Need help with the annulment process in Shreveport, LA? If so, contact our team at Knight Law Firm at 318-569-8469 for an initial consultation. Our founding attorney has over 20 years of legal experience guiding clients through difficult and complex family law situations, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.
An annulment is very different from a divorce, and each of these actions can have very different legal consequences. While a divorce legally ends a valid marriage, an annulment is as if the marriage never existed in the first place. If you’re seeking legal advice, contact us today for a confidential consultation with a Shreveport annulment attorney.
Why Choose Knight Law Firm for Help With an Annulment in Shreveport?
Going through an annulment is a deeply sensitive and personal situation. During this difficult and emotional time, you don’t need just any lawyer. You need a caring and compassionate lawyer with the knowledge and experience to guide you through this situation.
Clients in Shreveport, Louisiana, know they can count on Knight Law Firm for help during these difficult times.
When you choose our Shreveport annulment lawyer, you can expect to receive:
- Clear answers to all your questions about your legal rights and options
- Comprehensive representation that includes handling every detail of your paperwork and court filings
- Fierce advocacy on your behalf if your case requires any court hearings
- Caring and compassionate support throughout the entirely of your representation
Annulments are not available in every scenario. At Knight Law Firm, we can advise you of your legal rights and options at every stage of the process. We will take the time to listen to your specific situation and help you obtain your desired outcome. Contact us today for an initial consultation and let us get started.
What Is an Annulment?
An annulment is quite different from a divorce. An annulment is a court order that declares the marriage void from the start. In effect, an annulment states that the marriage never legally existed in the first place. This differs from a divorce, which ends a legal marriage.
An annulment can present complex legal issues, such as property division, spousal support, and other items related to the marriage. This is because the annulment essentially erased the fact that a marriage ever took place. Child custody and child support issues may also arise, although issues related to children are typically handled in the same way as they would be after a divorce.
Legal Grounds for an Annulment in Shreveport
Annulments are not always available in Louisiana. In fact, Louisiana law requires you to have specific grounds for an annulment to be granted.
Some of the most common grounds for an annulment include:
- Fraud: One spouse was tricked into marriage through material misrepresentation
- Lack of consent: One or both spouses were under the age of majority and did not have parental consent
- Incest: The spouses are too closely related to be legally married
- Bigamy: One spouse is already married to someone else
- Mental incompetence: One spouse did not have the mental capacity to agree to the marriage
- Lack of consummation: Incurable impotence prevents the marriage from being consummated
You must be able to prove specific legal elements associated with your grounds for annulment. At Knight Law Firm, we can help you gather evidence to prove your case to have an annulment granted.
What Is the Process for Getting an Annulment in Louisiana?
While an annulment is different from a divorce, there is still a legal process that must be followed. Paperwork must be filed with the court, and notice must be given to your spouse.
The general steps for getting an annulment in Shreveport are:
- Filing a petition for annulment with the court in Caddo Parish, or where your spouse resides
- Serving legal notice of the petition on your spouse
- Presenting evidence that proves your grounds for annulment
- Attending a court hearing in front of a judge, if necessary
If the judge agrees with your evidence, your petition for annulment will be granted. The judge will issue an order that declares the marriage null and void. This is intended to return you and your spouse to the same position you were in prior to the marriage.
How Long Do I Have to Get an Annulment in Louisiana?
The amount of time you have to file for annulment depends on whether your marriage is void or voidable. In many cases, you have five years from the date of the marriage to file for an annulment. However, some marriages may be annulled at any time.
The best way to determine the filing deadline for your annulment is to seek help from an experienced Shreveport annulment lawyer. At Knight Law Firm, we can examine the specifics of your situation to determine whether you may be eligible for an annulment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you.
Schedule an Initial Consultation With Our Shreveport Annulment Lawyer Today
If you are considering an annulment in Shreveport, LA, contact Knight Law Firm today. Our experienced Shreveport annulment attorney can walk you step-by-step through the annulment process. Let us help you understand your legal options so that you can move forward with your life. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how we can help.
