Is annulment in CA possible on basis of unsound mind due to husband's narcissistic personality disorder?

Question

My friend is looking into an annulment because her husband of 11 months has recently been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, which creates a wide variety of difficulties in their marriage. Had she known he had this mental disorder, she would not have married him. Due to her religious convictions, she would rather seek an annulment than a divorce (she knows that a no-fault divorce world be cheaper and easier). Would this disorder qualify under the "unsound mind" justification for annulment?

Answer 1

California Family Code Section 2210(c) allows for an annulment if "Either party was of unsound mind, unless the party of unsound mind, after coming to reason, freely cohabited with the other as husband and wife."

Although I am not a family law attorney, that seems to imply legal insanity. Someone with narcissistic personality disorder isn't necessarily legally insane for the purpose of this code section. Your friendly should consult a local family law attorney, but I doubt she has grounds for an annulment.

Answer 2

Legally, it may be possible, however, she would be better off seeking an annulment through the church and a divorce through the courts. If it's her religious values she is worried about than it's if the church will annul of not thats important, not the State. Personally, I can sympathize with her that she wants to do it right to save her morals, but it's been my experience, that which ever gets the marriage over the quickest is the best course of action for both parties, so they can move on with their lives.

Answer 3

he probably would have had to do something in order to qualify. It may create difficulties in their mjarriage, but doesnt every marriage have their problems? I think it'll be tough if she goes for anulment rather than divorce.