Are you considering an annulment in Las Vegas? The experienced annulment attorneys at Kelleher & Kelleher are here to help you through this complex legal process. With our deep knowledge of Nevada family law and years of experience serving clients in Las Vegas, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
What is an Annulment?
An annulment is more than just ending a marriage – it’s a legal declaration that your marriage was never valid in the first place. Unlike a divorce, which ends a legal marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed.
In Nevada, you can seek an annulment for several reasons.
Grounds for Annulment in Nevada
Lack of Consent
You might qualify for an annulment if you didn’t fully consent to the marriage. This could happen if:
- You were underage when you got married
- You were intoxicated and unable to make a sound decision
- You have a mental illness or were mentally incapacitated at the time of marriage
Fraud or Misrepresentation
Did your spouse hide crucial information or lie about important facts? This could be grounds for an annulment. For example, if your spouse failed to disclose they’re unable to have children, and having a family was a key reason for your marriage, you might have a case.
Inability to Consummate the Marriage
If your spouse is physically unable to have sexual relations and didn’t disclose this before the marriage, you might be eligible for an annulment.
Close Family Relationship
In Nevada, marriages between close relatives are not legal and can be annulled.
Already Married (Bigamy)
If your spouse was already married when you tied the knot, your marriage is not valid under Nevada law.
The Annulment Process in Las Vegas
Getting an annulment isn’t as simple as filing a form. Here’s what you can expect:
- Filing the Complaint: We’ll help you file the necessary paperwork with the court, detailing why you’re seeking an annulment.
- Serving the Papers: Your spouse must be officially notified of the annulment request.
- Potential Court Hearing: Depending on your case, you might need to appear before a judge.
- Final Judgment: If the judge agrees with your grounds for annulment, they’ll issue a judgment declaring your marriage null and void.
Time Limits for Seeking an Annulment
While Nevada doesn’t have a strict time limit for most annulment grounds, it’s best to act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove your case.
Annulment vs. Divorce: Which is Right for You?
Deciding between an annulment and a divorce can be tricky. Here are some pros and cons of annulment:
Pros:
- Your marriage is treated as if it never happened
- You might avoid some property division issues
- There’s often less stigma attached to an annulment
Cons:
- It can be harder to prove grounds for annulment
- You might lose some financial protections that come with divorce
In some cases, divorce might be a better option. If you’ve been married for a long time or have significant shared assets, divorce could provide more protection for your interests.
How Kelleher & Kelleher Can Help
At Kelleher & Kelleher, we’re not just lawyers – we’re your partners in this process. Our Las Vegas annulment attorneys will:
- Evaluate your case to determine if annulment is the right choice
- Guide you through the legal process, explaining each step in plain English
- Represent your interests in negotiations and in court
- Help you understand how an annulment might affect your future
Common Questions About Annulments
Can I get an annulment if I’ve been married for years? While it’s possible, it can be more challenging. The length of your marriage doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but it might make it harder to prove certain grounds for annulment.
Will an annulment affect my property rights? Generally, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed, which can impact property division. However, Nevada courts have the power to make fair property distributions even in annulment cases.
How does an annulment impact child custody and support? An annulment doesn’t affect the rights of children born during the marriage. The court can still make decisions about custody, visitation, and child support.
Can I get an annulment if I was married in another state? Yes, as long as you meet Nevada’s residency requirements. You don’t have to have been married in Nevada to seek an annulment here.
Contact Kelleher & Kelleher Today
Don’t face the annulment process alone. Our skilled Las Vegas family law attorneys are ready to help you take the next step. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for your rights.
Call us today at (702) 384-7494 to schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to resolve your marriage issues and help you move forward with confidence.
—Jay H., client
What about divorce?
With compassion, understanding, and sensitivity, we can help you along this very difficult process while protecting your interests.
What about child custody?
In the family court arena, nothing is more important to the parties than custody issues regarding their children. At Kelleher & Kelleher, the attorneys are all parents and we understand how important your children are to you. We are ready to aggressively represent you in child custody matters.
Let us help you.
If you have any questions regarding adoptions, contact us for a consult today!
Call us at (702) 384-7494
or