I’m Steve Kaplan, a divorce attorney practicing in Monmouth County for over 37 years.
Every month, people call me and say:
“We’ve only been married a short time — I just want an annulment.”
But here’s the truth:
You don’t qualify for an annulment in New Jersey just because the marriage was short.
You need specific legal grounds — and most people don’t meet them.
❓ What’s the Difference Between an Annulment and a Divorce?
It’s simple:
-
A divorce ends a valid marriage.
-
An annulment says the marriage was never legally valid in the first place.
In NJ, that means something serious must have been wrong when the marriage was entered into — often fraud, impotence, mental incapacity, or being underage.
✅ Real Grounds for an Annulment in New Jersey
Here are the most common legal reasons that New Jersey courts will annul a marriage:
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Fraud that goes to the heart of the marriage
(Example: hiding sterility, addiction, or the intent to never have children) -
Bigamy
(One party was already married) -
Underage Marriage
(Party was under 18 and didn’t confirm the marriage after turning 18) -
Lack of Mental Capacity or Coerced Consent
(Married under duress, intoxicated, or unable to legally consent) -
Impotence
(One spouse is incurably impotent and the other was unaware) -
Close blood relation
(Marriage between prohibited family members)
⚠️ Important: Fraud Must Be Serious
Not every lie qualifies as legal fraud.
Saying “I’m 32” when someone is really 39?
Not enough.
Saying “I want kids” — while knowing you’re sterile and hiding it?
That’s enough.
It has to go to the essence of the marriage — something so serious that, had you known the truth, you never would have agreed to marry.
📩 Not Sure If You Qualify?
If you’re wondering whether your marriage qualifies for annulment — or if you now realize you’re headed toward a divorce, not an annulment — don’t panic.
I’ve created a free email course that walks you through the legal process in plain English.
It’s helped thousands of people in Monmouth County protect themselves before making a move.
🎁 Get My Free NJ Divorce Course
When you sign up, you’ll immediately get:
“Steve Kaplan’s Guide to Divorce in New Jersey”
A short, powerful article that explains what you need to know — in less than 10 minutes.
Then, you’ll start receiving my full email series:
Over 100 strategic tips for navigating the NJ divorce process — from property and custody to emotional survival.
✅ Want the Edge?
Sign up for the free course now.
You don’t need to give your name — just an email address.
Unsubscribe anytime with one click. No pressure. No tracking.
Most people stay.
Because the material works.
Until next time,
Steve
Steven J. Kaplan, Esq.
Specializing in Divorce in Monmouth County
5 Professional Circle
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
(732) 845-9010
www.KaplanDivorce.com