A brief guide to obtaining an annulment of marriage in Alabama

If you are Catholic or maintain a belief system which does not believe in divorce but wish to separate from your spouse, there are other options. However, for many people, obtaining legal annulments of marriage in Alabama will be difficult. There are a certain series of circumstances under which this may be granted. You may legally apply for an annulment of marriage in Alabama if:

• One or both spouses was underage at the time of marriage. In such instances, annulments of marriage in Alabama will be granted if one or both parties was under 14 years of age at the time of the ceremony

• One or both spouses was drunk or otherwise incapacitated during the marriage ceremony. In this case, an annulment of marriage in Alabama will be granted on the grounds that the person could not commit responsibility to the ceremony.

• Someone who discovers that their spouse was already legally married to someone else has grounds for dissolution of the marriage. Annulments of marriage in Alabama will be granted on grounds of bigamy.

• You married someone who misrepresented anything about their identity, finances or other important issues, that person has committed fraud. This means you are eligible to receive an annulment of marriage in Alabama.

• You were pressured into marrying someone under duress, this means you were pressured into doing so. This makes you eligible for annulments of marriage in Alabama.

• You are married to someone who is impotent and you wish to have children. Impotence is grounds for an annulment of marriage in Alabama.

• You may discover that the person you married is directly or closely related to you. Incest or this kind of "consanguinity" are grounds for annulments of marriage in Alabama.

It is important to understand that the Catholic Church does not have legal authority in this area. Because Catholicism does not approve of divorce, you may apply for an annulment of marriage in Alabama through the church. However, if this is granted, you will still be legally married to your spouse. While annulments of marriage in Alabama granted by the Catholic Church may be useful to you personally, they cannot help your legal situation.

However, there are alternatives for people who cannot divorce for religious reasons but wish to separate from their partner. Rather than seeking an annulment of marriage in Alabama, consider applying for a legal separation. This is a process similar to divorce, in which two spouses create an agreement detailing how they plan to handle issues such as:

• Alimony payments

• Child custody

• Visitation rights for the non-custodial parent

• Division of jointly owned property

Even if you are ineligible for annulments of marriage in Alabama, undertaking the legal separation process will allow you to live separately from your spouse and resolve all the same issues that would be settled in a divorce without violating your religious beliefs. 

A brief guide to annulment of marriage in Louisiana

Whether for religious reasons or because of other concerns, some people who wish to separate from their spouse may not wish to obtain a formal divorce. In such cases, annulments of marriage in Louisiana may be a possible alternative. This kind of legal procedure ends a marriage by stating that it was never valid.

It is important to note that an annulment of marriage in Louisiana which is obtained through the Catholic Church is not legally binding. While this will be helpful for people who do not wish to violate their religious beliefs, it will not be taken into consideration by the law, which will consider you to still be married. In order to qualify for annulments of marriage in Louisiana in the court system, one of the following must be true:

• A person was married to someone committed fraud or misrepresented any important detail about themselves

• If you marry someone who is unable to physically consummate the marriage, this is grounds for an annulment of marriage in Louisiana

• If you marry a person who becomes addicted to drugs or narcotics, you may attempt this process

• If you marry someone who is discovered to be mentally ill or becomes so at a later date, you are eligible for annulments of marriage in Louisiana

If you do not meet any of these conditions, this will not be an option for you. In such instances, you may wish to consider a legal separation as an alternative to obtaining an annulment of marriage in Louisiana. Under this process, you and your spouse will create a legal separation agreement detailing the same issues which would be considered in a divorce, such as the division of jointly owned property. Unlike successfully obtained annulments of marriage in Louisiana, this will not legally end your marriage. However, it will allow you and your spouse to live apart without violating your religious beliefs.

The process of obtaining an annulment of marriage in Louisiana is much the same as obtaining a divorce. A petition must be submitted to the appropriate court in your area detailing your complaint. In order for annulments of marriage in Louisiana to proceed through the court system, this document must not only explain the reason you are undertaking this process but when you first realized you were in an illegitimate marriage. 

Your spouse must be served with a copy of this complaint before annulments of marriage of Louisiana can proceed through the court system. Unlike divorces, there is no way to expedite this process. Even if both spouses are actively pursuing an annulment of marriage in Louisiana, they will still need to appear in court.

It may be possible to complete this process without paying for legal representation. However, proving fraud, drug addiction or any other basis for annulments of marriage in Louisiana can be difficult. In order to assemble the strongest possible case against a partner who disputes your allegations, you may benefit from a lawyer's advice.

Getting a Copy of a Marriage License in Oregon

If you have been married in the state or want to look at another person's marriage license, you may need to get a copy of a marriage license in OR.  Obtaining a copy of a marriage license in Oregon is not difficult as long as you follow the correct procedures and know where to go for the information you need.  This guide will explain how to get a copy of a marriage license in OR, regardless of whether you are getting an initial license to get married or a duplicate copy for your records.

Who Can Get a Copy of a Marriage License in Oregon?

While in many states, anyone may request marriage licenses, only certain people are allowed to obtain a copy of a marriage license in OR for the first 50 years after it is issued.  Currently, the people who are allowed to get a copy of a marriage license in Oregon within the first 50 years are:

ñ Family members of either of the people in the couple

ñ Attorneys or other legal representatives for either member of the couple

ñ Government agencies, including local, state, and federal level agencies

ñ People specifically licensed to obtain vital records, including a copy of a marriage certificate in Oregon

ñ People with some personal right or property right to the marriage certificate.

People who meet these eligibility guidelines must include their valid photo ID with any request for a copy of a marriage license in OR.  If an ineligible person makes an order for a copy of a marriage certificate in Oregon, they must have a notarized permission form from someone who is eligible enclosed with their request.

Obtaining an Initial Copy of a Marriage License in Oregon

When you want to get your first copy of a marriage license in OR, before having your wedding ceremony, you must go to the county clerk's office.  You may go to any county clerk's office in Oregon, regardless of which county in the state you plan to marry in.  Your first copy of a marriage certificate in Oregon will typically cost less than $60, payable to the county clerk's office.

Obtaining a Duplicate Copy of a Marriage License in Oregon

If you need a copy of a marriage license in OR for your records or identification information, you may want to order a copy from the state Department of Vital Records.  This department will provide you with a certified copy of a marriage license in Oregon for $20.  Additional copies may be obtained for $15 each.  You may be charged an additional $12.50 fee if you purchase your copy of a marriage license in OR using a credit card.

Research Copies of Oregon Marriage Licenses

After 50 years have passed, any interested party may obtain a copy of a marriage license in Oregon.  You may obtain a copy of a marriage license in OR for any marriage that took place over 50 years ago by writing to the state Department of Vital Records.  Costs for these copies will be identical to costs for any certified copy of a marriage license in Oregon.

Guide to Annulment of Marriage in Oregon

Most marriages in Oregon end in either death or divorce.  However, there is another way to dissolve a marital relationship.  Annulment of marriage in OR is an option for couples whose marriage was void or voidable at the time it was contracted.  This guide will explain the basics of annulment of marriage in Oregon, including the differences between annulment and divorce.  If you need more in-depth information about annulment of marriage in OR, or legal advice about your particular situation, you may want to consult a family law attorney in your area.

Annulment vs. Divorce

Many people are confused about the difference between divorce and annulment of marriage in Oregon.  When you get a divorce, you are acknowledging that a relationship existed between you and your spouse, but that the relationship has come to an end.  When you get an annulment of marriage in OR, however, it is as if you had never been married at all.  Annulment of marriage in Oregon retroactively voids your entire marriage.  However, much as in divorce, a judge will need to approve your annulment of marriage in OR.

Grounds for Annulment of Marriage in Oregon

In order to have an annulment of marriage in OR approved by the courts, you will need to prove that one of two specific things has happened.  The first of the two permissible grounds for annulment of marriage in Oregon is that one party lacked the ability to consent to the marriage.  In some cases, annulment of marriage in OR can be granted on these grounds if you can prove that a party was mentally incompetent.  Children are also incapable of consent to marry, and can attain an annulment of marriage in Oregon if they married illegally before the age of 18.

The other reason for the courts to allow an annulment of marriage in OR is when one party was forced or defrauded into marrying.  If a spouse was lying about a fundamental aspect of the marriage and the spouse who was defrauded stops cohabiting with their spouse as soon as they find out, they may be granted an annulment of marriage in Oregon.  In order to obtain an annulment of marriage in OR for these grounds, the spouses will need to have separated as soon as the force or fraud was stopped.

Alternatives to Annulment of Marriage in Oregon

Because annulment of marriage in OR is only available under very specific circumstances, many people would prefer an alternative.  It can often be quicker and easier to have a no-fault divorce than to be granted an annulment of marriage in Oregon.  Talking to a divorce attorney can help you understand the difference between annulment and divorce in terms of court procedure and cost, so you can make a fully informed decision for your individual situation.

Religious Annulment of Marriage in Oregon

This guide has covered the civil aspect of annulment of marriage in OR.  If you need your marriage annulled for religious purposes (for instance, the Catholic Church does not allow divorcees to take communion), you will want to talk to your religious leader about these procedures.  Typically, these are handled by churches only and do not require legal advice.

Guide to Getting a Marriage Certificate in Oregon

If you need a marriage certificate in OR for your own research or records, you may not know what state level department to contact.  Not everyone is eligible to obtain any marriage certificate in Oregon, and a request without the correct identification or paperwork is likely to be rejected.  This guide will explain who is eligible to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in OR, and how you can go about getting a marriage certificate if you are eligible.

Who Can Get a Marriage Certificate in Oregon?

Currently, only some categories of people are allowed to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in OR.  In order to get a marriage certificate in Oregon for a marriage that took place in the last 50 years, you are required to show that you are a family member of one of the people who was married (or a member of the couple), an attorney or other legal representative, a person with a personal or property right to the marriage certificate, or someone who is licensed to receive such records.

If you do qualify to get a marriage certificate in OR, you will need to provide valid photo identification at the time when you seek the certificate copy.  If you do not have any relationship to the couple and are therefore ineligible to get a copy of their marriage certificate in Oregon, you may still obtain a copy if you can provide a notarized permission form from someone who is eligible.

Obtaining a Marriage Certificate in Oregon

If you have just gotten married in Oregon, you may obtain a marriage certificate in OR from your county clerk's office.  You may need your marriage certificate in Oregon to show to your employer in order to add a spouse to your health insurance or other benefits plan, or to show to a state agency or the Social Security Administration if you plan to change your name after your wedding.  In some cases, it may be useful to have more than one copy of your marriage certificate in OR.

It will generally cost $20 to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate in Oregon.  You may also order your marriage certificate in OR from the State Department of Vital Records.  The office accepts requests via fax, phone, internet, and mail.  However, it costs more to get a marriage certificate in Oregon if you are using a credit card: expect a steep $12.50 transaction fee for all credit card transactions. 

Obtaining a Marriage Certificate in Oregon for Research

Even if you have no eligibility to access a marriage certificate in OR, after 50 years have passed, the records become available to the public.  Any interested party may seek a marriage certificate in Oregon for any marriage that occurred more than 50 years ago.  The process for ordering a copy of this type of marriage certificate in OR is much the same as for ordering a certificate for yourself, with the same costs.

Getting a Copy of a Marriage License in Pennsylvania

If you need to obtain a copy of a marriage license in PA for your own records or for historical or geneological research, you may not know where to begin looking.  Unlike many states, Pennsylvania does not have a statewide agency that maintains copies of marriage records, so getting a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania can require some sleuthing.  This guide will help you to find a copy of a marriage license in PA no matter what county your original marriage license was obtained in.  

Who Can Get a Copy?

While it may seem like the only people who should be able to obtain a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania are the couple or their relatives, the truth is that marriage licenses are considered public information.  Anyone who requests a copy of a marriage license in PA may obtain one, for whatever purposes they wish, as long as they pay the proper administrative fees.

Couples may wish to have an additional copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania in order to have legal documentation of their marriage.  In other cases, someone may want to ask for a copy of a marriage license in PA to verify the facts of a marriage for investigative or research purposes.  You will not be asked for your reason when you make a request for a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania.  However, you will be required to have the names of both parties and the date that the marriage occurred.

Where Can I Get a Copy?

Because the state does not require the Department of Vital Records to maintain copies of marriage licenses, your only option for getting a copy of a marriage license in PA is to go through the county courthouse where the license was originally obtained.  Every county courthouse in the state maintains its own copies of records.

Ordering a Copy of a Marriage License in Pennsylvania Online

Some counties allow people to order a marriage license copy through the internet.  This is substantially easier than making a mail request, and may represent the best option by far for people who are no longer located in the county where they need to request the license.  While Philadelphia does not allow people to order a copy of a marriage license online.

Commemorative Certificates

If you want a copy of a marriage license in PA so that you can have a memento of your marriage, many counties offer commemorative certificates that can be displayed by spouses.  These commemorative certificates serve the same purpose as a copy of a marriage license in Pennsylvania, but have a more attractive look than the typical computer printout of a license.  You can request information about commemorative certificates from your local county clerk.

Getting a Marriage Certificate in Pennsylvania

If you have been married in Pennsylvania or are doing investigation or research into a marriage that took place in the state, you may be wondering how to get an official copy of the certificate.  Pennsylvania has no state agency that keeps a copy of every marriage certificate in PA, so you will need to work with your county courthouse to find the marriage records you're looking for.  This guide will teach you how to get a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania whether you're a newly-married couple, someone who needs a duplicate copy, or someone who is conducting research.

Your Original Marriage Certificate in Pennsylvania

Newlyweds in Pennsylvania will sign their marriage license, and then send it to the county courthouse where they were married.  Your first marriage certificate in PA can be sent to you soon after your marriage is complete.  You may need to have a copy of your marriage certificate in Pennsylvania to prove that you are married for insurance purposes or government documents.

In order to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in PA, you will need to write to the clerk of the court for the county where the marriage took place.  Some counties may also offer telephone or internet searches, with credit card payment, if you need a copy of a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania.  To find out what options your county courthouse offers for obtaining records of a marriage certificate in PA, you will need to contact them.  

Certified Marriage Certificates

For many government documents, it is not enough to have simply a copy of a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania.  A certified marriage certificate in PA is required in order for a woman to change her name on her Social Security card.  You may also be required to show an employer a certified marriage certificate in Pennsylvania if you are trying to add your spouse to an insurance plan.  

Obtaining a certified marriage certificate in PA is usually fairly easy, but may cost slightly more than having a non-certified marriage certificate.  Typically, costs remain low for obtaining a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania—you can often pay as little as $10 even for a certified copy.  You may want to check with your county courthouse to see what is currently charged for a copy of a marriage certificate in PA in your county.

Non-Certified Marriage Certificates

Not everyone needs the official state seal on their marriage certificate in Pennsylvania.  If you only need to verify the information on a marriage record or do research on a marriage, you may be able to purchase a copy of a non-certified marriage certificate in PA.  These certificates may not be appropriate for the purposes of some government forms, but they will allow you to do research or investigation more cheaply.  For instance, in Allegheny County, while a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Pennsylvania will cost $10, a non-certified copy costs just $4.

How to Obtain Copies of Marriage Licenses: Texas 

Receiving a Copy of Marriage License in Texas 

Receiving copies of marriage licenses in Texas is quite easy as long as you follow a few steps.  These steps are listed in this article, as well as information about Texas County Courts and things you may need to bring with you when requesting a copy of marriage license in Texas.  

Step 1: Visit your County Court

The first step to obtaining copies of marriage licenses in Texas is calling or traveling to the County Court in your jurisdiction.  

Some counties give you the option to send in a request by mail for a copy of marriage license in Texas, and you’ll want to ask the clerk what steps you should take to request by mail.  Contact information is located farther below in this article.  

Step 2: Bring All Necessary Items

You’ll want to bring all the following items with you:

• Identification: Texas law requires you to bring your driver’s license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID car, or your Social Security number.  You won’t have to bring all these items, but you will need at least one in order to receive a copy of marriage license in Texas.  

• Divorce Decree: You must wait 30 days after a divorce becomes official in order to obtain copies of marriage licenses in Texas.  The divorce decree must state that the 30 day waiting period is waived, you can obtain a copy of the divorce decree from your area’s district court.  Contact information is listed farther below in this article.  

Step 3: Pay the Fee

The clerk will answer any questions you have, will have to pay a fee for one copies and a reduced fee for any additional copies of marriage licenses in Texas.  For example, the Tarrant County Court charges $21.00 for the first copy, and $10 for any additional copy you may want at the same time  Some counties charge up to $71 after all the fees, so prepare for a range in price.  

Fees range by county and district in Texas, and some of these fees for the copy of marriage License in Texas are not posted on the websites of the County Court.  The clerk will notify you of fees when you travel to or call the court.  

But note, as of 2008, your fee will be waived for the copy of marriage license in Texas you complete 8 hours of premarital preparation courts.  

How do I find County Court Contact Information? 

If you want copies of marriage licenses in Texas and need contact information for the County Court, there is an easy way to find contact information for every County Court in TX.  

Then, select your county from the range of counties, and press Go.  You’ll find contact information for all County Clerks and you’ll have an easy time obtaining copies of marriage licenses in Texas. 

How to Obtain Copies of Marriage Licenses in Michigan 

Receiving a Copy of Marriage License: Michigan

There are two ways you can receives copies of marriage licenses in Michigan: you can fill out a simple for and send it to vital records, or you can go to your local county clerk and receive the forms there.  If you want to submit a form to vital records for a copy of marriage license in Michigan.  

After you have completed all the necessary information on the form, you send the form to the following address:  

Vital Records Requests (or Vital Records RUSH if you need the form quickly)

PO Box 30721

Lansing, MI 48909

If you want to obtain copies of marriage licenses in Michigan through your county court, follow the directions in the section listed below.  

Step 1: Visit your Probate Court

The first step to obtaining copies of marriage licenses in Michigan is calling or traveling to the county court in your jurisdiction.  

Some counties give you the option to send in a request by mail, but many courts require you to show proper identification in person with the clerk.  If you do have the option to send in a request through the mail, make sure you follow all of the steps listed below very carefully.  

Step 2: Bring all Necessary Items for copies of marriage licenses in Michigan

You’ll want to bring the following items with you in order to obtain the copy of marriage license in Michigan:

• Identification: Michigan law requires you to bring your driver’s license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID car, or your Social Security number.  You won’t have to bring all these items, but you will need at least one so the clerk can verify your identity.

• Divorce Decree: If you were in another marriage and went through a divorce, you’ll need to bring a copy of the divorce decree with you to the county clerk.  The same rules apply for obtaining copies of marriage licenses in Michigan if you are a widow.  

Step 3 Pay the Fee for the Copy of Marriage License in Michigan

In order to obtain the first copy of marriage license in Michigan, you’ll usually have to pay $26 for the first copy you receive—and this fee may range from county to county.  For more copies of marriage licenses in Michigan, you’ll only have to pay $12 for each, and there are other fees associated with how fast you need the form.   

Because fees may range in the state of Michigan from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, you’ll want to call the clerk and ask them about the fees so you can properly prepare.  The county clerk is not allowed to verify a copy of marriage license in Michigan if you fail to bring a valid form of identification or the proper amounts of payment. 

Guide to Getting a Marriage Certificate in Kentucky

If you need a marriage certificate in KY, whether you recently married or are looking for records for research or investigation, the process for obtaining one is relatively simple.  You can get a marriage certificate in Kentucky from either a county courthouse or the state.  This guide will teach you how to obtain a marriage certificate in KY and who is eligible to get marriage certificates.  You'll also learn about the costs of obtaining a certified marriage certificate in Kentucky.

Who May Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Kentucky?

While it may seem like someone's marriage certificate in KY is a highly personal document, in truth, they are considered public records at the state level and are therefore available to any interested member of the public.  The Open Records Act allows citizens to request copies of any marriage certificate in Kentucky.  

Many people have a reason to need a copy of a marriage certificate in KY that is not their own.  For instance, people interested in geneological research, or spouses researching a current spouse's previous marriage may want to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in Kentucky to confirm information.  You will not be asked for your reasons when you request a marriage certificate in KY.  Instead, you will simply be required to provide the names of both parties and the approximate date when the marriage occurred. 

Marriage Certificates for Married Couples

There are several reasons that a married couple may want an extra copy of their marriage certificate in Kentucky.  If a spouse is changing his or her last name on his or her Social Security documentation, he or she must submit an official certified copy of his or her marriage certificate in KY to the Social Security office.  You may also need a copy of your marriage certificate in Kentucky in order to add a spouse to workplace-offered health insurance for spouses and dependents.

If you still live in the county where you initially obtained your marriage certificate in KY, it is easy to get an additional copy.  The clerk at the county courthouse maintains a copy of every marriage certificate in Kentucky filed at that courthouse.  You may obtain your marriage certificate in KY by visiting the courthouse in person or by using the mail.  To find contact information for your county clerk's office so that you can obtain your marriage certificate in Kentucky, check out this website: https://courts.ky.gov/counties/.

Marriage Certificates for Research

Often, people who are conducting research and need a copy of a marriage certificate in KY live far from the county courthouse where the marriage license was issued.  In this case, it may be easier to obtain the marriage certificate in Kentucky that you are searching for by contacting the state's Office of Vital Records.  For $6, this office will provide you with a copy of any marriage certificate in KY from 1958 or afterward.  In order to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in Kentucky from prior to 1958, you will need to contact the county clerk's office.