Void Marriage
A marriage that is legally invalid from the start and treated as though it never existed.
Understanding Void Marriage
A void marriage has no legal effect regardless of whether a court declares it void. Common grounds include bigamy (one spouse was already married), incest (parties are close blood relatives), or underage marriage without proper consent. Unlike a voidable marriage, no court action is technically needed to end a void marriage, though an annulment proceeding may be pursued to obtain an official record and resolve property or support issues.
Real-World Examples
Their marriage was void because he was still legally married to his first wife at the time of the ceremony.
Related Terms
A marriage that is legally valid until one party successfully petitions the court to annul it based on specific grounds.
AnnulmentA legal declaration that a marriage is void or voidable, effectively declaring it never legally existed. Unlike divorce, annulment erases the marriage rather than ending it.
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This definition is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws and terminology may vary by state and jurisdiction.
Always consult a licensed attorney in your area for advice specific to your situation.