The Houston Texas Decree of Annulment is a legal document that declares a marriage void and invalid, as if it never existed. Annulment is a legal process that involves terminating a marriage on the grounds that it was void or voidable from the beginning. Unlike a divorce, which acknowledges that a valid marriage took place but ends it, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never legally occurred. In Houston, Texas, there are different types of Decrees of Annulment that can be granted depending on the circumstances of the marriage. These types include: 1. Void Marriages Annulment: This type of annulment arises when a marriage is illegal or prohibited from the start. Grounds for a void marriage annulment can include bigamy (one spouse is already married), incestuous marriages (between close relatives), or marriage to a person who lacks the mental capacity to consent. 2. Voidable Marriages Annulment: This type of annulment is based on the notion that one or both parties entered into the marriage under certain circumstances that render the marriage voidable, rather than automatically void. Grounds for a voidable marriage annulment may include fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, or duress. These factors must have prevented one or both parties from providing their free and voluntary consent to the marriage. To obtain a Decree of Annulment in Houston, Texas, a petitioner must file a petition with the family court, providing evidence and legal arguments that support the grounds for annulment. The petitioner must demonstrate that the marriage meets the criteria for a void or voidable marriage as mentioned above. It is essential to note that annulment is a complex legal process that requires the expertise of a family law attorney. The court will carefully review the evidence and legal arguments presented by both parties before deciding on the annulment. The Decree of Annulment will officially declare the marriage void, dividing assets and determining child custody, support, and visitation rights if necessary. Overall, the Houston Texas Decree of Annulment is a legal instrument used to dissolve marriages considered void or voidable. It is crucial to understand the specific grounds for annulment and consult with a knowledgeable attorney to navigate the legal complexities of the process effectively.