Maryland Divorce vs. Annulment: What’s Legally Distinct

In Maryland, understanding the legal differences between divorce and annulment is essential for individuals seeking to dissolve their marriage. While both processes legally end a marriage, a divorce recognizes the marriage as valid and terminates it, while an annulment declares that the marriage was never legally valid. This distinction is important for anyone considering their options for marriage dissolution in Maryland, as the legal outcomes and implications vary significantly between the two.

The grounds for obtaining a divorce or annulment in Maryland differ as well. A divorce is generally granted based on factors such as irreconcilable differences or separation, while an annulment requires specific legal grounds, such as fraud, bigamy, or incapacity at the time of marriage. Understanding these differences ensures individuals make informed decisions regarding their legal options for marriage dissolution in Maryland.

What is Divorce?

A divorce is a legal process that ends a marriage between two individuals. It dissolves the legal bond that once existed between them, allowing both parties to move on separately. In Maryland, divorce is governed by specific legal rules and procedures to ensure fairness in property division, child custody, and support matters.

Definition of Divorce

Divorce legally terminates a marriage. Unlike an annulment, which treats the marriage as if it never occurred, a divorce acknowledges that the marriage existed but ended due to various reasons. In Maryland, the most common grounds for divorce include:

Irreconcilable differences: When the couple can no longer get along, and there is no hope for reconciliation.
Adultery: When one spouse has had an affair.
Abandonment: When one spouse leaves without the intention of returning.
Cruelty or abuse: If one spouse has treated the other with physical or emotional harm.
Separation: If the couple has lived apart for a specific period (typically 12 months) and has no intention of reconciling.

The Divorce Process in Maryland

The divorce process in Maryland involves several clear steps. Here’s how it typically works:

Filing the Complaint: The spouse who is seeking the divorce files a complaint at the local circuit court. This document outlines the reason for the divorce and the specific requests regarding property division, child custody, and support.
Serving the Other Party: Once the complaint is filed, the other spouse must be notified about the divorce proceedings. This is called “service of process,” and it gives the other spouse the opportunity to respond.
Waiting Period: Maryland law includes a waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. For a no-fault divorce, there is a 12-month separation requirement, while fault-based divorces may not have a waiting period.
Settlement or Court Hearing: Many divorces are settled outside of court through mediation or negotiation. If both parties can’t agree, the case proceeds to a court hearing where a judge makes the final decision.
Final Judgment: After the divorce is finalized, a judgment is entered by the court. This document officially ends the marriage and includes decisions on property division, alimony, child support, and custody if applicable.

Legal Requirements for Divorce in Maryland

To file for divorce in Maryland, there are several legal requirements:

Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Maryland for at least one year before filing for divorce. If the grounds for divorce occurred outside of Maryland, the residency requirement may not apply.
Waiting Period: As mentioned earlier, for a no-fault divorce, the couple must have lived apart for 12 months without attempting reconciliation. For fault-based divorces, the waiting period may not be required, depending on the situation.
Filing the Complaint: The spouse seeking the divorce (the plaintiff) must file a complaint in the circuit court of the county where they reside or where the other spouse lives.
Court Fees: Filing a divorce complaint in Maryland typically requires paying a fee, which can vary depending on the county. The fee is typically around $150 to $300, but additional costs may apply for things like serving papers or court hearings.
Child Custody and Support: If children are involved, the court will also need to review custody arrangements and child support. Maryland uses guidelines to determine child support payments, which are based on the income of both parents and the child’s needs.

What is Annulment?

In Maryland, an annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void, meaning the marriage is considered invalid as if it never took place. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment erases the marriage from the legal record. If you are considering annulment, it’s crucial to understand the legal grounds and the steps involved in the process.

Definition of Annulment

An annulment in Maryland essentially declares that the marriage never existed in the eyes of the law. It differs from a divorce because while a divorce ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it were never legally valid in the first place. This means that any legal ties, such as property division or alimony, would not apply the same way they do in divorce cases.

Annulments are granted under specific circumstances and are not available to everyone who wishes to end a marriage. The grounds for annulment are strictly defined under Maryland law, and there are legal criteria that must be met to qualify for this type of dissolution.

The Annulment Process in Maryland

If you are eligible for an annulment in Maryland, the process typically begins with filing a petition for annulment at your local circuit court. Here’s how the annulment process works:

Filing the Petition: The first step is to file a petition with the Maryland court. This petition includes your reason for seeking the annulment and the legal grounds for it.
Serving Your Spouse: Once the petition is filed, your spouse must be served with the legal papers. They will have an opportunity to respond to the petition.
Court Hearing: If the annulment is contested, a court hearing will take place. During the hearing, both parties can present their case, and the judge will determine whether the marriage meets the criteria for annulment.
Judgment: If the court grants the annulment, the marriage is legally voided. You will receive a judgment of annulment, and your marriage will be erased from legal records as if it never existed.

It’s important to be aware that the annulment process can take several months, and it may require you to gather evidence that supports your case, such as proof of fraud, coercion, or other grounds.

Legal Requirements for Annulment in Maryland

Maryland law allows annulments under certain conditions. Common grounds for annulment include:

Fraud: If one party entered into the marriage based on false information or deception (such as lying about important aspects of the marriage), the marriage may be annulled.
Bigamy: If one party was already married to someone else at the time of the marriage, the marriage is voidable.
Underage Marriage: If either party was under the legal age to marry (without proper consent), the marriage may be annulled.
Lack of Consent: If one party was forced or coerced into the marriage, it may be annulled.
Mental Incompetence: If either party was unable to understand the nature of the marriage due to mental incompetence, the marriage could be annulled.

In Maryland, there is no specific time limit for filing an annulment based on fraud or lack of consent, but there are time constraints for some grounds, such as bigamy and underage marriage.

Key Differences Between Divorce and Annulment

When going through the end of a marriage, individuals often face two legal options: divorce and annulment. Though both result in the dissolution of a marriage, there are key differences that affect the legal process, outcome, and the rights of the parties involved. Here we will explore how these two options differ, focusing on the definition, grounds, legal effects, and the timeframe in Maryland.

Definition of Marriage in Both Cases

One of the most significant distinctions between a divorce and an annulment lies in how the marriage is viewed legally.

Divorce: In a divorce, the marriage is considered valid up until the point the court ends it. Essentially, a divorce ends a legally valid marriage. This is the most common way to dissolve a marriage when both parties agree that they can no longer continue living together.
Annulment: An annulment, on the other hand, is a legal process that treats the marriage as if it never existed. An annulment declares the marriage invalid from the start. This means that legally, the marriage is viewed as if it were never legally binding. The court typically grants an annulment only under specific conditions, such as fraud, coercion, or a marriage that is against the law (e.g., bigamy).

Grounds for Divorce vs Annulment

The reasons for seeking a divorce or annulment are quite different.

Grounds for Divorce: In Maryland, divorce can be granted for irreconcilable differences or if the couple has been living apart for a certain period (usually 12 months without reconciliation). These are the most common grounds for a Maryland divorce. In some cases, a divorce can also be granted based on fault grounds, such as adultery or cruelty, but these are less common.
Grounds for Annulment: Annulment, however, is only available under very specific circumstances. Some of the grounds for annulment in Maryland include:
- Fraud or Misrepresentation: One party deceives the other about an important aspect of the marriage (e.g., hiding a criminal history).
- Duress or Coercion: One party was forced into the marriage.
- Bigamy: If one party was already married to someone else at the time of the marriage.
- Underage Marriage: If one party was under the legal age to marry without parental consent.
- Mental Incapacity: If one party lacked the mental capacity to consent to marriage.

In Maryland, these grounds must be proven in court, and an annulment is not granted simply because the marriage was a mistake.

Legal Effects and Consequences

Both divorce and annulment carry different legal implications, especially when it comes to property division, alimony, and child custody.

Divorce:
- Property Division: In a divorce, the court divides marital property based on equitable distribution, which means the court will divide the property fairly but not necessarily equally.
- Alimony: Depending on the circumstances, one party may be awarded alimony (spousal support) after a divorce.
- Child Custody: If the couple has children, the court will make decisions about custody, visitation, and child support based on the best interests of the child.
Annulment:
- Property Division: In the case of an annulment, the court may still divide property, but it may be handled differently since the marriage is considered void from the beginning. In some cases, the parties may not be entitled to any marital property.
- Alimony: Generally, alimony is not awarded in annulment cases since the marriage is considered to never have existed. However, in rare cases, the court may award temporary support.
- Child Custody: If there are children involved, child custody and support issues will be handled just like in a divorce case.

Timeframe for Divorce vs Annulment in Maryland

The time it takes to finalize either a divorce or an annulment can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Annulment Timeframe: An annulment in Maryland can be completed in a relatively short amount of time compared to a divorce, especially if both parties agree on the grounds and the process. However, it may still take several months, particularly if a hearing is necessary to establish the grounds for the annulment.
Divorce Timeframe: In Maryland, the divorce process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. This depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce (where both parties agree on all major issues) can be finalized in as little as 60 days, while a contested divorce (where there is disagreement over terms) can take longer.

When Should You Consider Divorce vs Annulment in Maryland?

Deciding between divorce and annulment can be a tough decision, especially when considering the legal, emotional, and financial impacts. In Maryland, both divorce and annulment legally end a marriage, but they do so in different ways. Understanding when to choose divorce or annulment can help you make the best decision based on your unique circumstances.

Situations Best Suited for Divorce

Divorce is typically the best option when a marriage has ended irreparably. In Maryland, divorce is available for couples who have experienced an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or have lived separately for a specific period. If the relationship cannot be saved, divorce allows both parties to move on with their lives. Common situations that make divorce the preferred option include:

Ongoing Conflict: When conflicts between spouses are persistent and no longer manageable.
Separation: If spouses have lived apart for the required time (typically one year), a divorce may be pursued to legally end the marriage.
No Fraud or Coercion: Divorce is the right choice when no fraud, coercion, or deception occurred at the time of the marriage.

A divorce provides clear steps to dissolve a marriage and address matters like property division, child custody, and alimony. The decision to divorce is usually based on the understanding that the relationship is no longer functional, and both parties wish to legally separate.

Situations Best Suited for Annulment

Annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage was never valid. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment declares that the marriage did not exist under Maryland law. Situations where annulment may apply include:

Fraud: If one spouse misrepresented their identity or intentions before marriage, annulment might be considered. For example, if one spouse hid a previous marriage or financial problems, the marriage could be annulled.
Coercion: If one spouse was forced or coerced into marriage, this may be grounds for annulment. Coercion can be physical, emotional, or psychological.
Bigamy: If one spouse was already married to someone else at the time of the marriage, annulment could be granted as the marriage would be legally invalid.
Underage Marriage: In cases where one or both spouses were too young to legally marry in Maryland, an annulment might be necessary.

Annulment is only available in certain situations where the marriage is considered invalid from the beginning. If fraud, coercion, or an underage marriage occurred, annulment may be the appropriate option.

Factors to Consider

When deciding whether to pursue a divorce or an annulment, it’s important to consider emotional, legal, and financial factors. Here are some key points to think about:

Emotional Considerations: Divorce may feel like a finality and can often involve a lengthy emotional adjustment. Annulment, however, may allow individuals to move forward without the stigma of a “failed” marriage.
Legal Implications: Annulment legally erases the marriage, which can be advantageous in some situations, such as with children or property division. Divorce involves legally ending a marriage and addressing matters like custody, property, and alimony.
Financial Impact: Divorce can have significant financial implications, particularly regarding division of assets, alimony, and child support. Annulment, however, can be less financially burdensome, as the marriage is not legally recognized, so certain financial responsibilities may be reduced.

Deciding between divorce and annulment in Maryland depends on the specifics of your relationship, your legal options, and the impact on your future. Understanding the circumstances that best suit each option can help you make the right choice and move forward.

How to File for Divorce in Maryland

Filing for divorce can feel like a major life change. If you’re considering a divorce in Maryland, knowing the process and what to expect can help make things clearer. This guide will take you through the necessary steps, documents, and places where you need to file your divorce papers.

Filing for Divorce: Step-by-Step Process

Meet Residency Requirements: Before you file for divorce in Maryland, one of the spouses must have lived in Maryland for at least one year. This is required to file in a Maryland court.
Complete the Divorce Forms: The first step is filling out the proper forms. These forms are available at the courthouse or online from the Maryland courts website. Common documents include:
- Complaint for Divorce: This is the form that officially starts the divorce process.
- Financial Statement: This is required if there are issues related to alimony, child support, or property division.
- Summons: This notifies your spouse that a divorce case has been filed.
File the Forms with the Court: Once you’ve completed your paperwork, you need to file them with the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse resides. Each court may have its own filing fees, usually ranging from $100 to $250. Be sure to check the specific fees for the county where you are filing.
Serve the Divorce Papers: After filing, you must legally serve the divorce papers to your spouse. You can hire a process server or have someone over 18 (other than you) deliver the documents. Your spouse has 30 days to respond to the papers.
Attend the Hearing: If your divorce is uncontested, meaning both parties agree on terms, you may not need a trial. Instead, you’ll attend a final hearing where the judge reviews the paperwork and issues a divorce decree. If contested, a court hearing will be scheduled to settle the issues.

Required Documents for Divorce

Filing for divorce in Maryland requires several key documents. Here’s a list of the most common documents needed:

Complaint for Divorce: The document that officially requests the divorce and outlines the grounds for divorce.
Financial Statement: Required if there are any issues related to finances, such as spousal support, property division, or child support.
Marriage Certificate: This document proves that you are legally married and must be filed along with the divorce complaint.
Parenting Plan: If children are involved, this plan outlines custody and visitation arrangements.
Settlement Agreement: If both spouses agree to the terms of the divorce, a signed settlement agreement will help finalize the divorce without needing a trial.

These documents must be complete and accurate to avoid delays in the divorce process.

Where to File Divorce Papers in Maryland

In Maryland, divorce papers are filed in the Circuit Court in the county where either you or your spouse resides. Maryland has several counties, and each county has its own Circuit Court. You can visit the Circuit Court website for your county to find the forms you need, the filing fee, and the exact steps to take.

Here’s a quick guide on where to file:

Find the Correct Court: Locate the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse lives. This is the jurisdiction that will handle your divorce.
File the Forms: After completing the necessary forms, submit them to the court’s Clerk’s Office. Be sure to bring all required documents and any necessary identification.
Pay the Filing Fee: The filing fee is typically between $100 and $250, depending on the county. If you can’t afford the fee, you may request a fee waiver by submitting a Request for Waiver of Fees form.
Serve the Papers: Once your divorce petition is filed, you must have your spouse served with the papers. This can be done by a sheriff or a process server.

Filing in the right place is crucial to the success of your divorce case. Be sure to double-check your local court’s requirements before you begin the process.

How to File for Annulment in Maryland

Filing for annulment in Maryland is a legal process that essentially voids a marriage as if it never happened. Whether you’re seeking an annulment due to fraud, coercion, or another valid reason, it’s important to follow the proper steps and meet the necessary requirements. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to file for annulment in Maryland, including the forms and documentation you’ll need, and where to file your annulment papers.

Filing for Annulment: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to file for an annulment in Maryland, here’s a straightforward process to follow:

Determine If You Qualify for an Annulment
- In Maryland, annulments are typically granted under specific circumstances, such as fraud, duress, or mental incapacity at the time of marriage. Review the reasons for annulment carefully to ensure you meet the criteria.
Prepare Your Documents
- Gather all necessary paperwork, including your marriage certificate, evidence of the grounds for annulment (such as proof of fraud or lack of consent), and any additional supporting documentation.
File a Complaint for Annulment
- You will need to complete a Complaint for Annulment form. This legal document outlines the reasons you’re seeking annulment and the relief you are requesting. It must be filed with the Maryland family court in your county.
Pay the Filing Fee
- The filing fee for an annulment in Maryland varies by county, but it generally ranges from $100 to $200. Contact your local court to confirm the exact amount.
Serve the Petition
- After filing the annulment complaint, you must serve your spouse with the annulment petition. This must be done by a third party, like a sheriff or a process server, to ensure proper legal notification.
Court Hearing
- If your spouse contests the annulment, or if the court requires further review, a hearing will be scheduled. You’ll need to present evidence to support your claim for annulment.

Required Documents for Annulment

When filing for annulment in Maryland, you’ll need to submit several documents to the court. These typically include:

Marriage Certificate: This is necessary to prove the existence of your marriage.
Proof of Grounds for Annulment: This could include evidence of fraud, bigamy, lack of consent, or mental incapacity at the time of marriage.
Complaint for Annulment: The official legal form where you explain your reason for annulment.
Proof of Service: A signed document showing that your spouse has been notified about the annulment proceedings.

It’s crucial to make sure your documents are accurate and complete to avoid any delays in the process.

Where to File Annulment Papers in Maryland

Annulment papers in Maryland should be filed with the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse resides. Maryland has a family law division within its courts, which handles annulments, divorces, and other domestic matters.

Locate Your Local Court: Each county has its own circuit court. You can find the court closest to you by visiting the Maryland Judiciary website or calling your local courthouse.
Court Addresses and Contact Information: If you need to confirm the exact filing location, make sure to check the address and contact details for your local circuit court before submitting your annulment paperwork.

Once you’ve filed your annulment papers, keep a copy of all documents for your records, and remember that any communications regarding the case will be sent to the address listed on the complaint form.

How Divorce and Annulment Impact Children in Maryland

Divorce and annulment can significantly affect children, and Maryland is no exception. These legal processes, though different in nature, can bring about emotional and legal challenges that parents must carefully address. The impact on children, from custody arrangements to emotional well-being, can shape their future. Understanding how these processes affect children in Maryland can help parents make informed decisions and ensure that their children’s best interests are prioritized.

Child Custody in Divorce

When parents divorce in Maryland, one of the most important concerns is child custody. The court’s main priority is the well-being of the child, and custody arrangements are determined based on what is best for the child. Maryland courts use the “best interests of the child” standard to decide custody. This includes factors like the child’s age, health, emotional ties with each parent, and the ability of each parent to provide for the child’s needs.

Physical Custody refers to where the child will live. Parents may share physical custody, or one parent may have sole physical custody, depending on the situation. Legal Custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s education, health care, and other life matters. Shared legal custody is common, as both parents typically retain decision-making authority even if one parent has physical custody.

Visitation is another important aspect of child custody. If one parent has sole physical custody, the other parent usually gets visitation rights, which may be supervised in some cases. Courts aim to maintain a relationship with both parents unless there are concerns about the child’s safety or well-being.

Child Custody in Annulment

In an annulment case, the legal situation is different. An annulment in Maryland legally declares that the marriage never existed, which means there is no legally recognized marital bond. This may raise questions about the impact on children born during the marriage. However, annulments in Maryland do not automatically affect the parental relationship or the rights of either parent toward the child.

If the parents of a child are seeking an annulment, they will still need to work through custody and child support matters, as these are separate from the annulment process itself. The court will approach the custody decision the same way it would in a divorce, focusing on what is in the child’s best interest. Child support obligations are also determined by the court, regardless of whether the parents are divorcing or having their marriage annulled.

Legal Considerations for Children in Both Cases

Both divorce and annulment can be emotionally challenging for children. Parents should consider how these processes will affect their child’s emotional health. Children may struggle with feelings of confusion, guilt, or sadness during both divorces and annulments, and it’s essential for parents to provide stability, support, and open communication during these times.

From a legal standpoint, custody decisions will depend on various factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and any history of abuse or neglect. If there are concerns about the child’s safety, the court may impose supervised visitation or award sole custody to the parent who can better meet the child’s needs.

While the legal processes differ, the emotional consequences for children in both divorce and annulment are significant. Parents should always prioritize their child’s emotional well-being by maintaining a sense of stability, offering reassurance, and considering counseling or support services if necessary.

Common Myths About Divorce and Annulment in Maryland

Divorce and annulment are two common legal processes in Maryland, but many people still have misconceptions about what each entails. It’s essential to clear up these misunderstandings, so individuals can make informed decisions based on their unique situations. Let’s look at some common myths about divorce and annulment in Maryland and set the record straight.

Myths About Divorce

Divorce is always expensive and lengthy in Maryland.
Many people assume that divorce in Maryland automatically involves high costs and lengthy court battles. While divorce can be expensive and time-consuming in some cases, this isn’t true for everyone. In uncontested divorces where both parties agree on terms, the process can be relatively simple and quick. The cost can vary based on whether you hire a lawyer, but filing fees in Maryland typically range from $165 to $200.
You need to prove fault for a divorce in Maryland.
Another misconception is that you must prove your spouse is at fault for the marriage ending, like adultery or abuse. However, Maryland allows “no-fault” divorces. This means that couples can file for divorce simply based on “irreconcilable differences” without assigning blame.
You can’t get divorced if your spouse doesn’t agree.
While it’s easier when both parties agree, a divorce can still proceed even if one spouse does not consent. Maryland law allows for a contested divorce, which means the court will decide issues such as property division and custody if the couple cannot agree.
Divorce always leads to a split of assets 50/50.
Maryland is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning assets are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial situation of each spouse, and contributions to the household will influence how assets are divided.

Myths About Annulment

Annulment is easy to get in Maryland.
Many people believe that annulment is a simple way to cancel a marriage. However, annulments are only granted in specific circumstances, such as fraud, bigamy, or coercion. If the marriage has been legally consummated and no qualifying issues exist, annulment is not an option.
Annulments are rare in Maryland.
While annulments are less common than divorces, they are still available in Maryland if the conditions are met. Understanding the legal grounds for annulment can help you determine if it’s an option for your situation. If the marriage was invalid from the start due to fraud or other issues, an annulment can be an appropriate solution.
An annulment erases all marriage-related obligations.
It’s a common belief that an annulment means there are no legal responsibilities, such as alimony or child support. However, if children are involved, parental rights and obligations will still be enforced regardless of whether the marriage is annulled. Additionally, property and financial support may still be determined through legal proceedings.
Annulments are only for religious reasons.
Some people think annulments are a religious matter, but they are a legal process in Maryland. Annulments are granted by the court based on legal grounds, not religious doctrine. If a marriage is considered legally invalid, an annulment can be pursued through the courts.

Clearing up these myths helps individuals in Maryland better understand the divorce and annulment processes, ensuring they make decisions based on facts, not misunderstandings. If you’re considering either option, it’s important to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options fully.

(FAQ’s) About Maryland Divorce vs. Annulment

When it comes to divorce and annulment in Maryland, people often have a lot of questions. This section answers the most common inquiries to help you better understand the legal processes, costs, and consequences.

Can an Annulment Be Reversed?

No, an annulment cannot be reversed in the same way a divorce can be. An annulment essentially declares that the marriage never existed, as if it was void from the beginning. This means that all legal ties are erased, and the marriage is considered legally invalid. If you wish to remarry, you’ll need to go through a new marriage process.

How Long Do I Have to File for Annulment in Maryland?

In Maryland, the time frame for filing for annulment depends on the grounds for the annulment. Some grounds, like fraud or coercion, must be filed within a specific period, often within 1 to 3 years from when the person discovers the issue. In cases of bigamy, there are no time limits. It’s best to consult with an attorney to ensure you file within the allowed period based on your situation.

What Is the Cost of Divorce and Annulment in Maryland?

The cost of a divorce or annulment in Maryland can vary significantly. On average, the filing fee for a divorce is around $165 to $180. Annulments may also involve similar filing fees, but additional costs like lawyer fees, court hearings, and property settlements may increase the overall expense. For uncontested cases, the costs are usually lower than contested cases. Always consider both court fees and any additional legal fees you might incur.

What Happens to Property During Divorce vs Annulment?

In a divorce, the court typically divides marital property according to the principle of equitable distribution. This means that property and assets are split fairly, but not necessarily equally. The division depends on factors like the length of the marriage, financial contributions, and other personal circumstances. In an annulment, because the marriage is considered void, there is no marital property. However, if there were any assets or debts accumulated before the annulment, they may need to be addressed through a separate legal process. In some cases, the court may order compensation for one party if there was fraud involved.

Can I Remarry After an Annulment in Maryland?

Yes, you can remarry after an annulment in Maryland. Since an annulment declares that the marriage was never valid, the legal obstacles preventing remarriage are removed once the annulment is finalized. However, it’s recommended that you wait for the legal process to be completed and ensure all necessary documents are filed before proceeding with a new marriage