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Getting married is beautiful, it's moving, it makes mom cry and auntie applaud. But sometimes, you realize you might have gotten a little carried away. A bit like that "Love Forever" tattoo after three Mojitos. The result: you've got a wedding ring on your finger and a strong desire to say "stop." Good news: canceling a wedding is possible. And we're going to explain how to do it properly, efficiently, without having to run away on the big day (even if the idea can be tempting).
Let's start with a clarification. Annulling a marriage is not the same as getting a divorce. In a divorce, you acknowledge that the marriage did exist, but you want to move on. In an annulment, you act as if the marriage never existed. Yes, as if you had just dreamed of the wedding dress , the sugared almonds, and your mother-in-law singing Lara Fabian on the microphone. Legally, an annulment erases everything.
So, how did we get here? What are the conditions? What are the procedures? And most importantly, can we get our wedding tableware back? Follow the guide.
Before you throw everything at the town hall or write a fiery letter to the judge, you should know that you can't annul a marriage on a whim . "I woke up one morning, and actually, no" isn't enough. You need a real reason that's recognized by law .
Consent is the basis. If you were forced , manipulated , or were not in a position to give free and informed consent (for example, under the influence of threats or not very legal substances), the marriage can be annulled.
It seems unlikely, but it does exist. If you've misrepresented your spouse's true identity or some essential characteristic of their person (no, forgetting to mention that they support OM doesn't count), this could constitute a mistake serious enough to annul the marriage.
For example: we discover that your “charming husband” is actually already married elsewhere , or that he has hidden something fundamental from you, such as a serious criminal past or a false identity.
If one of the spouses suffers from a mental disorder or is under guardianship or curatorship without the authorization of the court or the guardian, the marriage can be annulled. It must be proven that this incapacity was known or notable at the time of the marriage.
Ah, the famous marriage of convenience. If you got married solely to obtain an administrative advantage , such as a residence permit or a visa, and it was not a real life project for the two of you , the marriage is voidable. Be careful, it can also get you into trouble...
Okay, so you checked one of the boxes above? Perfect (well, so to speak). It's time to take action. Canceling a wedding is a bit like canceling a simple wedding dress : it requires proof, steps, and sometimes a little patience.
Yes, we know, it's not the most fun time. But it's essential . A lawyer will be able to tell you if your request is solid, and more importantly, how to formulate it correctly. You don't want to get bogged down in paperwork.
The annulment is done before the judicial court . You will have to file a request for annulment of marriage . This is a so-called contentious procedure: the other person can defend themselves, respond, and contest. It is not automatic.
Generally, it is the public prosecutor or one of the spouses who initiates the process. In certain cases (such as a fictitious marriage), the request may come from third parties with a legitimate interest (such as close family).
No evidence = no annulment. It's as simple as that. You'll need to gather everything that can attest to the lack of consent, fraud, deception, or irregularity : witness statements, documents, messages, etc.
And then... patience. The judge will review your case, listen to both parties, and decide. If the judge grants the annulment, the marriage— country wedding dress or not—is retroactively erased. If the judge refuses, you're still married. You'll then have to consider a divorce, which is a different kettle of fish.
Okay, you win. The wedding is off. Champagne? Yes, but not too fast. There are still some side effects to be aware of.
Annulling a marriage is as if you were never married , on paper. That said, some things remain valid depending on the context. If you had children together, for example, they remain legitimate . Annulling a marriage does not annul paternity or maternity (thankfully).
If you bought furniture, a car, a house, or even a lace wedding dress together, the division of property remains in effect. Generally, everything is settled amicably... or in court, if there's a dispute. However, there is no alimony or compensatory payment as in a divorce.
Did you take your other half's name? Too bad: with the cancellation, you lose it instantly. Back to square one on your ID card.
Ah, the famous question. Normally, everyone takes back what they gave , unless it was clearly a gift with no strings attached. As for the dress, you can always sell it, recycle it, or keep it for a costume ball. As for your mother-in-law, she'll probably complain. But that's not a matter for the courts.
Still at the invitation stage? Don't panic. Even if you've already chosen your Long Sleeve Wedding Dress , there's still time to back out. It's much easier to cancel a wedding before it takes place. There's no need for a court hearing. Just don't show up or send a letter to the town hall. Okay, you risk some family tension and losing your venue deposit, but it's less expensive than legal proceedings.
If the bans have already been published, remember to notify the town hall as soon as possible . You can send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to formalize your withdrawal.
Yes, it's awkward. Yes, you'll have to explain. But a few months of discomfort are better than years of regret. And besides, we all have a girlfriend who knows someone it happened to. So take a deep breath and face it: you just avoided a bad casting .
Because yes, wedding annulment isn't just for the average person. Even celebrities have tried it.
41 hours. That's how long Britney Spears and her childhood friend's marriage lasted. Strapless wedding dress , quick ceremony, and the result: immediate annulment. It just goes to show you can be an international star and still make questionable choices in Las Vegas.
Less rock 'n' roll than Britney, but more legal: the prince obtained the annulment of his religious marriage on the grounds of a defect in consent. Proof that even crowned heads can have hesitations.
Some people want to have a religious marriage annulled , particularly in the Catholic Church. Be careful, this has no legal value . If you want to erase a marriage in the eyes of the law, this is done through civil channels.
The Vatican, for example, can annul a marriage through a specific procedure, but this has no legal impact in France. So if you want to regain your single status on your tax return, you must go before a civil judge . To learn more about the administrative procedures, see this page .
So yes, it's not a walk in the park. You need to be motivated, have good reasons, a good lawyer, and a little patience. But it's possible . And sometimes, it's even the best thing to do.
And above all, remember: you have the right to make mistakes. To say stop. To choose not to continue. Marriage is not a prison (well, not always), and you have the right to take back your freedom with elegance... or with a glass of wine and your friends, it's up to you.