Marriage Annulment in Singapore
An annulment is a different application from a divorce, on different grounds. It is the question people most often ask about after a short marriage, when they find they cannot yet file.
An annulment is not a faster divorce. It is a different remedy resting on different grounds, and the distinction matters because you cannot simply elect for the one that suits you better.
A divorce ends a marriage that was valid. An annulment declares that the marriage was never valid, or that it is voidable and is being set aside.
Why most people ask about it
Nearly always because the marriage is recent. There is a threshold period before a divorce can be filed, and a couple who have separated within months of the wedding find themselves unable to proceed and assume there is nothing to be done until the time passes.
Sometimes an annulment is available in that situation. Sometimes it is not, and there are other options. Either way it is worth a short conversation to establish which, rather than waiting a year on an assumption.
The grounds are limited
They are specific and they are not a matter of how the marriage felt. A marriage that was unhappy, or that both parties regret, is not for that reason voidable.
Because the grounds are particular, so is the evidence. Some require more than a divorce would.
Time limits
Several grounds carry limits, which can run from the date of the marriage or from when you became aware of the relevant matter. A missed limit can close the route off entirely.
This is the reason not to sit on the question. If annulment might be relevant, establish it early.
What still has to be dealt with
An annulment changes the status of the marriage. It does not resolve what happens to property, and where there are children it does not resolve their arrangements. Those questions remain, and they are dealt with in much the same way.
How we help
How we help
Tell you which application actually fits
Annulment and divorce are different remedies on different grounds, and people frequently ask for the one they have heard of rather than the one that applies. This is the first thing to establish and it is free to ask.
Advise on the time limits
Some grounds carry limits that run from the marriage or from when you learned of the relevant fact. Missing one can close off the route entirely, so this is checked early rather than late.
Prepare and file the application
Including the evidence it requires, which for some grounds is more particular than for a divorce.
Deal with what follows
An annulment still leaves questions about assets and, where there are children, about their arrangements. Those do not disappear because the marriage is treated differently.
Advise where the marriage is very short
This is the situation that most often brings people here, because the threshold for filing for divorce has not been met and they assume nothing can be done.
Be discreet about it
Annulment matters are often raised with nobody else knowing. That is understood and respected.
