Grounds for annulment in Illinois include fraud, bigamy, incapacity, or being underage without parental consent. These conditions make the marriage invalid under Illinois law.

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In-Depth Explanation

Annulment, or a “declaration of invalidity of marriage,” is a legal process in Illinois that declares a marriage void or invalid. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment establishes that the marriage was never legally valid from the start. Illinois law provides specific grounds for annulment:

1. Fraud or Misrepresentation: One spouse deceived the other about an essential aspect of the marriage (e.g., concealing an inability to have children).
2. Bigamy: One spouse was already married to someone else at the time of the marriage.
3. Mental or Physical Incapacity: A spouse lacked the mental capacity to consent to the marriage or was physically incapable of consummating the marriage.
4. Underage Without Consent: One spouse was under 18 years old and did not have parental or judicial consent to marry.

Example: A spouse discovers that their partner was already married to another person. This constitutes bigamy and provides grounds for annulment.

Steps or Processes

1. Verify Eligibility:
   • Confirm that your situation meets one of Illinois’ grounds for annulment.
2. File a Petition:
   • Submit a petition for annulment in the appropriate Illinois family court.
3. Serve the Other Party:
   • Provide legal notice of the petition to your spouse.
4. Attend a Court Hearing:
   • Present evidence supporting your claim for annulment.
5. Obtain the Judgment:
   • The judge issues a decree declaring the marriage invalid if the grounds are proven.

How Attorneys Can Help

Attorneys can assist by:

• Assessing whether your situation qualifies for annulment under Illinois law.
• Gathering evidence and preparing a strong case for court.
• Representing you during hearings to ensure your rights are protected.

What’s Next?

If you believe your marriage may qualify for annulment, call (630) 366-1760 to speak with an experienced family law attorney and explore your options.

Important Disclaimer

This website is not a law firm and provides general informational content. For personalized legal advice, consult with a qualified attorney.

The original article is published at https://familylawnapervilleil.com/faqs/what-are-the-grounds-for-annulment-in-illinois/