it due to irreconcilable differences or other personal reasons. In Wisconsin, you have several options when legally ending your marriage. Two of the most popular are annulment and divorce.
What is annulment?
An annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void. In other words, it’s as if your marriage never existed. People usually seek annulments when they believe their marriage was never valid from the start. Common grounds for annulment include fraud, bigamy, mental incapacity, or being underage at the time of marriage. An annulment erases the marriage from a legal standpoint, making it as though the union never happened.
What is divorce?
Divorce, however, is the legal dissolution of a valid marriage. When couples opt for divorce, they acknowledge that their marriage was legitimate but has now come to an end. Divorce proceedings typically involve dividing assets, alimony, child custody, and support arrangements. The most significant difference between annulment and divorce is that divorce ends a legally recognized marriage, while annulment declares that the marriage was never legally valid.
Make the right choice
Choosing between annulment and divorce depends on your specific circumstances. Annulment might be the right choice if you believe your marriage was never valid to begin with. Divorce is the more common route for couples who recognize their marriage but have decided to part ways. Consulting with a legal professional can help you navigate these options and make the best decision.