Unlike a divorce that dissolves a valid marriage, an annulment is a legal decree declaring a marriage void from its inception. Annulments are rare and only granted in unusual circumstances.
You may receive an annulment if . . .
No. The fact that you and your spouse have only been married a short time is not a proper ground for an annulment. If you do not satisfy one of the conditions listed above, then you must file a petition for divorce to dissolve your marriage.
If there are children born or to be born resulting from the purported marriage, then the general rule is that you cannot file a petition for annulment. If you and your spouse do have children, and you believe that you satisfy the requirements for an annulment, you should speak with an attorney.
The procedures for an annulment are the same as for a divorce action except that a final judgement and decree can be granted thirty days after the opposing party has been served. After a court issues a final judgement and decree, you can remarry. Legally, it will be as if you were never married to your current spouse.
You can request an award of temporary alimony. However, you cannot request an award of permanent alimony.
Again, you can remarry after a court issues a final judgement and decree, which usually takes thirty days from the day that the opposing party was served.
If you die prior to having your invalid marriage annulled, then your purported spouse may make a claim against your estate that he/she would otherwise not be eligible to make. In addition to declaring the marriage invalid, a decree of annulment can determine ownership of jointly owned property, responsibility for joint debts, and restore former name.
You must have lived in Georgia for six months and you must file in the county where you reside.