Columbus, OH Annulment Lawyers
An annulment declares a marriage legally void, as if it never existed. If your marriage was entered under fraud, coercion, or other qualifying conditions, our attorneys can help you pursue an annulment in Ohio.
An annulment is a legally accepted procedure that cancels a marriage, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.31. From a legal perspective, an annulled marriage was never valid or never technically existed. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment treats the marriage as if it never happened.
In Franklin County and the rest of Ohio, the annulment process cannot proceed if your reasons for termination don’t fall under the legally recognized grounds for nullification. Understanding whether your situation qualifies is the critical first step.
Court filing fees vary by county and are subject to change. In Columbus and Franklin County, filing fees for an annulment case are approximately $175. In Cleveland, filing fees are around $150. Verify current fees with the appropriate court. Attorney fees are additional and depend on case complexity.
Before filing for an annulment, it’s important to verify that your marriage qualifies. Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.31 lists six causes for which a voidable marriage can be annulled. Tap each to learn more.
Annulment cases involve unique legal complexities that differ significantly from standard divorce proceedings. Whether you’re dealing with fraud, coercion, or other qualifying grounds, having experienced legal counsel ensures your case is presented effectively. Our attorneys understand the evidentiary requirements for each ground and will guide you through every step. Protecting your rights from the outset is essential to navigating this process effectively.
Generally more expensive due to complexity of asset division, custody, and support proceedings.
Typically less expensive because the marriage is treated as if it never existed.
The court may award alimony and divide assets equitably between spouses.
Generally no spousal support, because the marriage is declared void from the start. However, courts may still address certain financial matters in limited circumstances.
Can be filed at any point during the marriage.
For voidable marriages, must generally be filed within two years of the marriage date. Void marriages (such as bigamy) have no time limit.
Marital property is divided equitably by the court.
Generally no marital property to divide and assets return to their original owners. However, courts may apply equitable principles to jointly acquired property.
Court hearings can be daunting, especially when emotions are involved. At Borshchak Law Group, we provide you with a strong attorney-client relationship to evaluate whether your grounds for annulment qualify under Ohio law and guide you through the process.
Our experienced annulment attorneys will walk you through the court proceedings and advocate on your behalf. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.32, most voidable marriages must be filed within two years of the marriage date, though certain void marriages (such as bigamy) have no time limit. Don’t wait to explore your options.
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
If your marriage may not have been legally valid, we can help you explore whether annulment is right for your situation.