IMPEDIMENT

impediment (im-ped-<<schwa>>-m<<schwa>>nt). A hindrance or obstruction; esp., some fact (such as legal minority) that bars a marriage if known beforehand and, if discovered after the ceremony, renders the marriage void or voidable.

canonical impediment.A ground for annulment recognized by canon law and developed by the ecclesiastical courts of the Roman Catholic Church. • Canonical impediments include affinity, impotence, disparity of worship, and previous religious profession.

civil impediment.A ground for annulment recognized by civil law of contracts, such as minority, unsoundness of mind, fraud, and duress. • The defects of fraud and duress may be waived, and the parties may confirm the marriage.

diriment impediment (dir-<<schwa>>-m<<schwa>>nt im-ped-<<schwa>>-m<<schwa>>nt), n.[fr. Latin dirimens impedimentum “nullifying impediment”] A fact that raises an absolute bar to marriage and renders a contracted marriage void. • Diriment impediments include consanguinity within a prohibited degree and prior undissolved marriage. — Also termed impedimenta dirimentia.

[Blacks Law 8th]