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Divorce and annulment are two options for legally ending a marriage or domestic partnership, and they have similarities and differences. The type of evidence required for an annulment vs. a divorce, for example, is different. The costs of these processes can differ. While the average annulment costs between $500-$5,000, lengthy divorce settlements can cost much more.

The most significant distinction between a divorce and an annulment is that a divorce terminates a legally valid marriage, whereas an annulment declares a marriage to be legally invalid.

Annulment Vs Divorce

Divorce is the process of legally dissolving, terminating, and ending a legally valid marriage. Divorce dissolves a legal marriage and declares the spouses single once more. Annulment: A legal decision that declares a marriage null and void, indicating that the union was never legally valid. The marriage records, however, remain on file even if the marriage is erased.

The basis for an action—the reasons why a decision is justified—is referred to as “grounds” in legal terms. There are several reasons to seek a divorce rather than an annulment. The primary reason for ending a marriage is that one or both spouses wish to separate.

When the parties acknowledge that the marriage existed, they seek a divorce, which is far more common. When one or both of the spouses believe that the marriage was legally invalid in the first place, they seek an annulment.

An annulment is a legal process that dissolves a marriage that at least one of the parties believes should never have happened. The legal grounds for annulment vary by state, but they usually include the following:

• One or both of the spouses were coerced or duped into marrying.
• Due to a mental disability, drugs, or alcohol, one or both spouses were unable to make a decision to marry.
• At the time of the marriage, one or both spouses were already married (bigamy).
• One or both of the spouses were under the age of marriage.
• It was an incestuous union.
• One spouse hid a major problem, such as substance abuse or a criminal record. From one, a child, and from the other, an illness.
• An annulment is much less common than divorces because one of these conditions must be met and proven in court for it to be granted.
• Both types of divorce can be costly and time-consuming in the courtroom. And they both begin with one or both spouses filing a formal divorce or annulment petition with the court.
• If both parties agree to end the marriage without many disputes or disagreements about how to do so, either a divorce or an annulment can be simple and inexpensive.

How Much Does An Annulment Cost?

According to Costaide, the majority of annulments cost between $500-$5,000. Exact costs will depend on the type of agreement you and your-soon-to-be-ex spouse come to. For example, signing a joint petition for annulment can lower the cost compared to instances where one spouse files alone.

Prices for annulments will vary based on location. Each and every state has its own regulations related to this process.

How Much Does An Uncontested Divorce Cost?

The average cost of an uncontested divorce is $750 with prices ranging from $100-$1,500 for the US. A large amount of money can be saved if your spouse and you can agree to divorce, how the divorce will take place and how your lives are going to be separated.

This situation often leads to what is known as an “uncontested divorce.” The total cost will be determined by several aspects. If you have no issue with becoming a part of the legal procedures of your state, the cost may well be under $500. It will obviously be higher if you utilize the services of an attorney.

How Much Does A Collaborative Divorce Cost?

On average collaborative divorce costs $7,500. Collaborative divorce costs ranged from $5,000-$10,000 per spouse in the US, according to Equitable Mediation. However, Canterbury Law Group has navigated many divorce collaborations for less than $10,000 in legal fees per spouse.

This is a far cry from the tens of thousands of dollars that other couples will inevitably spend in contested divorce litigation in a court of law, not to mention the high emotional cost in traditional divorce cases.

Annulment vs. Divorce: When Should You Annul?

Because of the short duration, many people believe that a very brief marriage can be ended with an annulment. However, a short duration is not a legal basis for annulment. To be annulled, the marriage must still meet one or more of the conditions listed above.

Furthermore, a long-term marriage might not be eligible for an annulment. After a certain amount of time has passed, many states will not grant an annulment. In California, for example, an annulment based on fraud must be requested within four years of the discovery of the fraud (one partner alleges that the other deceived them into agreeing to the marriage).

An annulment can be requested very soon after a marriage has taken place. However, in some states, a couple must be married or in a committed relationship for a certain amount of time (usually one or two years) before filing for divorce. In some states, the couple must live apart for a certain period of time before either party can file for divorce.