How to Do an Annulment of Marriage in Wisconsin

What is an “annulment”? Is it anything like a divorce? Not quite…. So how to do an annulment of a marriage in Wisconsin?

The reality is it sort of differs from state to state; but the definition of an annulment of marriage in Wisconsin is pretty clear.

The Basic Definition of an Annulment of Marriage in Wisconsin

While a divorce is basically dissolution of a marriage, an annulment is just nullification, a cancellation of the marriage. Think of it that way. While divorce ends the marriage, an annulment of marriage in Wisconsin makes it so that the marriage never existed in the first place.

This has tremendous consequences, affecting everything like:

1. Parenting Time

2. Child Support

3. Child Custody

4. Alimony

5. Property Distribution

Basically the marriage never occurred. So neither party has a responsibility toward the other as lawfully required by a divorce petition.

How to do an annulment of a marriage in Wisconsin is as easy as understanding the grounds….

What Are the Grounds for Annulment of Marriage in Wisconsin?

Not only is basic concept of an annulment of marriage in Wisconsin different from your basic divorce petition, it’s also different in terms of the grounds for it.

Here are the grounds for annulment of marriage: Wisconsin

1. Lack of Consent : Annulment of Marriage in WI

2. Impotency : Annulment of Marriage in WI

3. Invalid Marriage : Annulment of Marriage in WI

4. Intoxication : Annulment of Marriage in WI

Keeping these grounds for annulment of marriage would be important. Why? Because they’re crucial in understanding how to do an annulment of a marriage in Wisconsin.

What Would Constitute a Lack of Consent?

When figuring out how to do an annulment of a marriage in Wisconsin, knowing what is considered a lack of consent is important:

1. Underage : Annulment of Marriage in WI

2. Mental Capacity : Annulment of Marriage in WI

3. Forced Compliance : Annulment of Marriage in WI

4. Fraud : Annulment of Marriage in WI

Legally, if you’re under age, the marriage is invalid. Therefore even if there’s a marriage certificate issued out, a party in that marriage can successfully filed for an annulment of marriage in Wisconsin, so long as the proper documents and paperwork has been filed with the help of a quality family attorney.

Obviously, if a person is mentally unstable in one fashion or another – either by mental illness or intoxication – legally a person can annul a marriage just as successfully, because that mentally incapable person wouldn’t be reasonably able to make the decision to enter into marriage.

Likewise, a person being forced into marriage would in general nullify the contract under those grounds for annulment of marriage. Without a doubt, the obvious grounds for annulment of marriage in terms of fraud would be if one of the persons in the marriage was already married to another person. Logically, if someone’s already married, that someone can’t be married again to someone else until that someone officially divorces.

In addition to these grounds for annulment of marriage, know that there are time limits. How to do an annulment of a marriage will also require an observance of time limits, such as underage requirements – within one year of filing for an annulment. The same goes for mental capacity as well as intoxication.

However, an actual illegal marriage – either by a previous marriage not dissolved through divorce or annulment, or same-sex marriages, or consanguinity marriages – has a time limit of ten years. Bigamy actually has no limit at all; that simply means a person can investigate on how to do an annulment of a marriage and pursue it without worry of a statute of limitations if his or partner is a bigamist.

Getting a Copy of Marriage License in Wisconsin

Requesting copies of a marriage license in Wisconsin is actually quite easy as long as you know what you’re doing and what you need.

For starters, getting a copy of marriage license in Wisconsin requires both a signature and the payment of fees depending on the county where the marriage took place.

This, therefore, means you can’t obtain a copy of marriage license in Wisconsin through the use of the internet, or e-mail, or even by telephone. Getting copies of a marriage license in Wisconsin has to be done one of three ways:

1. In Person

2. By Mail

3. By Fax

Valid Identification Necessary for a Copy of Marriage License in Wisconsin

In the state of Wisconsin, there are three pieces of ID that are necessary for obtaining copies of a marriage license in Wisconsin.

One requirement for obtaining copies of a marriage license in Wisconsin needs to be one of the following:

1. Wisconsin Driver’s License with Photo

2. Wisconsin ID with Photo

3. Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID with Photo

The other two forms of ID necessary for obtaining copies of a marriage license in Wisconsin must be two of the following:

1. Government-Issued Employee ID Badge With Photo

2. U.S. Passport

3. Checkbook/Bankbook

4. Major Credit Card

5. Health Insurance Card

6. Recent Dated, Signed Lease

7. Utility Bill or Traffic Ticket

To get that copy of marriage license in Wisconsin, each piece of ID you provide must have your current name and address. Expired IDs or documents will actually not be accepted as proper ID; so make sure you have everything current to get that copy of a marriage license in WI.

When Applying in Person for a Copy of a Marriage License in WI….

You simply need to obtain the correct application and bring it with you to the appropriate office in Madison, Wisconsin, along with all appropriate documents of identification. The good thing about applying for a copy of a marriage license in WI in person is that you have two ways of going about it:

1. Regular Service

2. Expedited Service

Regular Service offers completion of a copy of a marriage license in WI within two hours of acceptance of the application at the counter always by 2 PM. However, any applications received after 2 PM will only be available in the morning the very next business day.

The cost for a copy of a marriage license in WI would be $20, and each additional copy would be $3 each.

For an expedited service, however, you’re looking at an additional $20 fee, but you’ll get that copy of the marriage license within 15 to 30 minutes time right in the office.

When Applying by Mail….

The office can actually take applications with the appropriate mailing address. You do, however, have to use the marriage certificate application form available on the web site for the state of Wisconsin’s Vital Records Office.

Make sure you have all the information down correctly on your application, or the application will be returned to you unprocessed. You can expect your application to be processed and filed along with a copy sent to you within maybe two weeks time.

When Faxing an Application….

Expect expedited service. Why? Faxing is fast. Expect your copy to arrive within five days.

Knowledge Is Power : Copy of Marriage License in WI

And copies are essential to keep everything legal. Just know that it’s important to have the know-how on how to obtain copies of any legal or public documents, such as a marriage license in Wisconsin.

How to File for a Marriage Certificate in Wisconsin

Above all things concerning a marriage (or a wedding), the last thing anyone would ever want to worry about in is how to file for a marriage certificate in WI.

Thankfully, just being in the know about the law will help guide you through that process.

Steps to Take to File for That Marriage Certificate in WI

It’s a requirement by law for marriage certificates in Wisconsin to show up at your county courthouse, the county where the actual marriage (the wedding) will commence. You’ll need to bring all of this documentation to obtain the marriage certificate in WI:

1. Valid ID for Both You and Spouse

2. Social Security Numbers

3. Birth Certificates

4. Processing Fee

On the Subject of Valid IDs for Marriage Certificates in Wisconsin….

When it comes to applying for a marriage certificate in Wisconsin, you not only have to fill out that application in full, but you need three forms of valid ID. One form must be:

1. Wisconsin Driver’s License

2. Wisconsin State ID

3. Government-Issued ID With Photo

The two other forms to get that marriage certificate in WI could be:

1. Out-of-State Driver’s License

2. Checkbook or Bankbook

3. Your Property Lease With Your Name on It

4. A Bill With Your Name on It

5. A Traffic Ticket With Your Name on It

The Importance of SSNs for Marriage Certificates in Wisconsin

Be sure to have them when obtaining marriage certificates in Wisconsin. Have the actual cards. It makes the record keeper’s job a lot easier when filing the public document and making your marriage certificate in WI official.

It’s basically proof that you exist and that you’re indeed married to the other individual.

Birth Certificates for Marriage Certificates in Wisconsin

This seals the deal and alleviates confusion when concerning name changes and whatnot. Whatever the legal name is on the birth certificate will prove you are who you say you are and what the application says.

That further stamps the seal onto the application for a marriage certificate in Wisconsin.

Fees?

It can vary from county to county, but expect to pay an average of $80 for your marriage certificate in Wisconsin – and do it in cash. Because the courthouse may not accept checks or credit cards.

Once You’ve Applied, Then What?

By law of the state in regards to a marriage certificate in Wisconsin, you must actually wait a period of six days before actually entering into marriage. The certificate will not be applicable and may not be recognized by an officiant or ordained minister until it’s signed and sealed with the date as well as the signatures of witnesses.

Obviously this means you must plan ahead with a wedding and be sure to have that marriage certificate all taken care of at least two weeks prior to the ceremony.

Many neglect to see that legal aspect of marriage and fail to realize that in essence this is a contract by law in the state and must be seen as such.

How to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Minnesota

No one wants to be burdened by legalities when dealing with a marriage in Minnesota. The fact is, though, as long as you’re prepared for a marriage certificate in MN, it should be as easy as pie.

It’s important to know that wherever you plan on getting married is where you’ll file for that certificate. Simply visit the county courthouse where public documents are filed, and then you go from there.

The Requirements for Filing for a Marriage Certificate in Minnesota

Requirements for a marriage certificate in MN may vary from county to county, but expect the norm for a lot of these:

1. You Do Not Have to Be a Resident to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Minnesota

2.  Valid ID and Social Security Numbers for Marriage Certificates in Minnesota

3. If Previously Married, Be Sure to Provide Proof of Divorce, Death, or Annulment

4. Expect a Waiting Period on Your Marriage Certificate in Minnesota – 5 Days

5. $110 Cash Fee for Those With No Written Proof of Premarital Education

6. $40 Cash Fee for Those With Written Proof of Premarital Education, Minimum 12 Hours

7. No Blood Test Is Required for Marriages Certificates in Minnesota

8. If 16 or 17 Years Old, You Must Have Parental Consent or Court Approval

9. Valid Officiant Must Be Presented in Writing for a Marriage Certificate in MN

a) Judge

b) Clerk of Court

c) Court Commissioner

d) Licensed Minister, Priest, Rabbi

e) Bahai

f) Hindu

g) Quaker

h) Native American Religious Person

i) You Will Need Two Witnesses

j) Both Witnesses Need to Be at Least 16 Years of Age

Details on the Requirements for a Marriage Certificate in Minnesota

The reason why you don’t need to be a resident is that the marriage certificate in MN will only be filed in the county where the marriage took place. You can actually legally get married anywhere! You don’t need to be physically living in the place you get married in.

For the purposes of legality, you need to make sure you have both SSN’s – yours and your spouse’s – along with valid ID with photos. So there’s no question that the two of you will legally be married and legally able to obtain a marriage certificate in MN.

The same goes for proof that you’ve been divorced or annulled. Marriage certificates in Minnesota will be legally null and void if one or both parties would still be legally married from a previous relationship. So be sure you have all of that legal evidence in hand.

For purposes of document processing, marriage certificates in Minnesota has that waiting period for 5 days. It’s important that everyone keep them legal and wait until marriage certificates in Minnesota show up at your door before physically get married – or else the act of marriage in the ceremony would be considered null and void.

Having cash with you is crucial for marriage certificates in Minnesota. It’s practically a requirement in the county office there.

That’s All You Need to Know

The reality is it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Think of it this way: it’s for the sake of your coming marriage! So treat it as a rite of passage.

How to Obtain a Copy of Marriage License in Minnesota

Sometimes you just want to make it doubly official by getting a copy. You simply need to follow the rules and requirements of successfully obtaining a copy of marriage license in MN.

What You Need to Know About Getting a Copy of Marriage License in Minnesota

Counties matter, first of all. Know that whichever county the marriage occurred is where you can obtain a copy of the marriage license in Minnesota. You can’t just go anywhere to get your copy of marriage license in MN. The actual copy of marriage license in MN will only be in the county where the marriage began.

To get that copy of marriage license in Minnesota, simply write to or go to the corresponding office of the county in question and file an application.

Know this, though: there are some pieces of advice here to keep in mind on how to obtain that copy of marriage license in Minnesota. So pay close attention:

1. Keep Letters Concise and to the Point

2. Only One or Two Requests Per Letter

3. All Names and Addresses Must Be Typed or Printed

4. Don’t Leave Any Information Out, Such as:

a) All Kinds of Names Involved

b) Nicknames

c) Alternate Spellings

d) Exact Date of Wedding or Ceremony

5. Include a SASE

6. In Addition, Be Sure to Include All of This Information:

a) Date of Request for Copy of Marriage License in Minnesota

b) The Full Name of the Husband (Last Name in CAPS)

c) The Full Name of the Wife (Maiden Name in CAPS)

d) Date of Ceremony/Wedding

e) Place of Marriage (City, County, State)

f) Relationship to Party Requesting for a Copy of Marriage License in Minnesota

g) The Reason for Requesting the Copy

h) Your Name and Address

i) Your Driver’s License Number and State

j) And Your Signature

Above all of this, know this one important thing about getting copies of a marriage license in Minnesota: be patient.

It may take quite a while for that copy of marriage license in MN to show up at your door. Why? Because typically county offices in the state of Minnesota – in any state, for that matter – are often limited in personnel to deal with producing a copy of marriage license in MN.

It’s a fact that genealogical queries – such as requests for copies of a marriage license in Minnesota – aren’t part of the personnel job description, in all honesty. However, they handle the requests for copies of a marriage license in Minnesota as a matter of courtesy.

So expect it to take a long time to get copies of a marriage license in Minnesota ready and sent out. Of course, you can do yourself an even better job by actually showing up at the county office and personally requesting copies of a marriage license in Minnesota. Just be prepared to wait a while still.

Making It Official: Copy of marriage license in MN

In the end, though, it’s all worth it. You should also keep in mind that there’s a request fee – and it varies from county to county.

But it’s all worth it when you’ve got the legal document in your hand as proof of one of the most monumental decisions in life: marriage.

How to Do an Annulment of Marriage in Minnesota and Why It’s Important to Know

So what’s the big deal with this thing called an ‘annulment’ of marriage in Minnesota? Usually we’re used to hearing about divorces and legal separations. That seems to be the norm. But an annulment of marriage in Minnesota?

The Basics of an Annulment of Marriage in Minnesota

It’s a court process to end a marriage, just like a divorce – however, while a divorce simply ends a marriage, an annulment of marriage in Minnesota practically erases it.

This is especially important, not only in Minnesota but everywhere, because of the consequences of an annulment of marriage in Minnesota. Think about it:

There’s a slight issue, though, when it comes to an annulment of marriage in Minnesota:

The Grounds for an Annulment of Marriage

They’re harder to prove than divorce. How to do an annulment of marriage, for sure, has a few more things to think about other than ‘irreconcilable differences.’

For starters, the Minnesota Statutes 518.02 to 518.05 state that suitable grounds for an annulment of marriage will include:

1. No Voluntary Consent From One Party Due to:

a) Mental Illness

b) Insanity

c) Mental Incapacity

d) Intoxication

e) Force or Duress

2. Impotence Without the Other Party’s Knowledge

3. Underage

Those are the specific grounds for an annulment of marriage.

To elaborate on some of this, recognize that in order for an annulment to be awarded by the court, there can be no prior knowledge of any of these grounds on the other party. So if a person married someone who was impotent without knowing that he or she was, legally that person can pursue how to do an annulment of marriage and file accordingly.

But There’s More in Terms of Grounds for an Annulment of Marriage

Essentially, the marriage has to be legal. What does that mean?

We can consider these types of grounds for an annulment of marriage as almost common knowledge, in that if the marriage isn’t legal, than it must be “void.” Meaning it doesn’t exist. Therefore the legal documentation of this illegal marriage can be wiped clean with an annulment in Minnesota.

Here are some common ‘invalids,’ or common grounds for an annulment of marriage that would void a marriage:

1. No Marriage License : Annulment of a Marriage in MN

2. Invalid Marriage Ceremony : Annulment of a Marriage in MN

3. No Parental Consent for Minors : Annulment of a Marriage in MN

4. No Heterosexual Marriage : Annulment of a Marriage in MN

5. One or Both Parties Are Already Legally Married to Other People : Annulment of a Marriage in MN

6. No Witnesses : Annulment of a Marriage in MN

When considering how to do an annulment of marriage in Minnesota, think of these.

Having no marriage license is basically like working a job without a contract. So if by chance you got married without a license, legally you’re actually not married. That would make it easy on how to do an annulment of marriage.

Furthermore, a valid ceremony would have to be facilitated either by an ordained person or a courthouse official authorized to preside over marriages.

In Minnesota, the law states that individuals between the ages of 15 and 18 require parental consent to get married. If there’s no parental consent, the marriage is void.

Believe it or not, but in order for a marriage to be legal, you have to have at least two witnesses. If not, you can proceed and get it filed immediately with no problem.

Same-sex marriages are also considered illegal, and therefore void. In addition, a marriage involving one or both parties who are already married to someone else can’t legally enter into another marriage without successfully dissolving the prior marriage.

What is an Annulment of Marriage?

An annulment is a formal means of terminating a marriage. An annulment is different from a separation or a divorce. Annulments nullify marriages. The annulment views the marriage as non-existent; the courts declare that the marriage never took place. 

To annul a marriage, the individual seeking the legal action must maintain sufficient grounds for an annulment. Grounds for annulment vary by state, but typically involve one spouse’s or party’s lack of capacity for marriage or some sort of fraud at the time of the marriage. 

Can I Get an Annulment of Marriage in MA?

As in many other states, married parties in MA can assume an annulment through the filing of a Complaint for Annulment at their local probate and family court. Annulments of marriage in Massachusetts are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 207, Section 14; this statute allows either party to file an action for an annulment of marriage in Massachusetts. Moreover, this statute also allows one of the parties to institute an action for affirming the marriage.

It must be stated: courts in Massachusetts rarely grant annulments of marriage in Massachusetts, unless the petitioner (individual filing for an annulment of marriage in Massachusetts) can clearly demonstrate that the marriage is fraudulent or invalid. An annulment of marriage in Massachusetts is not the same as a divorce. With a divorce filing, one or both spouses petition the probate and family court to terminate their valid marriage. Whereas with an annulment of marriage in Massachusetts, one or both of the parties must seek to prove that their marriage was never valid or that the marriage should be voided because it is not legally recognizable. A voidable marriage is deemed binding and legal if the parties opt to remain married. 

In either of the aforementioned instances, if the petition for an annulment of marriage in MA is successful, the party will literally undo their marriage by treating their union as non-existent. With a void marriage, the parties do not need to petition the state court, because—by definition of marriage law—they were never legally married. 

To be granted an annulment of marriage in MA, the party seeking the annulment must demonstrate that the reason given in the complaint was, indeed, the reason he/she left the marriage. Annulments of marriage in Massachusetts—under the voided rule of an annulment of marriage in MA– can be granted under the following grounds: 1.) consanguinity, where the parties are blood relatives, such as sister and brother; 2) affinity, where the parties are closely related through marriage, such with a son and a mother-in-law or 3.) bigamy, where one party is legally married to another person at the time of the marriage in question. That being said, if the petitioner (person seeking the annulment of marriage in MA) knew of the other marriage, he/she must seek a divorce as oppose to an annulment of marriage in Massachusetts. 

With voidable marriage, the parties must file a complaint for annulment of marriage in Massachusetts that describes one of the several grounds for a dissolution: 1.) one of the parties showed a lack of mental capacity to consent to marriage, including if one spouse was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, mentally ill or below the legal age of consent; 2.) impotence , when the male lacks the natural or actual ability to perform sex/ejaculation—and thus the inability to have children; 3.) fraud with regards to the inducement to the marriage contract (i.e.) if one spouse claims to be marrying for love, but actually marries to avoid deportation; duress, when one party was forced to the other. These reasons—if present during the ceremony or in precipitation of the marriage—are sufficient to secure annulments of marriage in MA. 

What are the Requirements for an Annulment of Marriage in Washington?

Annulments of marriage in Washington are rare; however, if you can prove to the family court that your marriage is fraudulent or invalid, you may be granted one by the state. Referred to a Decree of Invalidity, an annulment of marriage in Washington dissolves the marriage; annulments of marriage in Washington treat the marriage as it never existed. While the bulk of annulments take place less than a year after a marriage, securing annulments of marriage in Washington after this time period is possible, but exceptionally rare. 

A State Judge Will Grant Annulments of Marriage in Washington if the Marriage is:

• Annulments of marriage in WA: One or both of the parties (husband and/or wife) were under age at the time of the marriage

• Annulments of marriage in WA: One or both of the parties was married or involved in union/domestic partnership at the time of the marriage.

• Annulments of marriage in Washington will be granted if the court finds that the parties were unknowingly blood relatives

• An annulment of marriage in Washington will be granted if the court finds that one or both parties were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the marriage. An annulment of marriage  in WA will be granted if either party was mentally incapacitated in any way at the time of the marriage

• An annulment of marriage in Washington will be granted if the court estimates that one or both parties were forced into the marriage

• Annulments of marriage in Washington are granted if one or both parties were in some way forced into the marriage

• Annulments of marriage in Washington are granted if the marriage was never formally consummated

• Annulments of marriage in Washington are granted if one or both parties were found to have lied on their marriage license. For instance, if one of the parties used a phony name or lied about their current marital status, the couple will be eligible for an annulment of marriage in WA.

• Annulments of marriage in WA, will be granted if one or both parties lied in order to have either party agree to the marriage. For instance, if one party lies about sexual issues (i.e. impotence) or lied about wanting to have children before the marriage takes place, an annulment of marriage in WA may be granted

If your marriage falls under any of these categories you must speak with a family or divorce attorney in your region to file for an annulment of marriage in WA. 

Getting That Marriage Certificate in Maryland

For many marriages, this is a basic fact: the idea of a marriage certificate in MD is somewhat of a “bad word.”

Why? Because it’s such a hassle to get a marriage certificate in MD. At least many people think so. This is true anywhere, not just in Maryland. I tell you, though, the main reason why everyone thinks it’s so difficult to file for a marriage certificate in Maryland is because not everyone is informed enough of the process.

This Is What You Need to Know About Filing for a Marriage Certificate in Maryland

The steps to obtaining a marriage certificate in MD are as follows:

1. Visit the Maryland County Courthouse

2. Apply for the Certificate in Person

3. Present Proof of Age and Identity

4. Fill Out the Application in Its Entirety

5. Pay the License Fee

It’s understandable, though, this feeling of loss and confusion. After all, you’re signing your life into complete and total committal to a marriage, so the last thing you want to think of is paperwork for filing for a marriage certificate in MD.

Just think of it this way: once you’ve got the steps, all you need to do is make them. Then getting marriage certificates in Maryland wouldn’t be that big a deal.

Starting With the First Step….

By law, you have to show up at that courthouse in person to get the marriage certificate in Maryland. Or else the marriage certificate in MD wouldn’t be valid. You can’t have someone else do it for you. You can’t do marriage certificates in Maryland online.

That’s necessarily not a big deal, though, if you simply know where the courthouse is and find the time to visit it. Do the research on marriage certificates in Maryland. Learn where your county courthouse is. And then prepare for the big day (obtaining the marriage certificate in Maryland, that is!).

Your Age and Identity Matters for Marriage Certificates in Maryland

The courthouse has to know it’s really you. So make sure you have appropriate ID. Some examples would be:

1. A Driver’s License

2. A Military Identification Card

3. A State ID

4. Birth Certificates

Some counties do vary on what counts as valid ID, so do the appropriate research. Either way, this ensures that the right people are filing for those marriage certificates in Maryland.

Every Piece of Information….

It’s all necessary in that application. Don’t miss a beat, especially when considering a marriage. Some of the pieces of information you’ll need include:

1. Social Security Numbers

2. Addresses

3. Telephone Numbers

4. Father’s Full Name

5. Mother’s Full Name

6. State of Birth for Both Applicants

As Much as We Don’t Like It….

You’ve got to pay a fee. It can vary from county to county; but no matter what, some money’s going to come out of your pocket to legitimize the rest of your married life. Keep in mind, though, that when you pay that fee and the certificates in your hand, you actually have to wait 48 hours before it can be effective.

So, in other words, be sure you actually get married two days after applying for the certificate.

Getting That Certificate Is Actually Easy

All it takes are these steps. Follow them to a tee. And pretty soon you’ll be saying “I do” on that altar with pride.