The cost of an annulment in 2025 can vary widely depending on your location, whether the case is contested, and if you use an attorney. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
💵 Average Cost of an Annulment (2025)
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee (Court) | $150 – $450 |
| Attorney Fees (if used) | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Total (Uncontested) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Total (Contested) | $2,500 – $10,000+ |
📍 Arizona Example (Including Scottsdale / Phoenix Area)
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Filing Fee: ~$349 (as of 2025, Maricopa County)
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Self-Help / Pro Se: If uncontested and handled without an attorney, the total could be under $500.
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With Attorney: Legal fees typically range from $200 to $400 per hour. A simple annulment might take 5–10 hours of work.
⚖️ What Can Raise the Cost?
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Contested grounds (e.g., fraud, bigamy, underage)
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Disputes over property or children
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Hiring expert witnesses
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Multiple court appearances
📂 Cost-Saving Tips
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Use your state’s self-help center or court-provided forms
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File pro se (without an attorney) if your case is simple
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Check for fee waivers if you have low income
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Consider legal aid services in Arizona or other nonprofits
What Is The Difference Between Annulment and Divorce?
The difference between annulment and divorce lies in the legal status of the marriage and the reason for ending it.
⚖️ Key Differences: Annulment vs. Divorce
| Feature | Annulment | Divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Effect | Marriage is declared void or never valid. | Marriage is legally ended, but was valid. |
| Marriage Status | Treated as if it never existed. | Acknowledges marriage existed and is over. |
| Grounds Required | Must prove marriage was invalid from the start. | No-fault or fault-based reasons are accepted. |
| Eligibility | Only allowed in specific, limited cases. | Available to any legally married couple. |
| Time Frame | Usually filed shortly after marriage. | Can be filed any time after marriage. |
| Spousal Support | Usually not awarded, but possible in rare cases. | May involve alimony, depending on case. |
| Division of Property | Often minimal, especially if short-term. | Equitable division of assets/debts required. |
| Religious Consideration | May allow remarriage in church (e.g., Catholic). | Divorce may restrict certain religious rites. |
🧾 Common Grounds for Annulment
A court may grant an annulment if:
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🛑 Bigamy: One spouse was already married.
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🧠 Mental incapacity: At time of marriage.
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🧒 Underage marriage: Without proper consent.
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🕵️ Fraud or deception: One party lied about something essential.
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💪 Force or duress: Marriage was coerced.
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🛌 Inability to consummate: Physically incapable and undisclosed.
⚠️ Annulments are not for marriages that simply didn’t work out—those require a divorce.
✅ When Should You Seek an Annulment Instead of a Divorce?
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If your marriage was based on fraud, coercion, or illegality.
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If you want a clean religious slate (e.g., for remarriage in a church).
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If you haven’t been married long and meet qualifying grounds.
Need an Affordable Divorce Lawyer in Scottsdale?
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The High Desert Family Law Group should be your first choice when you need the best divorce lawyer in Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona. Our experienced family law attorneys will work with you to obtain the best possible outcome in your situation. Proven trial lawyers in family court, you can trust the firm to represent you fully so you can get on with your life. Call today for your initial consultation.
