Zellweger Checks Fraud. What Does That Mean?

Sept. 19, 2005 — -- Just three months after marrying country music star Kenny Chesney on a Caribbean beach, Renee Zellweger moved to annul their marriage, citing "fraud" in court papers as the reason for the breakup.

"Fraud is material misrepresentation of fact," ABC News Legal Contributor and Court TV anchor Lisa Bloom told "Good Morning America" today. "Material is something important or significant. In other words, by saying 'fraud,' Renee is saying there has been a big lie. This is different than a misunderstanding," Bloom said. "In the context of marriage, this refers specifically to sex, sexual orientation and not wanting children. It could also be a health issue."

In a statement after the split, Zellweger, 36, asked that no conclusions about Chesney, 37, be drawn by the legal terminology.

The term fraud "was simply legal language and not a reflection of Kenny's character," Zellweger said. "I would personally be very grateful for your support in refraining from drawing derogatory, hurtful, sensationalized or untrue conclusions," she said.

An annulment is not granted on the basis of a misunderstanding alone and carries a higher legal standard than divorce, said Bloom.

Bloom said the difference between an annulment and divorce is the division of marital assets. If there was no prenuptial agreement, Chesney would be entitled to half of Zellweger's personal wealth in the case of a divorce, but not with an annulment.

Annulment basically says the couple has never been married.

"It's like pushing the delete button instead of the stop button," Bloom said.

Annulments are most common in marriages of short duration.

"There is also a psychological factor that may be coming into play," Bloom said. "Each will keep his/her own money, possessions, etcetera."