A legal dissolution of marriage, divorce, acknowledges that a valid marital union existed but is now terminated. Conversely, an annulment treats a marriage as though it never legally existed, declaring it invalid from its inception. For example, a couple obtains a divorce to sever a marriage that was entered into legally and consensually. An annulment, however, might be granted if one party was underage at the time of the marriage and lacked parental consent, rendering the initial union legally flawed.
Understanding the distinctions between these legal processes is vital for individuals navigating marital dissolution. The outcome of choosing one path over the other can significantly affect property division, spousal support, and legal rights. Historically, societal views on the sanctity of marriage often influenced whether annulment or divorce was pursued, with annulments often carrying less social stigma in certain contexts.