No one’s marriage is easily broken. Through annulment or divorce, knowing which is best for your situation can lead you to the right decision. Although both annulment and divorce legally end the life of a marriage, their processes and results are different. In Singapore, divorce lawyers are asked when one should opt for one over the other, so this article will help broaden those options.
Let us analyse the situations best served by annulment, which conditions require a divorce and what each entails. We will then outline the legal knowledge that contested divorce lawyers possess and guide you through what you can expect from a free consultation with a divorce lawyer in Singapore.
Annulment in Singapore: Definition, Prospects, and Possible Consequences
An annulment is simply a declaration that no marriage ever came into being at all. Only in extreme circumstances such as those just above is an annulment granted here in Singapore much rarer than a divorce. Such grounds for annulment include marriages not being consummated, fraud, and marriages wherein the respondent had also been married.
Annulments are complex affairs because specific conditions must be met. A marriage can be annulled, for instance, when one of the parties cannot consummate the marriage due either to physical incapacitation or the other party’s refusal. A marriage further can be annulled when entered into under compulsion or by fraud where one party has been deceived or even forced into it.
If you are looking at an annulment, it is crucial to have a divorce lawyer in Singapore whom one can consult on whether or not an annulment is feasible based on one’s circumstances. A consultation with a divorce lawyer may be free and put one in a position to determine if an annulment is appropriate.
Divorce is the legal dissolution of an otherwise valid marriage. It entails a much more extended process and is considered as granted when certain conditions are present or have failed to exist, like irretrievable breakdown in marriage. Divorce offers more of an ordinary route for already separating couples who want to dissolve their marital tie, especially in instances where annulment is not feasible.
In Singapore, one of the grounds for divorce is adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, and separation for a certain period. Annulment distinguishes that the marriage existed but cannot continue. Divorce involves more intricate decision-making processes, including asset division, child custody, and maintenance.
A contested divorce lawyer will help you if your divorce can be fought on grounds such as child custody or financial settlements. However, if you and your spouse agree on the terms, the divorce would be a little more straightforward and not painful. A visit to a divorce lawyer in Singapore ensures that all aspects of the law are taken care of, thus giving you a clearer direction ahead.
Annulment vs. Divorce: Key Differences
What is the difference between annulment and divorce? While annulment and divorce are a way of ending a marriage, they differ in how the marriage is viewed. An annulment is decreed when a marriage is held to be null – meaning that legally, it did not exist. A divorce proclaims the fact that the marriage was once valid but has now irretrievably broken.
Another distinction which is very much critical is that of grounds on which either of the two is granted. Annulment requires specific conditions such as non-consummation or fraud, whereas divorce is filed based upon a broader range of reasons, including adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or separation.
In addition, divorce can involve the division of assets, children assignment, and monetary support payments, all of which may not be necessary should an annulment be pursued. Divorce lawyers in Singapore are consulted on significant custodial or monetary concerns.
What to Expect from a Consultation
It would be helpful to have an initial consultation free of cost with a divorce lawyer in Singapore before you decide what’s best for you, whether it’s annulment or divorce. You should be able to discuss the nitty-gritty of your situation and know which legal alternative is most suited to your case. A lawyer will further clarify the legal processes involved in annulment and divorce and help determine the best course.
A consultation is invaluable because many people are still in the dark about what to expect from the legal system. You will benefit from early professional advice to avoid confusion and possible legal blunders. Whether you want a contested divorce lawyer or help on an annulment, a consultation will provide a clear starting point.
Preparing for a Contested Divorce
It is where the two parties do not agree on the terms, the person might need a contested divorce lawyer to represent him or her. When contested, a divorce may be a protracted process concerning issues like child custody or financial settlements and others.
If your divorce is contested, you want a lawyer with litigating experience protecting the interests of people like you. They help guide negotiating, and then they will represent you in court if necessary. A contested divorce lawyer can influence how things come out for you in court, helping prevent a situation where the settlement is not balanced or fair.
Whether to have an annulment or a divorce will depend on your situation. Annulment is reserved for rare cases; marriages are declared void and divorce is the more common route if you want to end a valid marriage. It pays to consult with a divorce lawyer in Singapore to determine which alternative is appropriate for your case.
Whether you are divorcing or getting annulled, visit Family Law Specialist today. We are ready to guide you into a good decision for your future with professional counsel!