What is a Catholic Church annulment?
The Catholic Church presumes, on the wedding day, that a valid marriage contract in church law was entered into by the bride and the groom. This contract is life long. Even though a couple may get a divorce from the State, they are still married in the eyes of the Church.
An annulment investigation examines the couple’s relationship, in detail, to determine if, right from the start, some essential element was missing in their relationship. If that fact can be established, it means the spouses did not have the kind of marital link that binds them together for life. The Church then issues a declaration of nullity (an annulment) and both are free to remarry in the Catholic Church.
Who can apply for an annulment?
Any divorced person–Catholic or non-Catholic–can request an annulment. More often than not, individuals seek an annulment so they can remarry in the Catholic Church. Other times individuals request an annulment just so the Church will no longer consider them married to their ex-spouse.
Is my ex-spouse involved?
Yes, the Church requires that your former spouse be notified that the annulment process has begun so as to offer him/her the opportunity to make a response.
All you have to do is let the Church know the present whereabouts of your ex-spouse. You do not have to have anything to do with him or her.
Your ex-spouse will be sent a letter explaining the process that was initiated. Your ex-spouse does not have to agree to the annulment. He/she can also choose not to participate in the process and it will still go forward.
What is a Tribunal?
Who are the Witnesses?
How much time does it take?
How much will the Church charge to process an annulment request?
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