Annulment of Marriage
This is an order which has the effect of saying that there is no legal marriage between the parties, even though a marriage ceremony may have taken place. (See Section 51 of the Family Law Act 1975 and Sections 23 and 23B of the Marriage Act 1961).
What grounds constitute a decree of nullity?
The Court may declare an annulment on the following grounds:
- At the time the parties were married, one of them was married to someone else.
- The parties are in a prohibited relationship.
- The parties did not comply with the laws in relation to the marriage in the place they were married.
- Either party was not of a legal age to marry.
- Either of the parties did not give their real consent to the marriage because:
- consent was obtained by duress or fraud,
- one party was mistaken as to the identity of who they were marrying or the nature of the ceremony,
- one party was mentally incapable of understanding the nature and the effect of the marriage ceremony.
The Court will NOT declare an annulment on the following grounds:
- Non-consummation of the marriage
- Never having lived together
- Family violence or
- Other incompatibility situations.
See Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) and the Family Law Rules 2004 for more information on what grounds a party may apply for a decree of nullity
What form should I file?
An application for a decree of nullity should be filed using the Initiating Application (Family Law) form.
When filing, you need to include:
- three copies of the completed Initiating Application (Family Law) form
- a copy of the marriage certificate, unless this is already on file, and
- an affidavit (a sworn or solemnly affirmed statement) stating the facts relied on to have the marriage annulled, and details of the type of marriage ceremony performed. See Rule 4.29 of the Family Law Rules.
How much will the application cost?
There is a filing fee for an application for a decree of nullity. Details of the current fee can be found in the Fees brochure fees section available at your nearest family law registry or by visiting www.familycourt.gov.au.
In some cases a reduced fee may be sought for a divorce application, or decree of nullity, or in respect of other fees, an exemption if you hold certain government concession cards or you can demonstrate financial hardship.
How do I serve the application?
If you are the applicant, you will have to serve the papers on the respondent to the application. The application must be served as soon as practicable by special service. More information on special service can be found in the Family Court of Australia’s Service Kit.
With your application, you must also serve a copy of the court brochure Marriage, families and separation, an Affidavit of Service form and an Acknowledgment of Service form.
What is filed in response?
A Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) form may be filed by the respondent to the application. This must be supported by an affidavit setting out any facts the respondent relies upon in opposing the application or if they say that the Family Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the application.
Additional Information
- If the respondent is in Australia, the Court will give a hearing date that is within 42 days of the application being made. If the respondent is not in Australia, the hearing date will be at least 56 days after the application is made.
- Making an application for a decree of nullity is not subject to the 12 month separation period that applies to divorce.
- When the Court grants a decree of nullity, it becomes effective immediately.
- Where a decree of nullity has been made, you should obtain legal advice regarding parenting and financial matters.
If you would like our professional assistance in obtaining an annulment of marriage, please contact us at Freedom Law for a no obligation free consultation.