What is the main characteristic of void marriages?

Void marriages are characterized as having no legal effect from the moment they are created. This means they are considered null and void, as if they never existed in the eyes of the law. Once a marriage is deemed void, it does not require any formal annulment process to establish its invalidity, as it holds no legal ramifications.

This distinguishes void marriages from voidable marriages, which are valid until challenged by one of the spouses and can be annulled if a party chooses to do so. Therefore, when a marriage is declared void, it eliminates all obligations and rights that would typically be attached to a marriage.

The understanding that void marriages have no legal ramifications reinforces the fact that they are treated as if they never occurred, simplifying any legal considerations relating to property division or spousal support, which would not be applicable in such cases.