Why is it not that a state divorce is actually an argument AGAINST a church annulment petition rather than a necessary condition for such petition?

**Note**: This question may be wrong. I think the right question is in the following link: https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/66164/how-do-filipino-catholics-get-a-church-annulment-when-their-state-marriage-is-va --- Apparently, state divorce is a necessary condition to begin a church annulment process. Why isn't a state divorce actually an argument **against** rather than a necessary condition for a church annulment petition? I mean, there are **reasons to get an annulment instead of divorce despite divorce being cheaper **. So, if your church marriage is invalid, as you want to petition, then why did you get a state divorce instead of a state annulment for your state marriage, **which I guess** was also invalid? Of course, answers may include: 1. Your state marriage is invalid, but the financial reasons for getting a state annulment instead of a state divorce weren't applicable to you. Hence, even though your state marriage is invalid, you chose the cheaper route of getting a state divorce instead of a state annulment. 2. Your state marriage is valid though your church marriage is still invalid. ---- Related: https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/63820/marriage-invalid-would-a-church-annulment-require-a-state-annulment-or-state-di **Update**: Would a state separation suffice in the place of a state annulment or state divorce? Case 1: The country has divorce. Case 2: The country is the Philippines.