Understanding Civil Annulment in Washington State 👨⚖️ In Washington State, a civil annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never happened. This differs significantly from a divorce, which acknowledges a valid marriage that is now being dissolved. Annulments are granted under specific, limited circumstances, making them less common than divorces. Understanding these grounds and navigating the legal process is crucial. Grounds for Annulment in Washington 🚫 Not every marriage can be annulled. Washington law requires specific conditions to be met. These include: Lack of Capacity: One or both parties lacked the mental capacity to consent to the marriage. This could be due to intoxication, mental illness, or developmental disability. Underage Marriage: One party was underage and did not have the required parental or court consent. In Washington, the legal age for marriage is 18, or 17 with parental and judicial consent. ...
Practical Legal Guide with Expert Advice