There are ways to end a “Marriage” other than divorce, and no, I am not talking about death…

I have previously blogged on Annulment and the very limited circumstances that one may be requested.  However, I recently had another Annulment scenario arise that is worth mentioning.

Mississippi has specific licensing requirements to get married.  You have to have a licensed issued, you have to have a ceremony and cohabit.  The license is issued by the Clerk, the Ceremony is the thing you have at the beach, or the church, or the Court House and Cohabiting is living together.

But, what happens when there is a failure of one of the (3) requirements?

Typographical errors in the license do not invalidate a marriage when the marriage is consummated and you are living together.  Failure to comply with licensure requirements and NOT living together does not a marriage make. This situation would result in an Annulment.

But, what if there was no ceremony? 

Failure to have a Ceremony is fatal.  It does not matter if the license was issued. It doe not matter if you shacked up.  If you did NOT have a ceremony; at the beach, church, Court House, or backyard, if you did not jump the broomstick, you are not married.  A Ceremony, of some type, is required.

So, want your marriage to Count- get a license, have a ceremony and live as husband and wife.

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce/Annulment Lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you to act fast if you are seeking an Annulment.

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You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at 

(601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.