General

Voidable Marriage

A marriage that is legally valid until one party successfully petitions the court to annul it based on specific grounds.

Understanding Voidable Marriage

A voidable marriage exists and has legal effect until a court declares it annulled. Grounds include fraud, duress, mental incapacity, impotence, or underage marriage. Unlike a void marriage, a voidable marriage must be challenged by one of the parties — it will not be invalidated automatically. If neither party seeks annulment, the marriage remains valid. Children born during a voidable marriage are still considered legitimate.

Real-World Examples

She sought an annulment on grounds that he concealed a serious criminal history, making the marriage voidable due to fraud.

Related Terms

Void Marriage

A marriage that is legally invalid from the start and treated as though it never existed.

Annulment

A 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.

Have Questions About Voidable Marriage?

Our AI advisor can explain how voidable marriage applies to your specific situation — free, private, and available 24/7.

Ask About Voidable Marriage

Was this helpful? Help us keep it free.

divorce911.ai is funded entirely by donations. Every dollar keeps the AI assistant and 1,700+ guides free for people in crisis.

Support Us

Know someone going through a divorce? This could help them.

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.