There is more than one way to end a marriage in New Jersey. Besides divorce, some married couples also have the option of seeking an annulment. Here are some of the benefits of ending a marriage with an annulment as opposed to a divorce:
Avoid the Social Stigma of Divorce
Divorce has become more widely accepted over the years, but many people feel that it still carries a social stigma. They fear that their friends and family members will look down upon them for their decision to get divorced. Since an annulment voids the marriage and treats it as if it never existed, couples can avoid the social stigma of divorce by seeking an annulment instead.
Religious Beliefs
Divorce is more accepted in society, but it is still frowned upon in many religions. However, these religions are typically more accepting of annulments. In fact, most religions will recognize a second marriage in the church if the first marriage was annulled. For this reason, a religious couple may prefer seeking an annulment as opposed to filing for divorce.
Skip the Division of Property
New Jersey is an equitable division state, which means marital assets are fairly divided between both spouses during a divorce. However, this rule does not apply to couples that are annulling their marriage. An annulment voids the marriage, so the law does not require couples who choose this route to split their marital assets. Instead, each spouse gets to keep the assets that are in their name. If an asset is in both names, it is divided equally between the two parties. This is one of the main benefits of choosing an annulment over a divorce.
Who Can Seek An Annulment?
There are many benefits to seeking an annulment, so it’s not hard to see why so many couples prefer this route over divorce. However, it is important to note that even though a lot of couples want to annul their marriage, very few annulments are actually granted. The couple must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to have their marriage annulled by the courts. If you are interested in this option, it’s best to discuss it with an attorney to find out whether or not you qualify.
Are you interested in seeking an annulment? If so, contact Williams Law Group, LLC right away. Our family law attorneys will review your case to determine if annulment is an option. If it is, we will guide you through the process and ensure you make the best decisions for your future. Call our office at (908) 810-1083, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation.
