What is an annulment?

An annulment is a legal procedure that effectively declares a marriage null and void, treating it as if it never existed. This means that, legally speaking, the marriage is invalid from the outset, as though it never took place. This contrasts with divorce, which ends a legally valid marriage but acknowledges that the marriage occurred.

An annulment may be based on several grounds, such as fraud, coercion, or incapacity at the time of the marriage. When granted, an annulment means that the parties are returned to their single status and that any legal effects of the marriage, such as obligations or rights that would normally arise, are nullified.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature of an annulment. A legal separation refers to a situation where a married couple lives separately but is still legally married, often involving property division. Recognition of a marriage that was not legally valid could involve different legal proceedings but does not align with the specific definition of annulment, which outright terminates the validity of the marriage. Naming a guardian for children is related to custody issues, which is distinct from the concept of annulment.