Annulment

Utah Annulment ChecklistUtah Annulment Checklist
A Utah Annulment is a very specific legal remedy that is not available to everyone.  Most people that want to end their marriage will not qualify for a Utah annulment, and will simply have to go through a divorce.  Before a court will grant an annulment in Utah, the parties must qualify, and most don't.  The Utah statute or code limits annulment to the following:
  1. The marriage is incestuous, ie., a marriage between two people that are closely related; 
  2. At the time of the marriage, one of the parties was still legally married to someone else; 
  3. One of the parties was under the age of 18 at the time of the marriage and there was no parental consent;
  4. One or both of the parties was under the age of 16; or
  5. The marriage is between people of the same sex, although the federal courts have deemed this restriction unconstitutional and it's likely to be removed from the Utah code/statutes. Consult a Pearson Law Firm experienced Utah divorce attorney/family law attorney for questions on this issue, 801-888-0991
Utah Annulment ChecklistUtah Common Law Checklist
However, Utah courts will also grant an annulment on a common law basis.  Common law is the part of English law that is derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes. Under Common Law, court's can grant a Utah annulment for the following:
  1. Fraud: one party lied or hid something that directly affects the marriage.  For example, a party lied about who he/she is, party is a registered sex offender, etc.;
  2. Misrepresentation: one party lies about certain facts harmful to the other.  For example, a party says he/she is a wealthy doctor and he/she is not, a party says he/she loves kids and will allow the other's children to live with them, then says no, a party is pregnant with someone else's child at the time of the marriage and does not disclose it, etc.;
  3. Impotence: one party is unable to have sexual intercourse; 
  4. Refusal to consummate the marriage: one party refuses to have sexual intercourse with the other; or
  5. Insanity: one of the parties is certifiably insane at the time of the marriage.

Contrary to popular belief, the length of a marriage has no bearing on whether you are eligible for an annulment in Utah.  So even if you've been married a day, unless one of the above criteria applies, you will be compelled to file for a Utah divorce.

If you do not meet one of the above criteria then you are not eligible for a Utah annulment.  If you believe you meet one of the criteria, then call today and set up a free consultation with an experienced Utah Divorce Attorney/Annulment Attorney at Pearson Law Firm, 801-888-0991. Your attorney will discuss the criteria with you and help you decide how to proceed.
Call for a free consultation today:
801-888-0991
Address:
Pearson Law Firm, PLLC
9192 South 300 West, 
Suite 35
Sandy, Utah 84070