You can apply for annulment of marriage if your marriage is void or voidable. Annulment (sometimes known as ‘nullity’) is a different way of ending a marriage.

Our specialist team of annulment solicitors is aware of the sensitivity of matters involving the annulment of marriage and that every individual is in a different situation.

The process can be emotionally challenging, and it is highly recommended to seek legal advice and support throughout the process.

To contact our specialist divorce and family law solicitors, call us on 0203 417 3700, or complete our online enquiry form.

  1. What is the annulment of marriage in the UK?
  2. Grounds for annulment
  3. Apply for an annulment
  4. How long does an annulment process take in the UK?
  5. How much does an annulment cost?
  6. Free legal advice from divorce solicitors
  7. How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
  8. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the annulment of marriage in the UK?

Annulment of marriage is a decree (court order) by the family court that a marriage was not legally valid or had become legally invalid.

Under English law, an annulment of marriage may be granted by the family court if you can show that the marriage:

  • was never legally valid (‘void’)
  • was legally valid, but meets one of the reasons that makes it ‘voidable’

If your marriage was not consummated, you may be able to apply for annulment of your marriage even if you are married for less than a year.

Grounds for annulment

An annulment can only be granted in certain circumstances, such as:

  • The marriage was not legally valid in the first place, for example, if one of the parties was already married or if they were closely related.
  • One of the parties lacked the mental capacity to consent to the marriage, for example, if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time.
  • The marriage has not been consummated, that is, the parties have not had sexual intercourse since the marriage.
  • One of the parties was coerced into the marriage, for example, if they were threatened or forced into it.
  • One of the parties was not of legal age to marry at the time.

Annulments are not granted automatically, and each case is decided on its own merits. It is advisable to seek legal advice if you are considering applying for an annulment.

Apply for an annulment

You can apply to annul your marriage or civil partnership using Form D8N as soon as you get married. Unlike divorce, you do not have to wait for a year.

You should send 2 copies of the nullity petition to your nearest family court and keep your copy.

Once you have submitted your annulment application and provided all the necessary evidence, the court will consider your case and decide whether to grant the annulment. You may be required to attend a hearing to provide further information or answer any questions.

If the court grants the annulment, you will receive a decree of nullity, which declares the marriage to be void from the beginning.

How long does an annulment process take in the UK?

The length of the annulment process in the UK can vary depending on many factors, such as the complexity of the case and the workload of the court. In general, the process can take around 6 months to complete.

How much does an annulment cost?

The court fee for filing a nullity in England & Wales is £593 which must be paid when submitting your nullity application to the family court.

Free legal advice from divorce solicitors

If you are looking for free or affordable advice on your annulment or divorce related matter, our divorce solicitors can help. For an initial consultation, call us on 0203 417 3700.

Our family law solicitors can provide one-off FREE general advice regarding your family law matter over the phone or via our online enquiry form. The FREE advice does not cover advice about complex legal issues.

If you want to discuss your divorce matter in detail, book a consultation session with our highly experienced family law solicitors for just £60 +VAT.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

If you want to apply to end your marriage or civil partnership because it is not valid (‘void’) then our team of family law solicitors can help. We at Wembley Solicitors charge a fixed fee in the region of £1000-£1500 (Plus VAT) for complete legal services.

Call on 0203 417 3700 to speak to our family law solicitors in Wembley, London today or fill in the enquiry form for immediate advice & assistance with your divorce or any other family law matter.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You can apply to annul your marriage or civil partnership as soon as you get married. Unlike divorce, you do not have to wait for a year.

You must also fill in a statement confirming that what you said in your nullity petition is true.

Use one of the forms below, depending on whether your marriage is ‘void’ or ‘voidable’:

In most cases, you do not need to go to family court for annulment of marriage and the court will deal with the matters on paper. However, you may be required to attend a hearing to provide further information.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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