Annulments Explained: How They Differ From Divorce and Legal Separation

Send a text

Not every marriage ends in a divorce—and not every separation means the same thing.

This episode of Modern Family Matters explores the significant differences between annulments, divorces, and legal separations—three distinct ways marriages can be dissolved.

Host Steve Altishin and Founding Attorney Lewis Landerholm explain that annulments are increasingly rare in modern law because they require proving specific grounds (such as fraud, bigamy, or incest), whereas no-fault divorces are available in all states without proving wrongdoing.

While annulments theoretically erase a marriage as if it never happened, the practical and financial burden of proving grounds makes them impractical for most people. The discussion clarifies that children's legal status, custody, and support remain unaffected regardless of which dissolution method is chosen, and that legal separations maintain marital status while dividing assets—a distinction that can create complications if parties later reconcile or decide to divorce.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at [phone], or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.