Annulment
A legal declaration that a marriage is void or invalid from the beginning, as if it never existed.
Example
She sought an annulment based on fraud committed before the marriage.
Canadian Equivalent
In Canada, this is referred to as Annulment / Declaration of Nullity (available under both federal and provincial law).
Jurisdiction Variations
CALIFORNIA
Nullity of Marriage
California uses 'nullity of marriage' or 'nullity of domestic partnership'
NEW-YORK
Annulment / Void Marriage / Voidable Marriage
New York distinguishes void marriages (bigamy) from voidable ones (fraud, duress)
TEXAS
Suit to Declare Marriage Void
Texas statutes use 'declaration of void marriage'
Related Terms
divorcedissolution