A nullity case is more commonly known as an annulment of marriage. This can only be requested based on one of reasons listed below. Grounds for Termination of Marriage For dissolution of marriage or legal separation in California, there are only two legal grounds. If you are seeking a nullity of marriage, you will need to prove in a court hearing that your marriage satisfies one of the grounds listed below. Jurisdiction A dissolution action may be started in Sacramento County if one or both spouses have resided in this county for at least the last 3 months and in the state of California for at least 6 months.
Cases involving legal separation or nullity have less strict residency requirements.
For legal separation or nullity cases, one or both spouses need only be a resident of this county at the time this case is started. There is no duration of residency requirement for these types of marital actions. You can start a legal separation action and amend your Petition prior to judgment to request a dissolution of marriage. In addition to the residency requirements for starting any type of marital action, there are some additional rules to consider if the other spouse resides outside California. Specifically, a spouse who lives in another state or country can object to jurisdiction by the court in California.