How An Annulment Works in Ohio
Different states have different laws when it comes to issues related to marriage, divorce, and annulment. Ohio also has its own set of laws and regulations to regulate these issues. In Ohio, annulment means an official declaration made by the court that a valid marriage never took place. To successfully obtain an annulment, one must show that their reason falls under one of the qualifying grounds mentioned under Ohio law.
Qualifying Grounds for Obtaining an Annulment in Ohio
Underage
If either of the two persons was below the legally required age of marriage, the marriage may be annulled. For males, this age is set 18 and for females, this age is set at 16 in Ohio.
Fraud or Force
If the other person was convinced into the marriage on the basis of a fraud, an annulment may be granted. For example, lying about one’s real identity or falsely claiming pregnancy. If there was some kind of force, duress, or coercion to make the other person agree to get married, the same may be a valid ground for annulment.
Mental Incapacity or Incompetence
If a person was not of sound mind or lacked the mental capacity or was incompetent to consent for the marriage, it may be annulled.
Lack of Consummation
If the spouses never consummated the marriage, the same may be annulled.
Another Valid Marriage
If either of the spouses was already in a valid marriage with another living person, one may seek annulment.
Time Limit to Obtain Annulment
For most of the above mentioned grounds, one must seek an annulment within two years of the date of the marriage. Where one of the spouses was underage, the annulment must be sought within two years of reaching the legal age of getting married. Where the marriage was based on a fraud, annulment must be sought within two years of knowing the fraud.