At First Law Solicitors, we provide clear and discreet advice for clients seeking to annul their marriage under English law. A Decree of Nullity is a declaration that a marriage was never legally valid, or that it was validly formed but has since become void.
Annulment is distinct from divorce. Where divorce ends a lawful marriage, annulment confirms that the marriage never legally existed. It restores your individual legal status and protects you from future financial or inheritance complications.
Our family solicitors, based in Manchester and advising clients throughout England and Wales, represent individuals from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds for whom annulment may be preferred over divorce. We handle each case with sensitivity, precision and absolute confidentiality, ensuring full compliance with the procedural standards of the Family Court.
An annulment, or Decree of Nullity, may be granted in two main circumstances:
Void marriages – where the marriage was never legally valid.
Voidable marriages – where the marriage was validly formed but later proved defective.
A marriage is automatically void if it breaches fundamental legal requirements, such as when one party was already married, when the couple are closely related, or when the ceremony did not meet the legal formalities of a recognised marriage.
A marriage may be declared voidable where:
In both situations, the court’s final decision results in a Decree of Nullity, meaning the marriage is treated in law as if it never existed.
The process begins by submitting a Nullity Petition to the Family Court. This document sets out the legal reason the marriage is alleged to be void or voidable. The other party (the respondent) is formally served with the petition and given the opportunity to respond.
If the court is satisfied that one of the legal grounds applies, it will issue a Decree Nisi, followed by a Decree of Nullity once the case is concluded.
Unlike divorce, there is no requirement to wait twelve months after the marriage before filing for nullity. However, in most voidable cases, the petition must be made within a reasonable period after discovering the defect. If the petitioner delays too long, the court may refuse the application.
Our solicitors manage this process carefully, ensuring that every procedural and evidential step is met. We prepare the petition and supporting documents with absolute accuracy to ensure that your case proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
Although annulment declares the marriage void, the court can still make financial orders to ensure fairness between the parties. These may include:
Once the Decree of Nullity is granted, both parties return to single legal status. You are then free to remarry or enter into a civil partnership if you wish.
We ensure that your financial position is fully protected, working closely with financial planners and accountants to secure an outcome that reflects your contributions and needs.
For many clients, the decision to pursue annulment rather than divorce is driven by faith or cultural values. Our solicitors have significant experience handling cases where civil and religious law overlap, including marriages conducted overseas or within faith-based communities.
We often assist clients who require a civil annulment before seeking a religious dissolution, such as a Get or a Talaq. Our role is to ensure that both processes are aligned so that you remain compliant under English law while honouring your personal beliefs.
We also advise on cases where the validity of an overseas marriage is uncertain, for example, when the ceremony took place abroad but was never properly registered under English law.
A Decree of Nullity has significant effects on other areas of law. Once annulled, you cease to be a legal spouse for the purposes of inheritance, tax allowances, or immigration status.
We advise clients on how annulment may impact their financial and immigration position. Where appropriate, we coordinate with our Immigration and Private Client teams to ensure your overall legal interests remain secure.
If you obtained immigration status as a spouse, we can advise on switching to another route, such as private life, skilled worker or business categories, to maintain lawful residence in the United Kingdom.
At First Law Solicitors, every annulment case is led by a solicitor with over twenty years of post-qualification experience. We combine legal precision with discretion and empathy.
Our approach is both personal and modern. We use secure digital platforms and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)for document execution, allowing clients to progress their case efficiently from anywhere in the world.
Our firm’s integrated practice in family, immigration and private client law ensures that your annulment is handled comprehensively, accounting for financial, cultural and international dimensions.
From your first consultation, we provide a clear legal assessment of whether your marriage qualifies for annulment. We explain the process in straightforward terms, outline realistic timescales, and prepare all necessary documentation.
Our focus is to protect your dignity, privacy and legal interests. We act promptly and effectively, maintaining open communication throughout. You will always have direct access to your solicitor, ensuring consistency and confidence at every stage.
By the end of the process, you will have a legally sound resolution that restores your independence and provides the clarity you need to move forward.
If you believe your marriage may be invalid or voidable, contact First Law Solicitors today for discreet, specialist advice on annulment and family law.
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