Annulment Solicitors
Many people explore annulment as an alternative to divorce, particularly because it can be pursued without waiting for the usual one-year period after marriage. However, annulment is only available in specific legal circumstances.
At Zavri Law, our experienced annulment solicitors can help you understand whether you are eligible and guide you through the process efficiently and with clarity.
If you would like to discuss marriage annulment and your legal options, our team is available for an initial assessment to help you decide your next steps.
What is an annulment?
An annulment (also known as nullity) is a legal declaration by the court that a marriage was never legally valid or later became invalid due to certain legal reasons.
Common examples include:
The marriage was never legally valid from the start, or
Specific circumstances arose that allow the marriage to be set aside
Once an annulment is granted, the law treats the marriage as though it never legally existed.
When can a marriage be annulled?
To qualify for annulment, the marriage must be either void or voidable under UK law.
Annulment for void marriages
A marriage is considered void if it was never legally valid. This may apply if:
You are closely related to your spouse
One or both parties were under 18 (or under 16 before 27 February 2023)
One party was already married or in a civil partnership
Annulment for voidable marriages
A marriage may be voidable if certain conditions existed at the time of marriage, including:
The marriage was not consummated (not applicable to same-sex couples)
Consent was not freely given, such as in cases of forced marriage
One party had a sexually transmitted disease at the time of marriage
One party was pregnant by another person at the time of marriage
One party was undergoing gender transition at the time of marriage
Annulment vs divorce: what’s the difference?
Divorce legally ends a valid marriage
Annulment confirms that the marriage was never valid or became invalid
You cannot apply for divorce within the first year of marriage, but you may apply for an annulment if you meet the legal criteria.
How to apply for an annulment
1. Check your eligibility
You can apply for annulment immediately after marriage, but you must first confirm that valid legal grounds apply. A family solicitor can help assess your situation.
2. Submit a nullity application
You must complete a nullity application form and submit two copies to the Regional Divorce Unit.
The form includes details such as:
Marriage date
Names of both parties
Relevant circumstances supporting annulment
Once submitted, the other party has 14 days to respond.
3. Apply for a conditional order
If there is no objection, you can apply for a conditional order confirming there is no legal reason the annulment should not proceed.
4. Apply for a final order
Six weeks after the conditional order, you can apply for a final order.
If approved, the court issues a decree of nullity, confirming the annulment.
Time limits for annulment in the UK
Applications should generally be made within three years of marriage
If a gender recognition certificate is issued, you have six months from that date to apply
Do you need to attend court?
Most annulments do not require a court hearing unless the application is disputed.
Do both parties have to agree?
An annulment is based on legal status, not mutual consent.
However, disagreements can delay the process and may require court involvement.
How much does an annulment cost?
Court fee for a nullity application: £593
Solicitor fees typically range from £150–£250, depending on complexity
Zavri Law can provide clear, fixed-fee guidance once your situation is reviewed.
Is annulment better than divorce?
Annulment is not suitable for everyone. While divorce is more common, annulment may be preferable where the legal effect of treating the marriage as never having existed is important.
Can a civil partnership be annulled?
Yes. A civil partnership can be annulled if it is legally void or voidable, using a similar process to marriage annulment.
Religious annulment vs legal annulment
Some religions recognise annulment, but religious annulments have no legal effect under UK law.
To legally end a marriage or remarry, you must obtain either:
A divorce, or
A legal annulment
Financial claims during annulment
Annulment does not automatically resolve financial matters.
You may need to:
Agree on financial arrangements, or
Apply to the court for a financial order
A solicitor can help ensure any agreement is legally binding and protects your future interests.
How long does annulment take?
If eligibility is clear and there are no disputes, annulment typically takes around seven months.
Timelines may vary depending on complexity and individual circumstances.
How does annulment affect property?
Generally, assets are returned to the position they were in before the marriage, rather than divided as in divorce.
How does annulment affect children?
Annulment does not affect parental responsibility.
Both parents retain:
Legal rights and responsibilities
Obligations for child maintenance and care
Child arrangements may still need to be agreed or formalised with legal support.
Speak to annulment solicitors at Zavri Law
Zavri Law works with experienced annulment solicitors across the UK who can:
Assess eligibility for annulment
Advise on finances, property, and children
Manage the annulment application process
Contact our team to discuss your situation and receive clear guidance on your next steps.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal outcomes depend on individual circumstances. You should seek advice from a qualified solicitor before taking any action.