Annulment

An annulment differs from a divorce as it is a judicial statement that there was never a marriage. An annulment means that the individuals were never united in marriage as husband and wife. Currently, most states have annulment statutes. An annulment declares that a marriage, which appears to be valid, is actually invalid. There are two kinds of invalid marriages. A void marriage is one that was invalid from the very beginning. The major grounds for a void marriage are incest, bigamy and lack of consent. A voidable marriage is one that can be declared illegal but continues as valid until an annulment is sought.

Fraud is the most common ground for annulment. The misrepresentation, whether by lies or concealment of the truth, must encompass something directly pertinent to the marriage, such as religion, children or sex, which society considers the foundation of a relationship.

Physical or emotional conditions may also be elements for an annulment, especially if they interfere with sexual relations or procreation. Other health conditions providing grounds for an annulment include, but not limited to, alcoholism, incurable insanity and epilepsy.

Alimony, Spousal Support and Maintenance

Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, is an obligation of financial support paid by one spouse to the other.

There are basically three types of alimony. Permanent alimony is an allowance for support and maintenance (for example clothing, shelter, food or other necessities) of a spouse. A marriage of over ten years is often a candidate for permanent alimony. If permanent alimony is requested, it must be proven that there is a need for support and the other spouse has adequate means and the ability to provide for part or all of the need. Permanent alimony is generally reserved for long-term marriages. Reimbursement alimony is intended for spouses who have supported their partners through years of advanced schooling. Rehabilitative alimony is designed for spouses in shorter marriages who need some assistance reestablishing themselves in the job market and who have a specific vocational plan.

The factors the courts consider differ on a state to state basis. Some of the possible factors that weigh on the amount and length of the support are:

A. Length of marriage
B. Time separated while still married
C. Age of the parties at the time of divorce
D. Income of the parties
E. Future financial prospects of the parties
F. Health of the parties
G. Fault in the marital breakdown

If the parties fail to agree on the terms of their divorce, the court will make a fair determination based on the legal argument as well as the testimony submitted by both parties. Modification can occur at any future date depending on a change of circumstances by either party on appropriate notice to the other party as well as application to the court. The courts are generally reluctant to modify an existing agreement unless there are compelling reasons.
Alimony must be included in the recipient's gross income and can be excluded from the payer's gross income. In order to qualify as alimony, the payments must meet the following five criteria:

1. Payment is in cash.
2. Payment is received by a divorce or separation instrument.
3. The instrument does not specify that the payments are not for alimony.
4. The payer and the payee are not members of the same household when payments are made.
5. There is no liability to make payments for any period after the death or remarriage of the recipient.

DISCLAIMER: The information you obtain at our firm web site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. It is recommended that you should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

Copyright © MMVII JAKOBIE

If you would like to schedule a initial consultation contact an Iowa family law adoption / divorce , representing clients in Decorah, Iowa  at the Day Rettig Peiffer, P. C.. Give us a call at (866) 472-3270 or email us at info@drpjlaw.com.

The family law claims and settlement attorneys  at the Day Rettig Peiffer, P.C. are dedicated  to serve their clients in eastern Iowa,  including the cities of Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Ames, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Dubuque, Waterloo, Adel, Marshalltown, Pella, Decorah, Eldora, Johnston, Ankeny, Muscatine, Ottumwa, Manchester, Elkader and Burlington , and the communities that make Polk, Webster, Story, Linn, Johnson, Scott, Dubuque, Black Hawk, Dallas, Marshall, Marion, Winneshiek, Muscatine, Wapello, Delaware, Clayton, Hardin and Des Moines counties.