707 24th Street, Ste 1-F Ogden, Utah 84401

Divorce and Annulment Attorney in Ogden, Utah

Divorce Annulments in Utah

A divorce and an annulment both end a marriage, but they are legally distinct. While divorce dissolves a valid marriage, an annulment declares that the marriage was never legally valid to begin with. In Utah, annulments are granted only in specific circumstances, requiring proof that the marriage was legally flawed from the start.

At Porter Law Firm, we assist clients in determining whether they qualify for an annulment and guide them through the legal process to protect their rights.

Grounds for Annulment in Utah

Utah courts only grant annulments under specific legal conditions, including:

  • Fraud or Misrepresentation – If one spouse deceived the other about an essential aspect of the marriage (e.g., hiding a criminal record, infertility, or financial status).
  • Bigamy – If one spouse was already legally married to another person at the time of the marriage.
  • Underage Marriage Without Consent – If one or both spouses were under 18 and did not have legal parental or court approval.
  • Incestuous Marriage – If the spouses are closely related by blood, the marriage is automatically void.
  • Lack of Capacity – If a spouse was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or lacked the mental capacity to consent to the marriage.
  • Force or Duress – If a spouse was coerced into the marriage against their will.

If none of these conditions apply, the couple will need to pursue a traditional divorce instead of an annulment.

Effects of an Annulment

An annulment voids the marriage, meaning it is treated as if it never legally existed. However, courts can still address important issues, such as:

  • Child Custody and Support – If children were born during the marriage, the court will establish custody, support, and visitation agreements.
  • Property Division – Courts may divide assets and debts fairly, similar to a divorce, if necessary.
  • Alimony – Since an annulment erases the marriage, alimony is generally not awarded unless the court determines otherwise.

FAQs

An annulment declares that the marriage was never legally valid, while a divorce ends a legally recognized marriage.

There is no strict time limit, but the sooner you file, the better, as delays can make it harder to prove legal grounds.

No, child custody and support are handled the same way as in a divorce to protect the child’s rights and well-being.

 

Learn from the Experts

Our Blog

Do You Qualify for an Annulment in Utah? Understanding the Legal Requirements

Not every marriage qualifies for an annulment. This blog explains the legal grounds for annulment in Utah, such as fraud, bigamy, or lack of consent, and helps you determine if you may be eligible.

Annulment vs. Divorce: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?

While both annulment and divorce end a marriage, they have very different legal effects. This article breaks down the key differences and helps you decide which option best fits your situation.

What Happens to Children and Property After an Annulment?

Annulments erase a marriage as if it never happened, but what does that mean for child custody, support, and property division? This blog explores how Utah courts handle these issues after an annulment.
  • My fiance and I came to Jonathan Porter so he could get divorced from his prior marriage. They were very friendly, helpful, and reasonably priced. We were able to have the divorce final within a few months. We are very satisfied and highly recommend.

    Jessica Fowler Avatar Jessica Fowler
    March 23, 2023
  • Divorce case - I was in a hard spot with a firm that wasn't advocating for me and had already taken a huge chunk of my savings and equity from selling my marital home. I was heartbroken. I sent out a handful of new "contact us online" to different firms in Utah, and Jonathon Porter reached out to me almost instantly and we set up an in-person meeting. Less than a month after retaining Porter Law I already feel I am in better hands. I see the holes that were left open by my previous firm, and where Porter Law is picking up the pieces. They have been more proactive than the large firm I signed with from May - September. I wish I would have started here and saved my heartache and pocketbook from the beginning. If you are in a similar position, looking for new representation I highly suggest speaking with Jonathon. Even though my case is not complete, I truly look forward to working with Porter Law to until we are able to close this chapter. 12/26/2024 - UPDATE: From October when I first met with Porter Law I asked if we could get this done by the holidays and today I open up my email to see my divorce is FINAL and everything has concluded. I am so grateful to Porter Law and their diligence and communication that they had with me. My case wasn't rocket science, but felt like so from the other party. Jonathon and his staff kept things upbeat and positive and they got it done! Thank you Porter Law, you truly were a blessing during this time and I really wish I would have found you sooner!

    Kindel P Avatar Kindel P
    January 23, 2025
  • At the recommendation of many women in a similar situation, I called Porter Law Firm. The consultation with Jonathan was my second (the first with a different firm). I was so glad I made the choice to go with them. Both Jonathan and his paralegal Cassidy made sure I always knew what was going on with my divorce/custody case and showed that they cared. They did a great job answering my questions and working with my requests. I hope I never have to use them again, but if I do, I know where I’m going! Heartfelt thanks to Porter Law Firm!

    Megan W Avatar Megan W
    March 23, 2023
  • He has been helpful and was quick to accept our case and last minute as well. We had a lot of history prior to working with him and he wasted no time catching himself up. His help really gave us hope when things felt hard. He is understanding and he and his team has been great to work with.

    Bre Samek Avatar Bre Samek
    February 23, 2025
  • Jonathan and his team are seriously amazing! Jon has represented me in a few different legal matters over the years and I couldn't be more pleased every time. If you need an attorney that actually cares, communicates with you, fights for you and makes sure you understand everything that is going on- Jon literally is the best!

    Amber VanDerWoude Avatar Amber VanDerWoude
    December 23, 2024
  • When I first started to pursue my case, Jonathan Porter was the only attorney I called (out of about 15) that would entertain it. He and his staff have been absolutely incredible to work with. Jonathan made me feel heard when everyone else wouldn’t even listen. I can’t recommend Porter Law Firm enough!

    Brianna Davey Avatar Brianna Davey
    February 23, 2025
  • Always quick to answer questions.

    Kristy Doesburg Avatar Kristy Doesburg
    February 23, 2025
  • Jonathan was fantastic to work with, he was professional, and so quick responding to any questions that I had!!! Thank you for everything you literally changed my life!!!!!

    jared love Avatar jared love
    March 23, 2024
  • Mr. Porter is great at what he does. He was happy to spend some extra time with me to clarify what sections of my stipulation actually meant so I had nothing to stress over. He is trustworthy and just a good dude. I could feel a genuine intention of him actually wanting to help and not just trying to sell me on being his lawyer. I highly recommend him if you are on the search. The reception desk was also extremely friendly and helpful.

    Dr Doofenshmirtz Avatar Dr Doofenshmirtz
    March 23, 2024
  • Our journey began shortly after I returned from the last deployment of my career. I learn that my children had been moved across the country and I was being told I could only see them on/around summer break and winter breaks. This was alarming given that I was court ordered the majority custody of my children. After one hearing with Porter Law Firm my children were returned into my custody. Unfortunately, what seemed to be a simple enforcement issue, became a bit of a living nightmare. I started working initially with Cassidy, who is a really amazing and caring person, but shortly thereafter worked mostly with Stephanie and Jon directly. Stephanie has been nothing short of phenomenal, there have been too many instances in which I have needed her and Jon's expert advice, and albeit this moderately simple enforcement case became quite complex in the blink of an eye. With that being said, given the complexity, Stephanie and Jon are great at providing quick and accurate answers to the many questions I have had. We are nearing what I hope to be the conclusion of this ordeal and regardless of the outcome, I have felt that they have been there for me when I needed them the most. To be a little more descriptive, there have been many conversations derived by a lot of emotions, (and admittedly I can be a bit long winded) yet each time I am in contact with them it really feels like they are hearing me as more than that of a client, but as a person. While it has been difficult to process that sometimes things take longer than what I would hope they did, I can say that after working with Porter Law-Firm for well over a year, I am grateful for all they have done to help!

    Michael Carfaro Avatar Michael Carfaro
    August 23, 2024

Take the Next Step - Contact Porter Law Firm Today

If you believe your marriage may qualify for an annulment, Porter Law Firm can help. We will assess your situation, gather the necessary evidence, and guide you through the process to ensure your rights are protected.