New York, NY - For individuals seeking to legally end a marriage that should never have existed under New York law, annulment may offer a path forward. Manhattan annulment attorney Juan Luciano is helping clients across New York City understand this often misunderstood legal option. Through his practice at Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer (https://divorcelawfirmnyc.com/manhattan-annulment-attorney/), he offers clarity and support for those seeking to have their marriages declared void or voidable under state law.
Manhattan annulment attorney Juan Luciano assists clients in determining whether their situations meet New York’s narrow annulment standards. Unlike divorce, which ends a legally valid marriage, annulment legally erases the marriage as if it never occurred. Luciano emphasizes that the distinction between the two matters significantly for legal status, property division, and, in some cases, immigration consequences.
According to Juan Luciano, “An annulment declares a marriage was never valid to begin with, which can make a major difference in a legal standing going forward.” As a Manhattan annulment attorney, he helps clients understand how to meet the complicated legal criteria set out in New York’s Domestic Relations Law Sections 140 and 141. Many people, Luciano notes, mistakenly believe their marriage qualifies for annulment when it does not, or miss important deadlines that can make annulment impossible.
For over 15 years, Manhattan annulment attorney Juan Luciano has represented clients in Manhattan Family Court and New York County Supreme Court. He offers a thorough case evaluation to determine if an annulment is possible and helps clients file carefully crafted petitions, as New York does not provide standard annulment forms.
New York law distinguishes between two types of marriages that can be annulled: void and voidable. Void marriages, such as those between close relatives or where a spouse was already married, are considered invalid and can be challenged at any time. Voidable marriages, where one party was underage, mentally incapacitated, or coerced, remain valid until a court grants an annulment. Luciano evaluates each case to determine which category, if any, applies.
One of the most complicated grounds for annulment is fraud. As outlined in Luciano’s guidance, the fraud must involve an essential aspect of the marriage, such as the intent to have children or to form a genuine marital partnership. Marriages entered solely for immigration benefits, for example, may qualify for annulment if the deceived spouse can prove the marriage was fraudulent from the start.
“The fraud must have been the reason the marriage happened,” Luciano explains. “New York courts strictly enforce the two-year deadline from the date fraud was discovered.”
Time limits are a major concern for those seeking annulment. While void marriages can be challenged without a deadline, voidable marriages have timeframes that range from two to five years, depending on the reason. Juan Luciano works with clients to determine whether they are still eligible to file and what evidence is needed to support the case.
Annulment has unique consequences when it comes to dividing property. Because the marriage is treated as if it never legally occurred, there is no “marital property” to divide in the traditional sense. However, New York courts still apply fair principles to divide shared assets, especially in cases where couples lived together and built financial lives as if married. Luciano advocates for equitable outcomes, ensuring his clients are not unfairly left out of property they helped create or maintain.
Child-related issues are also addressed in annulment proceedings. Luciano reminds clients that children born during an annulled marriage are fully legitimate under New York law. Courts still decide custody, visitation, and child support using the same standards applied in divorce cases, focusing on the best interests of the child.
While permanent spousal support is generally unavailable after annulment, the court may grant temporary financial assistance during the case. In certain situations, particularly fraud-based annulments or long-term relationships, courts may consider limited remedies to prevent unfair hardship. Juan Luciano reviews all financial concerns with his clients, helping them prepare for potential support-related outcomes.
From filing the initial complaint to presenting evidence in court, the annulment process requires careful planning and knowledge of Manhattan's court system. Luciano ensures clients understand the steps involved, the documentation required, and what to expect if their spouse contests the case. “Because certain conditions must be proven to exist at the time of the wedding, annulment cases often involve challenging evidence,” he notes.
For those unsure whether annulment or divorce is the appropriate legal route, Luciano offers case-by-case evaluations. He advises clients to act quickly to preserve their legal options, especially when dealing with fraud, coercion, or physical incapacity.
Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer serves clients throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, and other boroughs. His approach balances firm legal advocacy with clear communication and a focus on long-term family outcomes. Fluent in Spanish, Luciano ensures his clients receive guidance in the language they are most comfortable using.
Individuals who believe their marriage may qualify for annulment under New York law are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer. Prompt action helps preserve the right to file and allows time to gather the necessary evidence for court.
About Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer:
Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer is a family law practice based in New York City, led by attorney Juan Luciano. With over 15 years of experience, Mr. Luciano focuses on matters of divorce, annulment, custody, support, and domestic relations throughout Manhattan and the five boroughs. He has represented both adults and children in complicated family court matters and offers litigation and settlement services tailored to each client’s needs. His legal work has been featured in the New York Law Journal and The Wall Street Journal, and he is a fluent Spanish speaker committed to accessible legal representation.
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Email: juan@divorcelawfirmnyc.com
Website: https://divorcelawfirmnyc.com/
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Company Name: Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer
Contact Person: Juan Luciano
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Phone: (212) 537-5859
Address:347 5th Ave STE 1003
City: New York
State: New York 10016
Country: United States
Website: https://divorcelawfirmnyc.com/
