Legal separation or annulment?
Nov 11th, 2008 by D.J. Rausa
Can I get a legal separation or an annulment instead of a divorce?
Yes. You can get a legal separation or an annulment (also called a nullity) without having lived in California for six months or your county for three months before filing.
- Legal separation. You may have religious, insurance, tax or other reasons for wanting a legal separation instead of a dissolution. If you obtain a legal separation, you and your spouse will remain married, but the court can divide your property and issue orders relating to child custody, visitation, child support and spousal support, and, if necessary, a restraining order.
- Annulment. If you are granted an annulment, it is as though your marriage never existed. You may be able to get an annulment if you married when you were a minor without the consent of your parents or guardian, or if certain types of fraud or deceit were involved. If you want an annulment, however, you will have to appear in court for a trial.
