In Arizona, ending a marriage can be accomplished through two distinct legal processes: annulment and dissolution (commonly referred to as divorce). An annulment is a court declaration that a marriage was invalid from its inception, treating it as if it never legally existed. In contrast, a dissolution acknowledges that a valid marriage occurred but is now being terminated.
The legal ramifications of each process differ significantly. A dissolution addresses issues such as property division, spousal support, and child custody, recognizing the marriage’s history and the contributions of both parties. An annulment, because it deems the marriage invalid, may not necessarily address these issues in the same manner, though related matters like child custody can still be resolved by the court.