Kris Humphries to File for Separation – Not Divorce: Sources

By Jennifer Garcia and Ken Lee

UPDATED 11/30/2011 at 10:45 AM EST • Originally published 11/30/2011 at 09:05 AM EST

Kris Humphries plans to answer Kim Kardashian's divorce filing by seeking a legal separation, sources tell PEOPLE.

The NBA player likely will file the court papers within days, say the sources.

Rather than pursue a divorce as Kardashian has, the NBA player's ultimate intent is to annul the marriage, clearing the record of ever being married to the reality star, the sources say.

This would be a change of heart for Humphries.

PHOTOS: Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries's Whirlwind Romance

Shortly after Kardashian traveled to Minnesota and met with Humphries and the pastor who married them, sources close to Humphries insisted he intended to try and move on and sign the divorce papers.

Just 72 days after a lavish wedding, Kardashian, 31, filed for divorce from Humphries, 26, on Oct. 31, citing irreconcilable differences.

Their troubles flared almost immediately and were on display in the season premiere of Kourtney & Kim Take Manhattan.