Understanding Fraud in Marriage
Hi, this is attorney Clint Hastings. I’m a Tulsa Dads.Law attorney here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I focus on fathers’ rights.
Today I want to address a question I get from time to time: what can you do if your wife lied to you to get you to marry her? For instance, she told you she was pregnant when she wasn’t—or maybe she was pregnant, but with another man’s child.
Seeking an Annulment
If that happened, and you can show that fraud was committed, the marriage can be considered voidable at your option—if the court approves it. You would need to file for an annulment and explain to the judge that you believe the marriage should be declared void because you relied on a false statement made by your wife.
The challenge comes if she denies it. You’ll then have to prove that her false statement was the reason you agreed to marry her. That can be difficult without evidence, but sometimes the facts themselves are compelling enough for the judge to see that the deception was significant.
Factors to Consider
Timing also matters. If you discovered the lie but continued to live with your wife for a long time—say, months or years—the judge might decide you effectively accepted the marriage despite the fraud. On the other hand, if you acted quickly after learning the truth, the court is more likely to consider your annulment request favorably.
There are also cases where the wife might have made the statement by mistake rather than intentionally deceiving you. For example, she might have believed she was pregnant or that you were the father. Every case is different, and the facts need to be carefully presented to the court.
Take Action Today
Take a look at our website for more information, and if you have questions about your own situation, reach out for a consultation. We might even make a video about your question. Call Tulsa men’s divorce attorney Clint Hastings at 918-962-0900.
