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Many people explore annulment as an alternative to divorce, particularly because it can be pursued without waiting for the usual one-year period after marriage. However, annulment is only available in specific circumstances, and eligibility depends on the legal status of the marriage.
At Zavri Law, our network of experienced annulment solicitors can help you understand whether annulment is an option for you and guide you through the process as efficiently as possible.
To discuss marriage annulment and your options, contact our legal assessment team for a free case evaluation.
An annulment (also known as nullity) is a legal declaration by the court that a marriage was never legally valid or became invalid due to specific legal reasons.
If an annulment is granted, the marriage is treated as though it never legally existed.
To qualify for an annulment, the marriage must be either void or voidable under UK law.
A marriage is considered void if it was never legally valid from the outset. This may apply if:
You and your spouse are closely related
One or both parties were under 18 (or under 16 before 27 February 2023)
One party was already married or in a civil partnership at the time
A marriage may be voidable if certain issues arise after it takes place, including:
The marriage was not consummated (not applicable to same-sex couples)
Proper consent was not given, including cases of force or duress
One spouse had a sexually transmitted disease at the time of marriage
One spouse was pregnant by another person at the time of marriage
One spouse was undergoing gender transition at the time of marriage
Divorce legally ends a valid marriage
Annulment declares that the marriage was never legally valid or became invalid
You cannot apply for divorce within the first year of marriage, but you may be able to apply for an annulment during this period if legal grounds exist.
You can apply for annulment immediately after marriage, provided you meet the legal criteria. A solicitor can help identify the correct grounds for your case.
You must complete a nullity application form and submit two copies to the Regional Divorce Unit. The form includes details such as:
Date of marriage
Names of both parties
The legal grounds for annulment
The other party has 14 days to respond once the court issues notice.
If no objections arise, you can apply for a conditional order confirming there is no legal reason the marriage cannot be annulled.
Six weeks after the conditional order, you can apply for a final order. If approved, the court issues a decree of nullity, legally confirming the annulment.
Applications are usually expected within three years of the marriage
If a gender recognition certificate is issued, you generally have six months from the date of issue to apply
In most cases, a court hearing is not required unless the annulment is disputed.
An annulment is a legal declaration rather than a claim against the other party, so agreement is not required. However, disputes can delay the process and may lead to a court hearing.
Court fee for a nullity application: £593
Solicitor fees typically range from £150–£250, depending on complexity
Zavri Law can provide a fixed-fee quote following a free initial assessment.
Annulment is not necessarily better, but it may be appropriate in specific circumstances where the marriage was not legally valid. Divorce remains the most common route for ending a legally valid marriage.
Yes. A civil partnership can be annulled if it is legally void or voidable, in the same way as a marriage.
Religious annulments have no legal effect under English law. Even if a religious annulment is granted, you remain legally married unless you obtain a divorce or legal annulment through the courts.
Annulment does not automatically resolve financial matters. Spouses may:
Agree on financial arrangements privately
Apply to the court for financial remedies
A solicitor can help ensure any agreement is legally binding and protects your long-term interests.
If eligibility is clear and there are no disputes, annulment typically takes around seven months, though timelines can vary.
In most annulment cases, assets are returned to their pre-marriage position rather than divided, although financial claims may still be possible.
Child Arrangements and Annulment
Annulment does not affect parental responsibility. Both parents retain their rights and obligations, including:
Child living arrangements
Financial support
A solicitor can assist in formalising child arrangements where necessary.
Zavri Law works with experienced UK annulment solicitors who can help you:
Confirm whether annulment is an option
Understand your legal position
Address finances, property, and child arrangements
Complete and submit annulment applications
Contact our legal assessment team today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and personalised guidance.
This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and individual circumstances vary, and you should seek advice from a qualified solicitor regarding your specific situation.
