Difference between revisions of "Alternatives to Divorce (3:VII)"

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An annulment differs conceptually from a divorce because a divorce terminates a legal status, whereas an annulment is a declaration that the parties’ marital status never properly existed. A declaration of nullity may be obtained for two types of marriages:  
An annulment differs conceptually from a divorce because a divorce terminates a legal status, whereas an annulment is a declaration that the parties’ marital status never properly existed. A declaration of nullity may be obtained for two types of marriages:  
*void marriages, which are null and void ''ab initio''; and  
*void marriages, which are null and void ''ab initio'' (from the outset); and  
*voidable marriages, which are valid until a court of competent jurisdiction grants a declaration of nullity (although such a declaration has the effect of invalidating the marriage from its beginning).  
*voidable marriages, which are valid until a court of competent jurisdiction grants a declaration of nullity (although such a declaration has the effect of invalidating the marriage from its beginning).  


The difference between a void and voidable marriage is less important in matrimonial proceedings in British Columbia than it once was, as the ''FRA'' s 95(2) makes no distinction between the two and Part 5 of the Act applies to both. The ''FLA'' ss 21-22 also does not make any distinction. For purposes other than the ''FRA''/''FLA'', the distinction may still be relevant.   
The difference between a void and voidable marriage is less important in matrimonial proceedings in British Columbia than it once was, as the ''FRA'' s 95(2) makes no distinction between the two and Part 5 of the Act applies to both. The ''FLA'' ss 21-22 also do not make any distinction. For purposes other than the ''FRA''/''FLA'', the distinction may still be relevant.   


A marriage is void ''ab initio'' if:  
A marriage is void ''ab initio'' if:  
*either of the parties was, at the time of the marriage, still married to another party;  
*either of the parties was, at the time of the marriage, still married to another party;  
*one of the parties did not consent to the marriage;
*one of the parties did not consent to the marriage;
*the parties are related within the bonds of consanguinity; or  
*the parties are related within the bonds of consanguinity (descent from a common ancestor); or  
*the formal requirements imposed by provincial statute (such as the ''BC Marriage Act'') are not fulfilled.  
*the formal requirements imposed by provincial statute (such as the ''BC Marriage Act'') are not fulfilled.  


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