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Step 1 - Basics

Annulment Case Basics

 

You will learn:

 

             1.  What a case does.
             2.  When you can file.
             3.  Tips for surviving.

 

Image of gavel next to a sign that reads "family court."
Icon of two adults behind a broken heart.

1.  What a Case Does

 

With your input, the Judge will:

 

  • Decide if your marriage was valid under that law.

 

Icon of question mark inside of courthouse.

2.  Can you File?

 

When Can You File?

 

  • If you married in Colorado:
    • You can file anytime.
  • If you married outside of Colorado:
    • You must live in Colorado for 30 days.

These are the qualifications to give the Court jurisdiction.

 

Who Can File?

 

  1. Either spouse.
  2. You may start the case together.

 

These are the qualifications to give someone standing.

 

 

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3.  Terms

 

Invalidity of Marriage

 

The formal legal name for an annulment case.

 

Jurisdiction

 

The legal qualifications needed for a Court to be able to help your family.

 

Standing

 

The legal qualifications needed for a person to start or participate in the case.

 

 

Icon of a heart.

4.  Be Kind

 

Do No Harm

 

Decision Making
  • Intense emotions can cloud your thought process.
  • When emotions take over, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to calm down.
    • Take that time before making choices.  Or,
    • Wait until the next day to make a legal decision.
  • With a calm mind, you can make decisions that are right for your family.

 

A Time of Stress

 

Find productive ways to manage your:

 

Stress
  • Ge organized
  • Eat well
  • Get rest, and
  • Exercise.

 

Emotions
  • Develop a support system of adults.
  • Find positive ways to deal with tough emotions.

 

Disappointment
  • You won't get everything you want.
  • Get legal help, if possible, to make realistic requests.
  • See that the Court has to make difficult decisions.
  • Find ways to express your emotions that do not harm your family.

 

 

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Next Steps

 

Next  –     FIle the Case  or     Respond to the Case

 

Go To  –     Case Overview