# Annulment > Annulment solicitors advise on void and voidable marriages, assessing whether annulment is available and handling the court process from application to final order. Last updated: 2026-11-09 # Annulment solicitors An annulment ends a marriage or civil partnership on the basis that it was never legally valid, or that something fundamental was wrong from the start. It is far less common than divorce, and the grounds are narrow. Rushton Family Law advises on whether annulment is available to you and, if it is, handles the process from start to finish. ### Annulment at a glance - An annulment treats a marriage or civil partnership as invalid, rather than ending a valid one. - The grounds are narrow, and divorce is often the simpler route. - You can apply within the first year of marriage, unlike divorce. - Some grounds have a three-year time limit. - Both of you can still make financial claims. [Book my free consultation](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/contact) ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2830/174-33-def/rushton-family-law-white.png) #### Specialist Divorce and Family Lawyers Rushton provides discreet representation for divorce, financial settlements, and arrangements for children. We treat every case with the care it deserves, without losing sight of what actually needs to get done. [Contact us](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/contact) When it really matters # Getting advice on annulment We start by understanding the circumstances of the marriage. That means when and where it took place, what has happened since, and why you are considering annulment rather than divorce. If either of you has connections to another country, we will look at that early too. People often ask about annulment when divorce would be simpler and achieve the same result. If that applies to you, we will say so. ### Grounds for annulment The law distinguishes between two types of marriage that can be annulled. A **void marriage** was never legally valid. This includes marriages where one party was already married or in a civil partnership, where either party was under 18, or where the couple are closely related. A **voidable marriage** is valid until it is annulled. The grounds include non-consummation, lack of valid consent (for example, because of duress or mistake), and one party being pregnant by someone else at the time of the marriage. Some of these grounds must be raised within three years of the marriage. ### How the annulment process works An annulment is applied for through the court and follows similar stages to a divorce, ending with a conditional order and a final order. The court usually needs more evidence than in a divorce, and in some cases a hearing. We prepare the application and supporting evidence and deal with the court on your behalf. If your spouse has applied, we handle your response. ### Annulment and your finances An annulment does not prevent either of you from making financial claims. The court can deal with property, pensions, businesses and maintenance in much the same way as on divorce. ### Contact us ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3030/33-32-def/icon-phone.png) Telephone [020 3148 3379](tel:+442031483379) Phone lines are open 24 hours ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3031/32-32-def/icon-whatsapp.png) WhatsApp [**07762 061670**](https://wa.me/447762061670) Scan QR to open WhatsApp ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3032/87-87-def/whatsapp-qr.png) RELATED SERVICES [Expert divorce solicitors](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/services/divorce-and-separation/divorce/) [Civil partnership dissolution solicitors ](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/services/divorce-and-separation/civil-partnership-dissolution) [Separation solicitors](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/services/divorce-and-separation/separation/) RELATED GUIDES [Religious Divorce](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/guide/religious-divorce/) [Responding to a divorce application](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/guide/responding-to-a-divorce-application/-579f) [Separation Agreements](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/guide/separation-agreements/) [Judicial Separation](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/guide/separation-agreements-clone-a71d) ### Our Team Our team of specialist family solicitors offer expert advice in proportion to what’s at stake for you. We advise on all areas of family law and bring the same care and high standard to every family we work with. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3099/398-535-def/nicola-398x535.jpg) [Nicola Jones](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/team/nicola-jones) [Partner - Divorce & Family](https://) ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3100/398-535-def/amie-398x535.jpg) Amie Pine Partner - Divorce & Family ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3139/398-535-def/emma-398x535.jpg) Emma Shortland Associate ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3116/398-535-def/ella-398x535.jpg) Ella Perry Assistant Solicitor ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3107/398-535-def/samantha-398x535.jpg) Samantha Patel Legal Support Assistant ### Reviews and testimonials ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Firstly, Amie Pine. This particular solicitor is an absolute master of her craft. She's knowledgeable, caring, understandable, professional and always one step ahead ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) The second person I would like to mention in my review is Emma Shortland. Her knowledge of the law is incredible. Please don't let her age put you off, as upon those very young shoulders is a very wise head. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Amie was brilliant helping me through and managing my divorce financials both professionally and personally, cannot recommend enough, thanks again Amie! ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) I recently went through a difficult divorce, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by my solicitor, Amie Pine. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) From the very beginning, Amie provided clear, concise guidance and her expertise, professionalism, and compassion made a significant difference during this challenging time. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Amie was always available to answer my questions, no matter how trivial they seemed, and provided reassurance during the most stressful moments. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Amie was not only a legal advisor but also a pillar of support, helping me navigate the emotional and financial aspects. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Thank you, Amie, for making a difficult time more manageable and for helping me move forward with my life. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Amie Pine has helped me get through a financially and emotionally challenging divorce with great empathy, expert advice and the utmost professionalism. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) She is always responsive and worked quickly to ensure the matter progressed despite the other party's delays and unreasonable demands. Thank you Amie - it's been a real pleasure having you represent me. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Nicola and the team are the best support you could ask for at the most difficult of times. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) As well as being knowledgeable, forward thinking, organised and hard-working, [Nicola] has empathy and goes above and beyond for her clients. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) I feel safer and not alone, knowing that I have Nicola's support - securing her to act for me was a huge weight lifted. No matter what the result, I am confident that she will have secured the best outcome possible. ### outstanding legal representation when it really matters ### FAQs #### What are the stages of a divorce? There are three: the application, the conditional order after at least 20 weeks, and the final order six weeks after that. The financial settlement runs alongside and should usually be agreed before the final order. #### How long does a divorce take? The legal process takes around seven months at minimum. Resolving the finances often takes longer, and that usually decides when everything is finished. #### Do I have to go to court to get divorced? Usually not. The divorce itself is dealt with on paper, and most financial and children matters are resolved without a contested hearing. #### What are the grounds for divorce in England and Wales? Since April 2022, there is only one: that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. A statement saying so is enough, and neither of you has to prove or allege blame. ### How we work An experienced family solicitor will run your matter from the first meeting onwards, and you will deal with them directly rather than being passed between members of a team. Part of their job is to help you decide where your time and money are best spent. In most divorces there are points worth pressing and points that make little difference to the end result, and we will be straightforward with you about which is which. A lot of matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation, and where that is realistic we will recommend it. Where it is not, because the other side will not engage, or disclosure is incomplete, or the issues are genuinely contested, we will advise you on taking the matter to court and act for you there. **Rushton Family Law is the sister brand of Vardags. If your case involves complex finances or international issues, we will introduce you to the Vardags team.** [Book a consultation](#callback) ### Request a confidential call Please share a few details about your circumstances and one of our specialist family lawyers will contact you at a convenient time. If a telephone call is not suitable, please let us know your preferred method of contact. [Get in touch](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/contact)