Grounds for Annulment in Tennessee: A Detailed Description In the state of Tennessee, annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never happened. Unlike divorce, which terminates a valid marriage, an annulment states that the marriage was invalid from the beginning. To seek an annulment in Tennessee, there must be specific grounds or reasons that make the marriage eligible for annulment. Let's explore these grounds in detail: 1. Bigamy: If one of the spouses was already legally married to someone else at the time of the marriage, an annulment can be sought. Bigamy is a serious offense, and the innocent party has the right to have the subsequent marriage invalidated. 2. Mental Incapacity: A marriage may be annulled if either spouse was mentally incapacitated at the time of the marriage. Mental incapacity refers to a condition where one or both parties lack the mental capacity to fully understand the implications and consequences of entering into a marriage. 3. Underage: Tennessee law requires both parties to be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. If either or both spouses were underage at the time of the marriage and did not obtain proper consent or judicial approval, the marriage can be annulled. 4. Consanguinity: Annulment can be granted if the spouses are closely related by blood. In Tennessee, marriages between certain blood relatives, such as siblings or parents and children, are considered illegal. If they occur, they are subject to annulment. 5. Duress or Fraud: A marriage can be annulled if one spouse was forced or coerced into the marriage against their free will. Additionally, if a marriage is based on fraud, such as hidden information about impotence, pregnancy by another person, or a concealed criminal history, it can be annulled. 6. Incurable Physical Impotence: If either spouse is unable to consummate the marriage due to incurable impotence, the other spouse may seek an annulment. However, it's important to note that temporary or curable impotence cannot be used as grounds for annulment. It's crucial to understand that annulment in Tennessee is granted retroactively, meaning that the marriage is legally considered to have never occurred. This differs from a divorce which recognizes the validity of the marriage until the divorce decree is issued. When seeking an annulment in Tennessee, it is highly recommended consulting with a qualified family law attorney who can guide you through the legal process, ensure your rights are protected, and assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to support your case. Overall, annulment in Tennessee is a legal remedy available to individuals who are in marriages that are deemed void or voidable due to specific grounds such as bigamy, mental incapacity, underage, consanguinity, duress or fraud, and incurable physical impotence.