Guide to Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

Most marriages end when one partner dies or when the spouses divorce.  However, in some cases, if a marriage was not valid at the time when it was contracted, an annulment of marriage in PR may be granted.  Annulment of marriage in Puerto Rico is significantly different from divorce: while divorce recognizes the previous validity of the spousal relationship, when a marriage is annulled the courts consider it retroactively void.  This guide will teach you more about annulment of marriage in PR, but for legal advice on your specific situation you should talk to a divorce attorney.

Grounds for Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

In order to obtain an annulment of marriage in PR, you must be able to show that your marriage was void or voidable at the time when it was contracted.  For instance, you may be able to show that the marriage contract was not valid because one spouse entered into the marriage under duress, or was defrauded into marrying.  In order to attain an annulment of marriage in Puerto Rico for a fraudulent marriage, you must stop living with your spouse as soon as reasonably possible when you find out about the fraud.

You may also be able to seek an annulment of marriage in PR if one partner lacked the ability to consent, due to age or mental incapacity.  Incestuous marriages are also considered void, and if you discover you are married to a person who is closely related to you, you can obtain an annulment of marriage in Puerto Rico virtually automatically by providing proof of the familial relationship.

Obtaining an Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

In order to get an annulment of marriage in PR, you will need to go to court and seek a “Declaration of Nullity of Marriage.”  Because annulment of marriage in Puerto Rico can be a somewhat difficult process, especially if you need to prove duress or fraud has occurred, it may be a good idea to obtain a lawyer's services before you begin seeking your annulment.  After you file for the declaration of nullity of marriage, you will be given a hearing where evidence about your marriage may be presented.  The judge in your case will decide whether to grant you an annulment of marriage in PR.

Alternatives to Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

Not all marriages may be annulled, even those that lasted only a short time.  If you are unable to attain an annulment of marriage in PR because you do not have grounds for an annulment, you may still want to pursue a no-fault divorce.  In fact, in many cases, a no-fault divorce will have the same results as an annulment of marriage and will be different in name only.  It is also substantially easier to obtain a no-fault divorce than an annulment, especially if you and your spouse can agree about how to divide all of your property.

Grounds and Procedures for Annulment of Marriage in NV

Annulment of Marriages in Nevada

Most laws for an annulment of marriage in Nevada are located in NRS 125.290-350 of the state’s revised statutes.  This article will reference the listed sections as well as important procedures to take while filing for an annulment of marriage in Nevada.  If you are thinking about an annulment of marriage in Nevada, you should talk within an attorney to help you with the process.  Otherwise, you may not be able to obtain an annulment of marriage in NV. 

Specific Laws about Annulments of Marriages in Nevada

General provisions for annulments of marriages in Nevada are located in NRS 125.290-350 of the state’s revised statutes. Generally, an annulment of marriage in Nevada may occur in the following situations: 

1. Consanguinity between the parties is close enough for an annulment of marriage in NV

2. Either party had another spouse living in another state before the annulment of marriage in NV

3. When either party way under 16, unless they were 15 and the court halted the annulment of marriage in NV

4. Either party was under the age of 18 and legal guardians didn’t give consent, but the annulment of marriage in Nevada must be finalized in one year

5. Between persons of the same sex, even if the marriage was performed in another state, is a direct ground for annulment of marriage in NV

6. Either party was incapacitated at the time of the marriage and now wants an annulment of marriage in Nevada; however, annulments of marriages in Nevada may not stand if two parties cohabitated and the incapacitated party willingly cohabitated

7. If consent was obtained through fraud, an annulment of marriage in NV is void from the time of nullity; however, annulments of marriages in Nevada may not stand if the other party knew about the fraud and still cohabitated with the other spouse

Steps for Annulments of Marriages in Nevada 

An annulment of marriage in Nevada requires the following steps: 

1. Fill out court forms: you’ll have to fill out several different forms depending on the grounds of your annulment of marriage in Nevada, and you’ll have to file a complaint with any district court (or the local district court if marriage was performed out of state).  You’ll have to contact your local district court in order to find information on what forms you’ll need to file a complaint for an annulment of marriage in Nevada.

2. File the forms with the clerk: you will have to pay filing fees for every form you submit for annulments of marriages in Nevada.  You will have to fill out even more forms if you want to establish temporary orders for child support, spousal support, or other issues within annulments of marriages in Nevada.    

3. Serve the forms to the other party: you can have the court send the documents to the second party, you can mail the forms yourself, or you can have an outside party hand over the forms for an annulment of marriage in NV.   

4. Set up a court hearing: an annulment of marriages in Nevada must have supporting factors hold up in court, and you should hire a lawyer to help you prepare for the trial.  If either party misrepresented their age, a court may not always grant an annulment of marriage in NV in some cases.

Grounds and Procedures for Annulment of Marriage in UT

Annulments of Marriages in Utah

Most laws for an annulment of marriage in Utah are located in §30-1-1 and §30-1-2 of the state’s revised code.  This article will reference the listed sections as well as important procedures to take while filing for an annulment of marriage in Utah.  If you are thinking about an annulment of marriage in Utah, you should talk within an attorney to help you with the process.  Otherwise, you may not be able to obtain an annulment of marriage in UT. 

Specific Laws about Annulments of Marriages in Utah

General provisions for annulments of marriages in Utah are located in §30-1-2 of the state’s revised code. Generally, an annulment of marriage in Utah may occur in the following situations: 

1. There was another husband or wife living during the second marriage and there was not a divorce before the annulment of marriage in UT

2. Either party was under the age of 18 unless they obtained proper consent under §30-1-9 to stop the annulment of marriage in UT

3. When either the male or female was under the age of 16, unless they were 15 and met conditions under §30-1-9 to halt the annulment of marriage in UT

4. If either party was involved in a divorce and attempted to marry again before the divorce became final

5. Between persons of the same sex, even if the marriage was performed in another state, is a direct ground for annulment of marriage in UT

Section 30-1-1 also allows an annulment of marriage in Utah if the marriage is incestuous.  According to this section, annulments of marriages in Utah occur in the following circumstances: 

• marriages between parents and children

• marriage between ancestors and descendants of every degree, unless the annulment of marriage in UT is exempt because of age

• marriages between brothers and sisters or half or whole blood

• marriages between aunts or uncles and nephews or nieces 

• marriage between first cousins, unless exempt from an annulment of marriage in UT 65 or older or 55 or older and unable to reproduce

• marriages between two people in any 4th or less degree of consanguinity 

Steps for Annulments of Marriages in Utah

An annulment of marriage in Utah requires the following steps: 

1. Fill out court forms: you’ll have to fill out several different forms depending on the grounds of your annulment of marriage in Utah, and you’ll have to file a complaint with the district court.  You’ll have to contact your local district court in order to find information on what forms you’ll need to file a complaint for an annulment of marriage in Utah.

2. File the forms with the clerk: you will have to pay filing fees for every form you submit for annulments of marriages in Utah.  You will have to fill out even more forms if you want to establish temporary orders for child support, spousal support, or other issues within annulments of marriages in Utah.    

3. Serve the forms to the other party: you can have the court send the documents to the second party, you can mail the forms yourself, or you can have an outside party hand over the forms for annulments of marriages in Utah.   

4. Set up a court hearing: all annulments of marriages in Utah must have supporting factors hold up in court, and you should hire a lawyer to help you prepare for the trial.  If either party misrepresented their age, a court may not always grant an annulment in some cases.

Obtaining Copy of Marriage License in UT

Copies of Marriage Licenses: Utah

The updated Utah code has specific laws for obtaining a copy of marriage license.  Utah licenses are discussed within several sections of Title 30, Chapter 1, and most of the sections about the copies of marriage licenses in Utah are discussed within this article.  Additionally, some helpful information about necessary items you’ll have to bring to obtain a copy of marriage license in Utah is also provided in this article.

§30-1-7 on Use of Copy of Marriage License in UT

This section of law on copies of marriage licenses in Utah states: 

• no marriage may be solemnized in the state without a copy of marriage license (Utah) by the county clerk of any county of this state

• a copy of marriage license in UT issued by a county clerk may only be used within this state

• copies of marriage licenses in Utah not used within 30 days will become void

§30-1-8 Applications for Copy of Marriage License in UT

This law discusses the majority of information about applying for a copy of marriage license in Utah.  A county clerk needs the following information:

• the full names of the man and woman, including the maiden name

• current address of each party 

• date and place of birth

• names of their respective parents

• birthplaces of fathers and mothers

• the distinctive races or nationality of each of parents

• if the woman is widow and applied for a form copy of marriage license in UT

• approved and signed petition from a Judicial Council for copy of marriage license in Utah if either party is under 16

• social security numbers may not be recorded on the copy of marriage license in UT

• the Department of Health may request a social security number only in the case of Recovery Services within the DHS

§30-1-13 Solemnization without Copy of Marriage License in UT

This section of law on copies of marriage licenses in Utah provides penalties for officiators in certain cases.  If a person knowingly solemnizes a marriage without a copy of marriage license in Utah, and either party is under 16 without approval by the court, he or she is guilty of a third degree felony.  

§30-1-11 Returning Copy of Marriage License in Utah after Ceremony

This law states that copies of marriage licenses in Utah must be returned in 30 days.  Validation of the copy of marriage license in Utah needs signature of the officiator, the date and place of the celebration, and names of two or more witnesses.  

If a person fails to return the copy of marriage license in Utah, they may be guilty of a misdemeanor. 

§30-1-16 Misconduct of clerk for issuing copy of marriage license in UT

This law provides penalties toward a clerk unlawfully issuing copies of marriage licenses in Utah.  If the clerk issues a prohibited copy of marriage license in UT, they can receive a fine up to $1,000, be confined in a state prison for up to two years, and be removed from their duties permanently.  

Quick Guide to Marriage Certificates in UT

Marriage Certificates in Utah

In order to validate a marriage certificate in Utah, two prospective spouses must follow a number of steps and make sure the marriage is valid under law.  This article will discuss steps two people should take to finalize their marriage certificate in Utah after obtaining a marriage license, but qualifying factors to legally marry need explained first.  

Requirements for Marriage Certificate in UT

In order to receive marriage certificates in Utah, two future spouses cannot try to enter into a marriage that is otherwise void by law.  A marriage certificate in Utah cannot be issued in any circumstances if the marriage would contain any of the following characteristics: 

1. There was another husband or wife living during the second marriage and there was not a divorce

2. Either party was under the age of 18 unless they obtained proper consent under §30-1-9 for the marriage certificate in UT

3. When either the male or female was under the age of 16, unless they were 15 and met conditions under §30-1-9 for marriage certificate in Utah

4. If either party was involved in a divorce and attempted to marry again before the divorce became final

5. Between persons of the same sex, even if the marriage was performed in another state

6. Validation of a marriage certificate in UT would cause incestuous relationship

There may be other reasons the marriage certificate in UT may be void as well, and you’ll want to ask a county clerk for clarification on state law.  

Step 2 Solemnization Requirements for Marriage Certificates in Utah

If couples have qualified for a marriage certificate in Utah, they will receive a copy of the marriage license along with a blank return for the person who has solemnized the marriage.  In order for a couple to legally receive a marriage certificate in Utah, the marriage must be solemnized according to §30-1-6.

The statute provides that only the following qualified individuals can solemnize a marriage and validate marriage certificates in Utah: 

• ministers, rabbis, or priests of any religious denomination

• spiritual advisors of other religions

• judges and magistrates, governors, and multiple other legal professionals

Officiators may not be required for marriage certificates in Utah in some cases.  The state allows common law marriages, and the process for a marriage certificate in Utah is a bit different for common-law marriages.  If you have questions about marriage certificates in Utah for common-law marriages, contact your local court.  

Step 3 Return Signed Marriage Certificates in Utah to the County Clerk

A marriage certificate in Utah must be signed by the person who legally solemnized the marriage (or signed mutually between the parties without an officiator in certain cases) and returned to the county court as soon as possible.  After the clerk has received the validated and completed marriage certificate in Utah, they and the county court will be the full custodian of records relating to the marriage between the two parties.  

If any copies of the marriage certificate in UT are needed in the future, a party should call or visit the district court in which they submitted the original certificate.

There are strict penalties for obtaining a marriage certificate in UT with fraud.  If either party or clerk has falsely placed information on a marriage certificate in Utah, they may face serious penalties.  Penalties for fraudulent marriage certificates in Utah also apply to officiators.  The state has strict penalties compared to other states, and a person can be convicted of a felony for fraudulently signing or placing false information on the marriage certificate in UT.  

Obtaining Copy of Marriage License in NV 

Copies of Marriage Licenses: Nevada

The state’s revised statutes have specific laws for obtaining a copy of marriage license.  Nevada licenses are discussed within several sections of Title 11, Chapter 122, and most of the sections about the copies of marriage licenses in Nevada are discussed within this article.  Additionally, some helpful information about necessary items you’ll have to bring to obtain a copy of marriage license in Nevada is also provided in this article.  

NRS 122.040 Requirements for Copy of Marriage License in NV

This section of law is valid until June 30, 2013 and lists specific requirements for a copy of marriage license in NV: 

• copies of marriage licenses must be obtained from the county clerk of any county in the state

• before issuing a copy of marriage license in Nevada, a clerk will require proof of age and name from valid government identification 

• applicants will have to provide answers for all questions on application, and each party will supply their social security number for the copy of marriage license in NV

• the clerk may waive certain requirements for the copy of marriage license in Nevada with written approval from the district court

• if either applicant is a minor, copies of marriage licenses will only be issued if guardian approval is given in person to the clerk AND in writing

• a copy of marriage license in NV expires 1 year after its issuance 

NRS 122.060 Fees for Copy of Marriage License in Nevada

Nevada is one of the few states that have standardized fees for copies of marriage licenses.  Nevada clerks are required to issue the following fees under this statute: 

1. there is an initial fee of $21 for the first copy of marriage license in Nevada

2. the clerk will also collect a $10 fee for a copy of marriage license in NV and submit the fee to the county general fund or the county recorder 

3. the clerk will also collect a $4 fee for a copy of marriage license in Nevada and submit the payment to the State General Fund 

4. the clerk will also collect a fee of $25 at the issuance of the copy of marriage license in NV for the Account for Aid for Victims of Domestic Violence

NRS 122.061 Hours for Issuing Copies of Marriage Licenses

A copy of marriage license in Nevada may be obtained during different hours depending on the population of the county: 

• in a county of 100,000 people or more, copies of marriage licenses may be obtained from the county clerk from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

• in smaller counties, a copy of marriage license in NV will be issued upon the hours set by the county commissioners

• any county may deviate hours for copies of marriage licenses in Nevada with approval from the county commissioner 

Quick Guide to Marriage Certificates in Nevada

Marriage Certificates in Nevada

In order to validate a marriage certificate in Nevada, two future spouses must follow a number of steps and make sure the marriage is valid under law.  This article will discuss steps two people should take to finalize their marriage certificate in Nevada after obtaining a marriage license, but qualifying factors to legally marry need explained first. 

Requirements for Marriage Certificate in NV

In order to receive marriage certificates in Nevada, two future spouses cannot try to enter into a marriage that is otherwise void by law.  A marriage certificate in Nevada cannot be issued in any circumstances if the marriage would contain any of the following characteristics: 

1. Enough consanguinity exists between the applicants to void the marriage certificate in NV

2. Either party had another spouse living in another state

3. Either party way under 16, unless they are 15 and obtain approval from the court for a marriage certificate in NV

4. Either party is under the age of 18 and legal guardians didn’t give consent

5. Between persons of the same sex

6. Either party is incapacitated at the time of issuing the marriage certificate in Nevada

7. If the clerk believes there is fraud before issuing marriage certificates in Nevada

There may be other reasons the marriage certificate in NV may be void as well, and you’ll want to ask a county clerk for clarification on state law.  

Step 2 Solemnization Requirements for Marriage Certificates in Nevada

If couples have qualified for a marriage certificate in Nevada, they will receive a copy of the marriage license along with a blank return for the person who has solemnized the marriage.  In order for a couple to legally receive a marriage certificate in Nevada, the marriage must be solemnized according to NRS 122.080-122.110. 

The statutes provide that only the following qualified individuals can solemnize a marriage and supply marriage certificates in Nevada:

• justice of the Supreme Court, any district court judge, and justice of the peace, any municipal judge, any commissioner or deputy commissioner of civil marriages

• any ordained minister or recognized religious leader

Officiators before March 24, 1943 were not required for marriage certificates in NV because common law marriages were legal until the listed date.  However, marriage certificates in Nevada cannot be obtained common-law marriages any longer.  

Step 3 Return Signed Marriage Certificates in Nevada to the County Clerk

A marriage certificate in Nevada must be signed by the person who legally solemnized the marriage and returned to the county court as soon as possible.  After the clerk has received the validated and completed marriage certificate in NV, they and the county court will be the full custodian of records relating to the marriage between the two parties.  

If a copy of the marriage certificate in NV is needed in the future, a party should call or visit the county or district court in which they submitted the original certificate.

There are strict penalties for obtaining a marriage certificate in NV with fraud.  If either party or clerk has falsely placed information on a marriage certificate in Nevada, they may face serious penalties, and a person can be convicted of a felony for fraudulently signing or placing false information on the marriage certificate in NV.