Las Vegas · Henderson · Summerlin
Some Marriages Shouldn't Have Happened. Nevada Law Agrees.
If your marriage was built on a lie, entered under pressure, or legally shouldn't have happened — you may not need a divorce. You may need an annulment. Rosenblum Allen Law Firm will tell you the truth about your options, and if you qualify, we move fast. Our office holds the Clark County record for fastest annulment completion.
Understanding Your Options
Annulment vs. Divorce — What's the Difference?
You got married. Something was wrong from the start — maybe you were lied to, maybe you were pressured, maybe you weren't in a state to make that decision. Now you're wondering if you're stuck going through a full divorce for a marriage that never should have happened.
A divorce ends a valid marriage. An annulment is different — it tells the court the marriage was never legally valid in the first place. When it's granted, the marriage is legally erased. Not ended. Erased.
The catch: annulments are only available under specific circumstances. The first thing we do is tell you honestly whether you qualify — and if you do, we move as fast as the law allows.
- Annulment declares the marriage was never legally valid
- Divorce ends a valid marriage — annulment erases it legally
- Only available under specific Nevada legal grounds
- Can be faster than divorce when uncontested
- Children born during the marriage retain full legal status
Why It Matters
Hours
Our office holds the record for the fastest annulment completion in Clark County — from submission to decree in under 2 hours
70+
Years of combined Nevada family law experience at Rosenblum Allen
Clean
Slate — legally, the marriage never existed after a successful annulment
Nevada Law
Does Your Marriage Qualify for Annulment?
This is the question that matters. Nevada law is specific — not every bad marriage qualifies for annulment. Here's exactly what the law says.
Step 1 — Before Anything Else
You Must Meet Nevada's Jurisdiction Requirement
Before the grounds even matter, you need to establish that Nevada has jurisdiction over your annulment. Unlike divorce — which requires 6 weeks of Nevada residency — annulment has a different rule:
Option A
You live in Clark County
If either spouse currently resides in Clark County, Nevada has jurisdiction to hear your annulment — regardless of where the marriage took place.
Option B
You were married in Clark County
If your marriage took place in Clark County — even if you no longer live here — Nevada courts can still hear your annulment petition. This is especially relevant for Vegas weddings.
If neither applies — you don't live here and didn't get married here — you'll need to file in the state where you currently reside. We'll tell you this upfront in your consultation so you don't waste time filing in the wrong court.
Void Marriage
Marriages That Never Legally Existed
These marriages are invalid from the start — no court action is technically required, though a formal declaration is advisable for legal clarity.
- Bigamy — one spouse was already legally married
- Incest — marriage between close blood relatives prohibited by Nevada law
Voidable Marriage
Marriages That Can Be Annulled by Court
These marriages existed but can be declared invalid if you act promptly and can prove the qualifying grounds.
- Fraud or misrepresentation — a spouse lied about something material
- Duress or force — consent was obtained under threat or coercion
- Lack of mental capacity — intoxication or mental incapacity at the time
- Underage marriage — one party was below legal age without proper consent
- Impotency — unknown at the time of marriage and material to consent
Office Record
The Fastest Annulment in Our Office's History
Attorney Nui Harris holds the Rosenblum Allen office record for the fastest annulment completion — from submission to signed decree in under two hours. If your annulment is uncontested and the grounds are clear, we move fast. Contact us today to find out if your case qualifies for an expedited annulment.
Know Your Path
Joint Petition vs. Contested Annulment — Which One Is Yours?
How your annulment proceeds depends largely on whether you and your spouse are on the same page. Here's what each path looks like.
Joint Petition
Both Spouses Agree
If you and your spouse both agree the marriage should be annulled and agree on the grounds, you can file a joint petition. This is the fastest path — no service required, no adversarial process, and in straightforward cases it can be resolved very quickly.
- Both parties sign the petition together
- No need to formally serve the other spouse
- Fastest possible resolution — can be same-day in some cases
- Lower legal costs overall
- Our office record for fastest annulment was a joint petition
Contested Annulment
Spouse Disagrees or Can't Be Located
If your spouse disputes the grounds, refuses to cooperate, or cannot be located, your annulment becomes contested. This takes longer and requires more legal work — but it is absolutely winnable with the right preparation and evidence.
- Spouse must be formally served with the petition
- Court hearing required to present evidence
- You must prove grounds — documentation matters
- Timeline depends on court scheduling and complexity
- Strong legal representation is essential
Our Recommendation
Not Sure Which Path You're On?
In your first consultation we'll tell you exactly which type of annulment you're dealing with, what evidence you'll need, and how long it's likely to take. If a joint petition is possible, we'll tell you — it saves everyone time and money. If it's contested, we'll prepare you for what's ahead and build the strongest possible case.
Not Sure If You Qualify for an Annulment?
We'll tell you in your first consultation — and if you do qualify, we can move quickly.
Side by Side
Annulment vs. Divorce in Nevada
Still deciding which path is right for you? Here's how they compare across the factors that matter most.
Annulment
Divorce
Legal effect
Marriage declared never valid
Valid marriage legally ended
Availability
Only specific legal grounds
Available to any married couple
Speed
Can be very fast if uncontested
Minimum waiting periods apply
Children
Fully legitimate, custody addressed
Custody and support addressed
Record
Marriage legally erased
Divorce on record
How It Works
What Happens After You Call Us
Most people don't know what to expect. Here's exactly how an annulment works at Rosenblum Allen — from your first call to your signed decree.
01
Consultation — Determine If You Qualify
We review your situation and determine whether your marriage meets Nevada's legal grounds for annulment. This is the most important step — not every marriage qualifies, and knowing early saves time and cost.
02
Prepare and File the Petition
We prepare your annulment petition, complaint, and all required supporting documentation. We file in Clark County Family Court and ensure everything is correct before submission — errors cause delays.
03
Serve the Other Party
Your spouse must be legally served with the annulment papers. If the annulment is uncontested and your spouse agrees, this step moves quickly. If there is a dispute, we handle it.
04
Court Hearing or Default Decree
For uncontested annulments, a brief court appearance or default decree may be all that's required. For contested cases, we present your evidence and arguments to the judge. Our office record for fastest completion is under two hours from submission to signed decree.
05
Decree of Annulment Issued
Once the court issues the decree, your marriage is legally declared void. You receive certified copies for your records — and legally, the marriage never existed.
Why Rosenblum Allen
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Nevada Annulment
Annulments require precision — the grounds must be right, the paperwork must be correct, and the process must move efficiently. We handle all of it.
Fast
Proven Speed on Uncontested Cases
Our office record speaks for itself — under two hours from submission to signed decree. When your case is clear and uncontested, we don't waste your time.
70+
Years Combined Experience
We know Clark County Family Court — the process, the judges, and what it takes to get a clean result quickly and correctly.
Full
Service Beyond the Annulment
If your annulment involves children, property, or other family law matters, our full-service family law firm handles everything — no referrals needed.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't know where my spouse is?
You can still get an annulment even if you can't locate your spouse. Nevada allows for service by publication — meaning you publish a legal notice in an approved newspaper for a set period of time. If your spouse doesn't respond, the court can proceed without them and grant the annulment by default. We handle this process for you — it takes longer than a joint petition, but it is absolutely possible to complete an annulment when a spouse has disappeared or is unreachable.
What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce in Nevada?
A divorce ends a valid marriage. An annulment declares that the marriage was never legally valid in the first place. After an annulment, legally speaking, the marriage never existed. Annulments are only available in specific circumstances defined by Nevada law.
What are the grounds for annulment in Nevada?
Nevada recognizes void marriages (bigamy and incest) which never legally existed, and voidable marriages which can be annulled — including marriages entered into under fraud, duress, lack of mental capacity, underage status, or impotency unknown at the time of marriage.
How long does an annulment take in Nevada?
An uncontested annulment in Nevada can often be completed very quickly — in some cases within hours of filing if all paperwork is in order. Our firm holds the office record for the fastest annulment completion. Contested annulments take longer depending on the complexity of the dispute.
Does Nevada have a time limit to file for annulment?
Nevada does not have a strict statute of limitations for all annulments, but timing matters. For voidable marriages, courts expect you to act promptly once you discover the grounds — waiting too long can be used against you. Contact an attorney as soon as you believe you have grounds.
What happens to property and children in a Nevada annulment?
Even when a marriage is annulled, Nevada courts can still address property division and child custody matters. Children born during an annulled marriage are still considered legitimate, and both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities.
Serving Clark County
Our Offices
We handle annulments throughout the Las Vegas metro area from three convenient locations.
Las Vegas
Our main Las Vegas office handles annulments, uncontested annulments, and all related family law matters throughout Clark County.
(702) 433-2889
Las Vegas Office →Henderson
Serving Anthem, Green Valley, Seven Hills, and surrounding Henderson communities. Led by Beth Rosenblum.
(702) 827-0028
Henderson Office →Summerlin
Serving Summerlin, Centennial Hills, and the northwest valley. Led by Partner Sheila Tajbakhsh, Esq.
(702) 820-1619
Summerlin Office →Take the First Step
Find Out If You Qualify — Today
You don't have to go through a full divorce for a marriage that shouldn't have happened. Call us or schedule a consultation and we'll tell you honestly whether annulment is an option — and how fast we can make it happen.
Also see: Divorce · Child Custody · All Practice Areas
Find Out Now
Do You Qualify for a Nevada Annulment?
Answer 5 quick questions. We'll tell you whether your situation likely qualifies — and what to do next.
Question 1 of 5
Was your spouse already legally married to someone else when you got married?
This quiz does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results are for informational purposes only.
The Vegas Wedding Problem
Got Married in Las Vegas and Regret It? Here's What You Actually Need to Know.
Las Vegas processes more marriages per capita than anywhere in the country. Not all of them should have happened. But the rules for undoing a Vegas wedding are more specific than most people think — and the movies got it wrong.
The popular belief that you can "just annul" a Vegas wedding because it was impulsive or you regret it is not accurate. Nevada law (NRS Chapter 125) does not allow annulment simply because a marriage was spontaneous, short, or one you now wish hadn't happened.
To annul a Las Vegas marriage, you still need one of the legal grounds — fraud, incapacity, bigamy, duress, or another recognized basis. "We were drunk" is the most commonly cited ground for same-night Vegas annulments, and it can qualify — but it requires proof that the intoxication was severe enough that you genuinely lacked the capacity to consent.
What is different about a Vegas wedding annulment: if you were married in Clark County, Nevada courts have jurisdiction even if you now live somewhere else. You don't need to have ever been a Nevada resident. This makes filing here possible for couples who got married in Vegas but live in other states.
- Nevada has jurisdiction if you were married in Clark County — even as a non-resident
- "Impulsive" or "regret" alone are not legal grounds for annulment
- Intoxication can qualify — but must be documented and proven
- If grounds don't exist, an uncontested Nevada divorce is often the fastest alternative
- We handle annulments for out-of-state clients who married here Clark County issues more marriage licenses than almost anywhere in the U.S.
What "Intoxication" Actually Has to Prove
Not Enough
You had been drinking. You made an impulsive decision. You "weren't thinking clearly."
More Likely to Qualify
You were severely intoxicated to the degree that you didn't understand the nature of the ceremony. Witnesses, photos, or other documentation showing your condition at the time matter significantly.
What Helps Your Case
Acting quickly after the wedding. Not living together as a married couple. Statements or evidence about the state you were in. Witnesses who can speak to your condition.
The Most Common Ground
What Counts as Fraud in a Nevada Annulment?
Fraud is the most frequently cited ground for annulment — and the most frequently misunderstood. Not every lie your spouse told you qualifies. Here's what Nevada courts actually look for.
The Legal Standard
Nevada requires that the fraud be material — meaning it goes to the heart of the marriage itself. The lie must be something that, had you known the truth, you would not have consented to marry. This standard comes from NRS 125.290. Minor deceptions, exaggerations, or things that turned out to be false but weren't central to your decision don't qualify.
Examples That Often Qualify
Concealing existing children from a prior relationship. Hiding a prior or existing marriage. Lying about the ability or intention to have children. Concealing a serious communicable disease. Marrying solely to obtain immigration status with no intent to live as a married couple. Pretending to be someone else (identity fraud). Hiding serious criminal history that directly affected the decision to marry.
Examples That Often Don't
Lying about age, income, or profession (unless tied directly to the consent decision). Hiding past relationships or dating history. General dishonesty or character issues that emerged after marriage. Changing their mind about wanting children after marriage (as opposed to lying about it before). Financial deceptions discovered after the wedding that weren't active misrepresentations inducing marriage.
Proving It
Fraud claims require evidence. Text messages, emails, financial records, testimony from people who knew the truth, documentation of the concealed fact — all of this builds your case. Courts also look at whether you acted promptly once you discovered the fraud. Waiting years after discovering the deception weakens your claim that it was truly fundamental to your consent.
Immigration Marriages
One specific fraud scenario we see regularly: marriages entered into where one party's sole intent was to obtain a green card or visa, with no genuine intent to live as a married couple. If your spouse married you primarily to gain immigration status and you had no knowledge of this, that is textbook fraud — and it's grounds for annulment. It may also have implications for the immigration filing itself — USCIS takes marriage fraud seriously — which is why involving an attorney early matters.
What to Expect
How Much Does an Annulment Cost in Nevada?
Cost is one of the first questions people ask. The honest answer: it depends on whether your annulment is contested or uncontested. Here's what drives the difference.
Uncontested Annulment
Lower Cost, Faster Resolution
When both spouses agree — or when the grounds are undeniably clear — an uncontested annulment involves significantly less legal work. Factors that keep cost down:
- Both spouses sign a joint petition
- No hearing required in many cases
- No service disputes or motions
- Clark County Family Court filing fees are a fixed cost
- Attorney time is minimal for straightforward cases
Contested Annulment
Higher Cost, More Complex
When a spouse disputes the annulment, the legal process expands. Cost increases because:
- Formal service of process required
- Court hearing with evidence presentation
- Potential discovery or depositions
- More attorney time building and arguing the case
- Longer timeline means higher total fees
Why We Don't Post a Price Online
Any firm that posts a flat fee for annulments online without knowing your situation is making a promise they may not be able to keep. The cost depends on whether your annulment is contested, whether children or property are involved, whether your spouse can be located, and how much documentation needs to be gathered.
In your consultation, we'll give you a real fee estimate based on your actual situation — not a bait number. Call us or schedule online.
Get a Real Estimate →Special Circumstances
Annulments Involving Military Service Members, Minors, and Out-of-State Couples
Certain situations add complexity to Nevada annulments. Here's what you need to know if any of these apply to your case.
Active Military
If you or your spouse is an active-duty service member, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may affect your annulment proceedings. The SCRA can pause civil proceedings — including family law cases — while a service member is deployed or on active duty, protecting them from default judgments. This can extend your timeline. At Rosenblum Allen, we're familiar with SCRA requirements and how to navigate annulments when one party is deployed or stationed away from Nevada. We can work with JAG offices when needed.
Marriages Involving Minors
If either party was under 18 at the time of the marriage without the required parental or judicial consent, the marriage is voidable in Nevada. The minor (or their legal guardian) has the right to seek annulment. If the minor has since turned 18, they may still pursue annulment, though courts consider whether they ratified the marriage by continuing to live as a married couple after reaching adulthood.
Out-of-State Couples
If you got married in Las Vegas but now live in another state, you can still file for annulment in Nevada because the marriage took place in Clark County. You may not need to physically appear in court in many uncontested cases — we can advise on what's required for your specific circumstances and handle much of the process remotely. If you've already established residency in another state, you also have the option of filing where you live. We can advise on which jurisdiction makes more sense for your situation.
Religious Annulments
A civil annulment from a Nevada court and a religious annulment (such as a Catholic Church annulment) are entirely separate processes. A civil annulment doesn't automatically satisfy a religious requirement, and a religious annulment has no civil legal effect. If you need both, we handle the civil side — and can tell you upfront what a Nevada court can and cannot do for your specific situation.
After the Decree
What Changes — and What Doesn't — After a Nevada Annulment
The decree is issued. The marriage is legally erased. But there are practical and legal questions about what comes next that people often don't think about until afterward.
What the Annulment Resolves
- Marital status — You are legally single again. On forms and applications, you are not divorced — the marriage legally never occurred.
- Name change — If you changed your name upon marriage, you may petition the court to restore your former name as part of the annulment process. See our guide to name changes in Nevada.
- Property acquired during the marriage — The court can still divide property equitably even after annulment. Just because the marriage is void doesn't mean assets are automatically yours — or theirs.
- Children's status — Children born during the marriage retain full legal legitimacy regardless of annulment. Custody, visitation, and child support are addressed by the court.
What the Annulment Does NOT Automatically Resolve
- Spousal support — Nevada law generally does not award spousal support (alimony) after an annulment the way it does after a divorce, since the marriage is deemed never to have existed. However, this can be fact-specific and complex.
- Social Security benefits — If you were counting on spousal Social Security benefits tied to the marriage, an annulment eliminates that eligibility. SSA rules on spousal benefits are tied to valid marriage — a real financial consideration to discuss before filing.
- Health insurance — If you were covered under your spouse's employer health plan, annulment triggers a qualifying life event. You'll need to arrange alternative coverage promptly.
- Immigration status — If a spouse obtained residency or citizenship based on the marriage, an annulment can have immigration consequences. This is a separate federal matter with its own process.
More Questions Answered
More Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an annulment in Nevada if I got married in another state?
Generally, no — Nevada courts have jurisdiction over annulments when either the marriage took place in Nevada or one of the spouses is currently a Nevada resident. If you got married in another state and don't live in Nevada, you would typically need to file in your current state of residence. However, if you got married in Las Vegas, even as a non-resident, Nevada courts have jurisdiction.
Is a Las Vegas annulment different from a regular Nevada annulment?
No — the legal standards are identical. What's different is the common situation: many Las Vegas annulments involve short-duration impulsive marriages, sometimes involving intoxication, or couples who married here while visiting and don't live in Nevada. These circumstances affect how jurisdiction works and what grounds are available, but the law itself is the same statewide. See our full breakdown: Annulment vs. Divorce in Nevada.
Can I get spousal support (alimony) after an annulment in Nevada?
Nevada law generally does not award spousal support after an annulment the same way it does after a divorce, because an annulment declares the marriage never legally existed. However, courts have some equitable authority to address financial fairness depending on the circumstances — particularly if one spouse gave up significant career or financial opportunities in reliance on the marriage. This is worth discussing with an attorney before you decide between annulment and divorce.
What is the statute of limitations for annulment in Nevada?
Nevada does not have a single, fixed statute of limitations for all annulments. For void marriages (bigamy, incest), there is no time limit — these marriages can be challenged at any time. For voidable marriages, Nevada courts expect prompt action once you discover the grounds. The longer you wait after discovering the basis for annulment — and particularly if you continue living as a married couple — the harder it becomes to argue that the grounds were fundamental to your consent. Courts use "ratification" against delayed claims.
What if my spouse contests the annulment?
A contested annulment proceeds through Clark County Family Court with a formal hearing. You'll need to present evidence supporting your grounds — documents, witness testimony, financial records, or other proof. Your spouse can present counter-evidence. The judge makes the final determination. Contested annulments take longer and cost more than uncontested ones, but they are absolutely winnable with solid evidence and proper legal representation.
Will an annulment show up on my record?
Court records in Nevada are generally public, which means the filing exists on the public record. However, because an annulment declares the marriage void, you are not considered "divorced" — you are considered to have never been married. For most practical purposes (job applications, forms that ask about marital history), you are treated as single. If a form asks whether you've ever been divorced, an annulment is not a divorce. Note: Nevada also does not recognize common law marriage, which is a separate question people sometimes confuse with annulment.
Can I get an annulment after years of marriage?
It becomes significantly harder the longer you were married, especially for voidable marriages. Courts interpret a long marriage as evidence that you ratified the marriage — meaning you accepted it as valid despite whatever grounds existed. That said, some grounds (like bigamy, which creates a void marriage) don't expire regardless of marriage length. For fraud, duress, or incapacity claims after a long marriage, you need a strong explanation for why you didn't act sooner.
Do I need to appear in court for a Nevada annulment?
For uncontested annulments — especially joint petitions — a court appearance is sometimes not required. The judge may issue the decree based on the submitted documents. For contested annulments, a hearing is required. If you're an out-of-state client, we'll advise you upfront on whether your specific case requires in-person attendance and work to minimize that burden where the law allows.
What documents do I need to file for an annulment in Nevada?
The core requirements include a Complaint for Annulment (or joint petition), proof of the marriage (a certified copy of your marriage certificate), evidence supporting your grounds, and identification. Depending on your grounds, additional documentation may be needed — for fraud, this might include communications, financial records, or affidavits; for incapacity, witness statements about the circumstances of the ceremony. We handle all preparation and filing — you don't need to figure out what forms to use.
What's the difference between a void and voidable marriage in Nevada?
A void marriage was never legally valid at all — it doesn't exist under the law regardless of whether a court acts. Bigamy and incestuous marriages are void. A voidable marriage is technically valid until a court annuls it — it exists, but one party has the right to have it declared invalid based on the circumstances at the time of marriage. The practical difference matters: a void marriage can technically be treated as non-existent without a court order, but getting a formal declaration is strongly advisable for legal clarity and for updating government records.
Related Practice Areas
We Handle Everything That Comes Next
Annulments often don't exist in isolation. If your situation involves children, property, or a subsequent relationship, we handle all of it at Rosenblum Allen.
If Children Are Involved
Child Custody & Support
Children born during an annulled marriage retain full legal status. Custody, visitation, and support are handled separately — we address them as part of your case.
Child Custody → Child Support →If Annulment Isn't an Option
Nevada Divorce
If your marriage doesn't qualify for annulment, divorce is available to any Nevada married couple. An uncontested divorce can move quickly when both parties agree.
Nevada Divorce → Uncontested →If a New Relationship Follows
Prenuptial Agreements
Protecting yourself in a future marriage starts before the wedding. We draft prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that hold up under Nevada law.
Prenup / Postnup →Paternity Questions
Nevada Paternity Law
If your annulment involves a child and paternity is in question, Nevada law has a clear process for establishing legal fatherhood and parental rights.
Paternity →Considering Separation?
Legal Separation in Nevada
Not ready for divorce or annulment? Legal separation lets spouses live apart and divide finances while remaining legally married — useful for insurance or religious reasons.
Legal Separation →Common Law Marriage
Nevada Doesn't Recognize It
Nevada does not recognize common law marriage, but if you moved here from a state that does, it affects your legal status. Learn what the law actually says.
Common Law Marriage →