IS AN ANNULMENT THE SAME AS A DIVORCE?

QUESTION: I would like to permanently separate from my husband without going through the divorce process or having that on record. Could I get my marriage annulled to avoid a public record? =============================================== MY RESPONSE: An annulment is very different from a divorce, but both types of cases are in the public records. There are very limited specific grounds and time limits for an annulment, and you would have to appear in Court to testify to provide evidence relevant to those grounds, and unless the Court is persuaded by your evidence that sufficient grounds exist for an annulment, the Court would deny the annulment. If you wish to end your marriage, you would best file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - you could also check the box for Annulment as well, but you shouldn't file only for Annulment, because if the Court denies an Annulment, you would want to get a divorce at the same hearing instead of having to start all over again by filing a separate divorce case at that point. You would best retain an experienced Family Law Attorney to advise and represent you. ============================================== This educational blog is brought to you by DONALD F. CONVISER, an effective and aggressive Los Angeles Family Law Attorney and Divorce Lawyer serving clients in the courts of Los Angeles and Ventura County for over 35 years,owner of Warner Center Law Offices, with offices in Woodland Hills and Century City. Call 888.632.4447 or 818.880.8990 for a free confidential consultation with a Certified Family Law Specialist to discuss your divorce or family law issues. | www.conviser.net | www.conviserfamilylaw.com |