As of 2025, the cost of obtaining a marriage annulment in the United States varies widely based on factors such as jurisdiction, whether the annulment is contested, and whether legal representation is involved. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand potential expenses:
💼 Civil Annulment Costs
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Filing Fees: Typically range from $100 to $400, depending on the state and court. See:Henriksen & Henriksen Law
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Attorney Fees: If you hire legal representation, costs can escalate. For example, in New York, attorney fees for a simple annulment may be around $1,200, plus court fees, totaling approximately $1,543. See: CostHelper
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Additional Costs: If the annulment is contested, requiring court hearings and possibly expert testimony, expenses can increase significantly, potentially exceeding $5,000. See: High Desert Family Law Group
⛪ Religious (Catholic) Annulment Costs
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Tribunal Fees: Catholic dioceses typically charge fees to cover administrative costs, which can range from $200 to $1,000. See: Catholic Answers
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Financial Hardship Considerations: Many dioceses offer fee reductions or waivers for individuals facing financial difficulties. See; Catholic Answers
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Appeals: If the initial annulment decision is appealed, additional costs may be incurred.
📍 Example: New York State
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Court Filing Fee: Approximately $395. See: Forbes+5Trotto Law Firm+5divorceadvised.com+5
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Attorney Fees: Legal fees can add up to $1,200 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
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Total Estimated Cost: For a straightforward annulment, costs may range from $1,500 to $2,000.
✅ Tips to Manage Costs
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Uncontested Annulments: If both parties agree, the process is typically faster and less expensive. See: cdow.org
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Self-Representation: Handling the annulment without an attorney can reduce costs, though legal advice is recommended.
Fees Specific to Scottsdale, AZ
In Scottsdale, Arizona, the cost of obtaining a marriage annulment primarily involves court filing fees, which are set by the Maricopa County Superior Court. Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses:
📄 Court Filing Fees
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Petition for Annulment: $376
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Response to Petition for Annulment: $287
These fees are standard for family court filings in Maricopa County.
💸 Additional Costs
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Service of Process: Serving the annulment papers to your spouse can be done via a process server or the sheriff’s department. Fees for this service vary but typically range from $50 to $100, depending on the method and location.
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Attorney Fees: If you choose to hire an attorney, costs can vary widely. Some attorneys charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on their experience and the complexity of your case.
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Fee Waivers or Deferrals: If you cannot afford the filing fees, you may apply for a fee waiver or deferral. This process involves submitting a financial affidavit to the court. See: AZCourtHelp.org+2LegalClarity+2AZCourtHelp.org+2
📝 Filing Requirements
To file for an annulment in Arizona, you must meet certain residency requirements: See: AZCourtHelp.org+1superiorcourt.maricopa.gov+1
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Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing the annulment petition.See:superiorcourt.maricopa.gov+2superiorcourt.maricopa.gov+2BTL Family Law+2
Additionally, you must have legal grounds for annulment, such as fraud, duress, lack of capacity, or bigamy. See: Hildebrand Law, P.C.
✅ Steps to File for Annulment in Scottsdale
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Prepare the Petition: Complete the necessary forms, which can be found on the Maricopa County Superior Court website or AZCourtHelp. See: AZCourtHelp.org+3AZCourtHelp.org+3AZCourtHelp.org+3
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File the Petition: Submit the completed forms and pay the filing fee at the Scottsdale Municipal Court or the Maricopa County Superior Court.
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Serve the Papers: Ensure your spouse is served with the annulment papers. This can be done through a process server or the sheriff’s department. See: Arizona Legislature+3outofcourtsolutions.com+3AZCourtHelp.org+3
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Attend the Hearing: If the annulment is uncontested, a hearing may not be necessary. However, if contested, a hearing will be scheduled where both parties can present their case.
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.