Difference Between Divorce and Annulment

There are two legal ways to end a marriage in the State of Washington. The first way, the Dissolution of Marriage (frequently called divorce), is the ending of a valid marriage through a process that restores the parties' single status and gives them the ability to remarry. The second way, Declaration of Invalidity (frequently called an annulment), completely erases the marriage as if it never existed at all.

While a divorce recognizes that a marriage did exist, a Declaration of Invalidity (annulment)legally declares that the marriage never technically existed and was never valid. Annulments, like divorces, can be initiated by either the husband or the wife. The party that initiates the annulment must be able to prove whatever grounds he or she alleges. Divorce, however, does not require proof of whatever grounds for the divorce are alleged. Such things as "irreconcilable differences" do not require that the parties show exactly what the differences that can't be resolved are.

For a Declaration of Invalidity (annulments), the following are the legal basis under RCW 26.09.040 for declaring that the marriage is invalid and should be erased:

• the age of one or both parties


• lack of parental or court approval


• a prior undissolved marriage of one or both parties


• reasons of consanguinity (closely related by blood)


• a party lacked the capacity to consent to marriage because of mental incapacity, influence of alcohol or other incapacitating substance


• a party was induced into entering into marriage by force, or duress, or by fraud involving the essentials of marriage

• Additionally, the court must find that the parties have not ratified the marriage by voluntarily cohabiting after attaining the age of consent, or obtaining the capacity to consent, or after cessation of the force or duress or discovery of the fraud

Just like in a divorce, once that is determined that the marriage is invalid, other related issues must be resolved. The assets and debts must be divided, custody of any children must be determined, child support and spousal maintenance, restraining orders, attorney fees, and other appropriate issues.

The Renton law firm of Mogren, Glessner & Roti, represents clients in a variety of family law cases, including Declaration of Invalidity (annulment). We have 4 attorneys for you to chose from. Please visit our web page at http://www.mgrlaw.com/ for more information.