The legal processes for ending a marriage in Ohio include both dissolution and the declaration that a marriage is invalid. The former, commonly called divorce, terminates a legally valid marriage. The latter, known as annulment, treats the marriage as if it never legally existed. For example, if one party was already married to another person at the time of the wedding, a declaration of invalidity might be sought.
Understanding the distinction between these two legal actions is critical for individuals considering ending their marital relationship. The choice between them has implications for property division, spousal support, and legal recognition of the relationship’s duration. Historically, annulments were primarily granted based on specific religious doctrines, but modern legal systems, including Ohio’s, have established secular grounds.