Divorce and annulments are similar in the fact that they end marriages. However, the effects of each are different.
Annulment
An annulment can only be granted in very specific circumstances. But, it can be granted immediately. Annulments are rare. The most common reason for one is a bigamist marriage. Meaning, one person is married to more than one person at the same time. Another difference is that an annulment must have findings of fact set forth by a judge. Keep in mind, if a marriage is annulled, the parties will not have the same rights as they would under a divorce.
Divorce
Divorce requires a year and a day separation period. In a divorce, the parties may not be required to appear in court. Divorces are also a more straightforward and realistic remedy to achieve.