Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Grounds for Annulment

I have been married for 5 years but separated approximately 3 out of the 5 of them, off and on.My husband is a severe alcoholic and lives in a cycle of chugging down a bottle of Vodka and passing out shortly thereafter for several hours only to wake up and do the same thing again. In addition to this and as a result of, i suppose, he had no sexual desire for me and rejected me continually. We have been separated this time for 8 months and if i were to count it up i'd say we've been separated probably over 40 times. I've finally given up hope and something, everything in me has died. I want to get an annulment since i am a Christian and see this as a terrible mistake that was never meant to be. Can i possibly still get an annulment??? We accrued nothing together so there will be no contesting or dispute over property or children or any assets. Thank you for any advice you can give.


Asked on 7/13/01, 7:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Grounds for Annulment

Several times in the twenty three years I have been practicing I have been asked the very same question. I believe that some people misunderstand the nature of the term "annulment". Generally speaking, in the law it may be possible to "annul" a marriage, that is, to set it aside as if it had never happened. This is only done in some places and only in very rare circumstances. Nothing in your question suggests to me that you need to seek an "annulment" of your marriage in a Court of law. Everything about your situation strongly suggests that you may need to obtain a Dissolution of Marriage, otherwise referred to as a Divorce. If you are concerned about obtaining an "annulment" as a religious matter, I would suggest that you consult with your own religious advisor. Obtaining any type of religious "annulment" does not have the legal effect of dissolving your marriage.If you need further legal advice, please call me for a free telephone consultation at 314-727-2822. Thank you.

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Answered on 7/17/01, 11:08 pm


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