nullity Flashcards
Does nullity predate divorce?
Yes
Which is more common- nullity or divorce?
Divorce
What are the statistics for divorce and nullity in 2011
345-nullity, 129,298- divorce
Is the law for nullity restrictive?
Yes
What is the law for nullity
Matrimonial Causes Act 1973(Marriages) and Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Civil Partnerships)
What is the difference between nullity and divorce?
Divorce is a broken down marriage, Nullity is not a valid marriage
Reasons why nullity still exsists
It provides guidance on what makes a marriage valid, divorce is not acceptable to everyone. religious reasons. forced marriage
Report for should nullity be retained?
Law commission no 33 1970
Why should nullity be retained?
Stigma attached to divorce, Time petition is longer for divorce than annullment
Legal annullment
no need for a divorce, annulled under the Matrimonial Causes act 1973 and civil partnership 2004
Religious annullment
no need to meet legal requirement. must divorce
what does void marriage mean?
never valid
what does voidable mean?
valid until avoided
Void marriage definition
is one that will be regarded as never having taken place. can be treated by both parties to it without the necessity of any decree annulling it
Which case did the void definition come from
reneville v de reneville 1948
What is a non-marriage?
They have no legal consequence and financial awards cannot be made to either party e.g. maintenance. Law is decided on case by case basis
What is need in a void marriage?
Do not need a decree, third parties can challenge validity, can marry another without having current marriage annulled.
When is a decree possible in a void marriage?
after death
What is needed in voidable marriage?
decree necessary, third parties cannot challenge
When is a decree possible in voidable marriage?
not possible after death, if die before the decree then marriage remains valid
What section is the grounds for a void marriage found under?
S11 MCA 1973
What are the grounds for a void marriage?
Prohibited degrees, age under 16 (need consent between 16 and 18 but marriage still valid), formalities
What section is the grounds for a voidable marriage found under?
S12 MCA 1973
What are the grounds for a voidable marriage?
Incapacity of either party(hetrosexuals), wilful refusal(hetrosexual), no consent due to duress/mistake, mental health disorder, VD, pregnant by another, interim gender recognition certificate issued
What falls under incapacity?
Consummation
What does consummation do?
Distinguishes marriage from friendship, encourages reproduction and used to be important on religious grounds.
Who can petition under incapacity
Either party (harthan 1949), prevents adulterous relationships
What is the meaning of consummation?
sexual intercourse and penetration so only applies to hetrosexuals
What is not relevant in consummation?
orgasms, infertility, contraception, intercourse prior to marriage, lack of attention or dislike is not enough