Grounds for Annulment

Grounds for Annulment

Grounds For Annulment

We have all heard about the famous Las Vegas trips that end up with a journey to ‘The Little White Chapel’, now made famous by the Hangover movies. That one weekend away, after too many martinis and tequila sunshine cocktails that end up with a man and a woman getting hitched via an Elvis impersonator. People have written songs and made movies about it. Britney Spears is among the long list of celebrities to famously get married in a Las Vegas wedding chapel. Shortly after tying the knot, her marriage was annulled. Although we hear about it in the news, many people do not fully understand what an annulment is and why it is more than a “get out of jail” card that the media often portrays it to be.

An annulment ultimately completely “undoes” the marriage, it is as if it never happened. In the law of England and Wales, it must be first proven that the marriage was not legally valid. There are three criteria for this and one of them must be met:

  1. You are closely related to the person whom you have married,
  2. One of you is under the age of 16 or
  3. One of you is currently in a civil partnership.

If the marriage was not legally valid, it is void and you are treated as never having being married at all. Simple isn’t it? Well, not really, this is only one part of the annulment process, if you cannot prove that your marriage was not legally valid you must prove that your marriage is “voidable” and meets the following specific criteria:

  1. It wasn’t consummated,
  2. You didn’t properly consent to the marriage (as in the case of Britney Spears — intoxication does not provide for a proper consent)
  3. The other person had a sexually transmitted disease when you got married
  4. The woman was pregnant by another man when you got married.

While annulments are a legal alternative to divorce, they are actually available to very few couples because the specific criteria are so strict.

There are religious sections within society which see annulments as the only option out of a bad marriage because, as is the case with the Roman Catholic Church, divorce is not an option. Pope Francis has recently stated that he wishes for the requirement for an annulment within the church to change in some specific cases. Many believers of the Catholic faith will not divorce because it is not condoned by the church or their religious teachings and they have to petition the church for the rights to have an annulment.  A religious annulment is separate from a legal annulment.

Many people think of annulments as a quick and easy alternative to divorce.  However, they most certainly are not: annulments can take longer than a typical divorce, specialist legal or evidential advice may be needed.   As an annulment can be filed at any time after the wedding, this can mean years later on in the marriage, this is where things tend to get more complicated, especially if children are involved. When property is an issue the courts may try to determine the original purpose of the property, where there are children involved an award of alimony and child support could be temporarily granted. Remember that with any nullification of marriages, there are different circumstances in each case and some cases will be more complicated than others.

If you are considering a divorce or wondering if your marriage is eligible for an annulment, call our experienced team of Family Law solicitors for expert advice now.

by Eni Hanxhari

Eni is a guest blogger for Grayfords. Eni is originally from Canada. She is a second-year Graduate Entry Law Student at City University London. She has a BA Degree Politics and History.

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Regular Catch-up Strategies


At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. 

As experienced family and private client lawyers, and strategy experts, we recognise that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Through regular catch-up sessions, we engage in open and collaborative discussions with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their objectives, concerns, and preferences. These ‘catch-ups’ allow us to assess the progress of your case, identify any evolving needs or challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. We are also then able to put in place any personal support our clients may need should they wish to avail themselves of our coaching and therapy & mental health services at any point during their legal matter.

By maintaining regular communication, we can provide you with updates on the status of your case, share important information, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This proactive approach ensures that you are actively involved in the decision-making process and empowers you to make informed choices throughout the legal proceedings. 

Our aim is to ensure that your case is being handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. Through our regular catch-up strategies, we can evaluate the success of our current strategies, make necessary adjustments, and optimise our approach to maximise the chances of achieving a favourable outcome for you. 

At Grayfords, we value your input and understand that your goals are essential to the success of your case. Our commitment to regular catch-up strategies reflects our dedication to providing personalised and client-centered legal services. By working together, we can create a strong partnership and develop strategies that align with your vision and aspirations. 

Strategic Partnerships​


At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental health support.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to provide a streamlined and comprehensive legal service to our clients. When your case requires consultation or assistance in specific areas of the law, we have the resources and connections to quickly and efficiently engage the right experts. 

Whether it's a complex family law issue or a multifaceted private client law matter, our network of trusted specialists allows us to draw upon their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible advice and representation for our clients. These partnerships ensure that we can offer comprehensive solutions that address all aspects of your case, providing you with a holistic approach to your legal (and personal) needs. 

By collaborating with specialists in various legal fields, we can navigate intricate legal challenges more effectively, saving you time, effort, and potential complications. Our commitment to strategic partnerships means that we stay informed about the latest developments in family law and private client law, ensuring that our advice and strategies are up-to-date and relevant. 

At Grayfords, we value the importance of offering a well-rounded legal service to our clients. Our strategic partnerships enable us to tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services. You can trust that we have the necessary connections to consult with specialists whenever needed, ensuring that every aspect of your case is addressed with proficiency and efficiency while also supporting you on a personal level as needed.

Time for you


At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law and firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always accessible and responsive to your needs.

Whether you have a question, or concern, or need an update on your case, our dedicated team of family law and private client law experts will be readily available to assist you. We go the extra mile to ensure that you can reach us conveniently and promptly. You can count on us to answer your calls or reply to your messages on platforms like WhatsApp, enabling efficient and effective communication.

Our commitment to internal collaboration and dynamism ensures that there is always someone available to address your family law or private client law case. We understand that legal matters can be time-sensitive, and we strive to provide timely and accurate advice. You can rely on our team's collective knowledge and expertise to guide you through the complexities of family law and private client law.

At Grayfords, we recognise that your time is valuable, and we respect that by being responsive, accessible, and dedicated to your case. We prioritise open and transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. You can trust that we will dedicate the necessary time and attention to your legal matters, ensuring that you feel supported and well taken care of.

Specialised Service


At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. 

In the realm of family law, we understand the emotional challenges that can arise during sensitive family disputes. Our team of experienced family law solicitors provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. Whether you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or dealing with complex property division, we have the expertise to navigate these intricate matters while prioritising your best interests. 

In the field of private client law, we recognise the complexities and demands that business owners and HNWIs face in today's dynamic marketplace. Our private client law services encompass a wide range of areas including wealth planning, asset management, trusts, wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. We aim to be your trusted legal partner, offering strategic advice and solutions that align with your commercial objectives as you navigate your family matter. 

At Grayfords, we believe in fostering long-term exceptional working relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that anticipate your individual needs. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding personal service level, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your legal journey.  

Our ultimate goal is to alleviate the pressure and stress often associated with legal matters. We are committed to guiding you through the complexities of family law and private client law, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you. Trust Grayfords to provide you with the specialised legal services you deserve, backed by our expertise, integrity, and dedication to your success.