Are you looking for an alternative to divorce? Every family situation is unique and divorce may not be the right option for everyone. For some couples legal separation is appropriate, but for others, they want to see the marriage pronounced invalid. An annulment is where the court basically states that a valid marriage relationship never existed so the marriage was never actually valid. The annulment process can be difficult however, because the court does not grant an annulment without burden of proof. If you are the petitioner in an annulment case, then the burden of proof will fall on your shoulders- it will be your responsibility to prove that the marriage is legally voidable.
How do you prove this you ask? In the state of Missouri, the courts will only grant an annulment if you can establish that one of the following is true:
- One spouse is under the age of 15 (the age of consent)
- If you and your spouse are somehow related to each other
- If one spouse is already married to another individual
- If you spouse did not have the mental capacity to make the decision to marry (under the influence/insanity)
- If one party was forced into the marriage
- If the marriage was performed for fraudulent reasons (for ex: if one spouse lied about not having an STD)
If any of the above applies in your situation, then you may have grounds to file for an annulment in the Missouri family court. Proving the burden of proof can be difficult, which is why you need a lawyer to assist in your annulment case. Here at The Reynolds Law Firm, LLC, we have extensive experience with annulment cases and we can help you reach your goals. With over two decades of cumulative legal experience, our attorneys know what it takes to achieve positive results and how the family courts operate. Our Kansas City divorce attorneys can prepare the legal paperwork for you and guide you every step of the way to help ensure that your case runs as smoothly as possible. We pride ourselves in providing our full attention to every case and giving regular updates to you are kept informed on the developments of your case.
Our firm has received a BV Distinguished® rating by Martindale-Hubbell® and we have also been recognized by the Missouri Super Lawyers® Magazine. Over our years of practice we have been able to successfully assist countless families through divorce, annulment and legal separations. We also handle a wide variety of other family law matters including paternity, child support, child custody, property division, relocation, visitation and adoption. If you are looking for an attorney for your annulment case in Kansas City, then contact our firm today. The setup a case evaluation, call (816) 875-0557.