When someone seeks to entirely erase the fact that they were married they will seek out an annulment rather than a divorce. Annulment invalidates the marriage altogether and makes it appear that it never happened at all. This cannot be done with a single sweeping act however, and there are a series of annulment papers and court actions that must occur. The primary consideration for any annulment is whether or not there is a valid and legal reason that it might occur. This is determined by the court after the individual or couple has filed their initial annulment papers. After these have been reviewed and approved the annulment proceedings move forward until a judge decides to grant or deny the annulment.