Annulment Lawyer in Hingham

Unsure if Annulment Is Possible For Your Marriage

Are you wondering if your marriage can be treated as if it never legally existed instead of going through a divorce? Do you have religious or personal reasons for wanting an annulment but are not sure how it works in Massachusetts? You are not alone, and clear guidance can make a difficult situation feel more manageable.

At Kellem Mahoney Family Law & Mediation Group, P.C., our team helps people in Hingham and across the South Shore understand whether annulment is a realistic option and what it would mean for their family. We listen carefully, review your situation in detail, and explain the differences between annulment and divorce in plain language. Our consultations are private and judgment-free, so you can share sensitive information and ask any questions you have.

Call us at (781) 304-4001 to talk with our Hingham annulment lawyer about your situation.

What Annulment Means in Massachusetts

Before you decide whether to contact a lawyer, it helps to know what an annulment actually does. In Massachusetts, an annulment is a court decision that a marriage was either void from the start or voidable because of specific legal problems at the time of the wedding. The law treats that marriage differently from one that ends in divorce.

When a court grants an annulment, it generally treats the marriage as though it never legally existed. This does not erase the fact that you lived together, shared finances, or had children. It does mean your legal status changes in a way that can matter for religious reasons, immigration issues, or your own sense of closure. Our team helps clients understand how this legal status may affect them in daily life.

Many people assume annulment is just a quicker or easier divorce, but that is rarely true. Annulments are only available in limited situations and usually require specific proof. The court still has authority to address important issues, such as where children will live, how parenting time will be shared, and whether one party will pay support. When you meet with us, we walk through how these rules typically apply under Massachusetts family law so you can see the whole picture, not just the label on the court order.

Who Qualifies For An Annulment

The most common question we hear is whether someone actually qualifies for annulment in Massachusetts. Eligibility does not depend on how unhappy the marriage is or how short it has been, although a brief marriage often leads people to ask about this option. The law focuses on what was wrong with the marriage itself at the time it began.

Massachusetts recognizes certain situations where a marriage is void from the start, such as where one spouse was already legally married to someone else or the parties are closely related by blood. Other marriages are considered voidable, meaning a judge can declare them invalid if specific grounds are proven. Examples include serious fraud that goes to the heart of the marriage, such as hiding an existing marriage, or a lack of mental capacity to consent at the time of the wedding.

Common legal grounds for Massachusetts annulment include:

• One spouse was already married, which may create a bigamous marriage.
• The spouses are too closely related under state law.
• One spouse was under the legal age to marry without proper consent.
• One party lacked the mental capacity to consent to marriage.
• Fraud or misrepresentation that affects the essence of the marriage, not just a minor issue.

Annulment Process In Hingham

Once you have a sense that annulment might be an option, the next concern is usually the process itself. Residents of Hingham typically have their family law matters heard in the Plymouth Probate and Family Court, which serves this part of the South Shore. Understanding how a case usually moves through that court can ease some of the anxiety you may feel.

The process often begins with a confidential consultation where our attorney gathers background information about your relationship, the wedding, and key facts that may support annulment. We review available documents, such as the marriage certificate, prior divorce decrees if any, and any written proof that may relate to fraud or capacity. After this review, we explain whether pursuing annulment seems appropriate or whether divorce would likely be the better route under Massachusetts law.

If you decide to move forward with an annulment request, our team typically prepares the necessary court documents, which may include a complaint for annulment and supporting affidavits. These filings are then brought to the Plymouth Probate and Family Court, and the other party is formally served. The timeline from filing to a hearing can vary based on court scheduling, case complexity, and whether your spouse contests the annulment. We make it a priority to keep you updated about expected dates and the steps that might come next.

During the case, the court may address temporary issues such as who remains in the home, how bills will be paid, and arrangements for children. Our attorney works to prepare you for each appearance, explains what questions you may be asked, and helps you understand the range of possible outcomes. Because we are familiar with the court that serves Hingham, we can describe typical procedures and help you feel more comfortable as your case moves forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I Qualify For An Annulment

You qualify only if your situation fits specific Massachusetts grounds, such as bigamy, close blood relationship, serious fraud, lack of capacity, or underage marriage. Our team reviews your history in detail, then explains whether annulment seems realistic or whether divorce would likely be a better option.

Will An Annulment Affect My Children’s Legal Status

No, under Massachusetts law children of a relationship are not made illegitimate because a marriage is annulled. The court can still address parenting plans, custody, and support. During a consultation, we explain how judges generally approach children’s issues in both annulment and divorce cases.

Can We Still Divide Property If The Marriage Is Annulled

Courts can usually address property, debts, and support even when a marriage is declared void or voidable. The details often depend on how long you were together and how your finances were handled. We discuss how judges commonly approach these questions so you understand what may happen.

How Private Is The Annulment Process In Massachusetts

Court filings are generally part of the public record, but many personal details are only seen by the court and parties. We talk with clients about what information must be filed, how hearings typically work at the Probate and Family Court, and steps they can take to protect their privacy.

What Happens If The Court Denies My Annulment Request

If a judge denies annulment, you still have options, including pursuing a divorce. We explain this possibility at the outset so you understand the risks. If the court does not grant annulment, our team can discuss next steps and help you decide how to move forward.

Take The Next Step Toward Clarity

Facing questions about whether your marriage should be annulled or dissolved through divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you are worried about family, faith, and the future. You do not have to sort through Massachusetts annulment law on your own. Speaking with our team can give you a clearer picture of your options and what each path would involve.

When you contact Kellem Mahoney Family Law & Mediation Group, P.C., you can expect a private conversation focused on understanding your situation, explaining how the law applies, and helping you decide on a practical way forward. Whether annulment is appropriate or another approach makes more sense, our goal is to guide you with honesty and respect. If you are looking for an annulment attorney Hingham residents can trust with sensitive matters, we invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation.

Call us at (781) 304-4001 to talk with our Hingham annulment attorney about your situation.