Pittsburgh Annulment Attorney

Experienced Representation for Annulments in Allegheny County & The Surrounding Areas.

Not all marriages last forever. When a spouse wants to end their marriage in Pennsylvania, there are multiple ways in which he or she could do that.  When considering ending your marriage, you must seek counsel from an experienced attorney. The team at Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. can help you understand all the options available to you when you are looking to end your marriage. 

Call Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. today at (412) 281-1988 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our annulment attorney in Pittsburgh!

What is an Annulment?

An annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void as if it never existed. Unlike divorce, which terminates a valid marriage, an annulment erases the marriage from the records. While annulments are not as common as divorces, there are specific circumstances under which they can be pursued. It is crucial to consult with a skilled Pittsburgh annulment lawyer to assess whether your situation meets the criteria for annulment.

Void and Voidable Marriage

As we suggested above, annulments are not an option for everyone. For example, you cannot just seek to have your marriage annulled simply because you are mad at your soon-to-be-ex spouse, and you want to make it as if the marriage never happened. Rather, two types of marriages may be annulled under Pennsylvania law: those that are void and those that are voidable. If the marriage falls into one of these categories, either party may file an action and seek to have it annulled.

Void Marriage

The first type of marriage that may be annulled in Pennsylvania is void marriage. Void marriages are those that were never legal in the first place. For example, where one spouse was already married, where the parties were related to each other, or where either party was incapable of consenting due to a lack of capacity.

Voidable Marriage

The second type of marriage that may be annulled is a voidable marriage. Unlike void marriages, voidable marriages were not illegal in the first place. Rather, voidable marriages are those in which there has been fraud, as well as marriages in which a party was under the age of 18, where either party was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the marriage and filed for an annulment within 60 days of the ceremony. Marriages occur when one party is incurably impotent and the other is unaware. Because these marriages are not illegal, the marriage remains valid until the parties receive their decree of annulment.

Once the parties receive their annulment decree, it will be as if the marriage never happened.

Requirements for Annulment in Pennsylvania

• Grounds for Annulment: Pennsylvania recognizes grounds such as fraud, bigamy, lack of consent, incestuous marriage, and impotence.
• Timely Filing: Annulment petitions must be filed promptly after discovering grounds for annulment.
• Residency Requirement: One spouse must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least six months before filing.
• Consent of Both Parties: Annulments in Pennsylvania require both spouses' consent.
• Legal Representation: While not mandatory, seeking legal representation is highly advisable for navigating complexities.
• Proof of Grounds: Providing evidence to support annulment grounds is crucial.
• Child Custody and Support: Courts address issues related to children in annulment cases.
• Equitable Distribution: Pennsylvania's equitable distribution laws may not apply, but fair asset and debt division may be considered.

For personalized guidance on meeting these requirements, consult a family law attorney at Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C.

How Long Does an Annulment Take?

The duration of the annulment process can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the cooperation of both parties and the court's caseload. While some annulments can be resolved relatively quickly, others may take several months.

Certain uncontested annulments may proceed more swiftly where both parties agree on the nullification and the grounds are clear. However, contested cases or those requiring extensive legal proceedings may extend the timeline.

It's essential to work closely with your Pittsburgh annulment lawyer to streamline the process as much as possible. Open communication, timely submission of required documents, and a proactive legal strategy can contribute to a more efficient resolution.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Annulment Attorney Today

At Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C., our legal team is committed to assisting you through every step of the annulment process. We understand the unique challenges of seeking an annulment, and our goal is to provide you with compassionate and effective legal representation.

If you believe your marriage may be eligible for annulment or have questions about the process, contact Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. Our experienced Pittsburgh annulment lawyers are ready to assess your case, provide personalized guidance, and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your unique situation.

Contact Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. today to schedule a meeting with our annulment lawyer in Pittsburgh!