Courts may hear late annulment petitions from people forced into marriage
A person whose consent to a marriage was obtained by force may ask a court to accept an annulment petition filed after the usual 4-year deadline, and the court may allow it for good cause. The Judicial Council must update its forms.
Who it affects
People whose consent to a marriage was obtained by force
When
This law took effect on January 1, 2026, but the changes described here start on January 1, 2027.
- : Signed into law
- : Law took effect
- : The changes described here start to apply
Official text
California AB 1134: Coerced marriage.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.