The law requires, however, that no complaint for extreme cruelty can be filed with the court until at least three months after the last act of cruelty listed in the complaint. Insanity, if the insane spouse has been institutionalized or confined for at least 3 years prior to filing for divorce. Conviction and a sentence of at least 3 years, of which at least 12 months have been served. Incompatibility or irreconcilable differences is not by itself grounds for divorce in Maryland. Annulment is not an alternative for divorce.
Annulment is available only if the marriage is invalid or voidable.
Annulment proceedings is the process by which a court determines that the marriage was in fact invalid and sets it aside. The welfare of minor children is of major concern to the court. Property rights and welfare of the adults involved are secondary. Neither parent is entitled to custody of any children automatically. The judge may consider many factors that will be discussed in court at a hearing.