Do you want to get an annulment by the Catholic Church?
Many marriages fail even with the good intentions of both spouses. This may be true even when the family is well established and the marriage finally many years. Once the marriage is entered into by two people, Catholic, Protestant, or non-Christian, it is presumed to be valid and binding union until the contrary can be proved.
certain procedures The Catholic Church has established that a couple must be followed when a petition for cancellation. Primarily a civil court must divorce a couple before you can get an annulment
information below for couples who wish to have their previous marriages annulled in the eyes of the Catholic Chuch.
1. Who can request a cancellation?
Usually, a person seeking a cancellation is a person who has been married, now divorced and wants to get married again, especially in the Catholic Church. Any person married in the Catholic Church and now divorced can request a cancellation if they are willing to marry again or not.
2. The participation of the former spouse.
Yes, the Church requires that the former spouse be informed that the cancellation process and began to give him / her the opportunity to make a response. Your former spouse will receive a letter explaining the process that has been initiated. Your former spouse does not have to accept the cancellation. They do not have either to agree to participate.
3. The documents you will need.
- A formal cancellation petition through the church.
- Copies of certificates of baptism of all Catholic parties involved.
- A copy of the civil marriage license.
- A copy of the church's marriage certificate.
- Copy of certified divorce decree or signed by the judge.
4. Sending your case.
If the case begins at the parish, the priest, deacon, or pastoral submit your application to the court. If you choose, you can go directly to the court and not begin at the parish level.
5. Witnesses
You are invited to contact two or more people who are willing to help with your case. They should be people who know something about the marriage in question, especially the period just before and after marriage. These people are usually friends or family members. You should tell all the witnesses they have permission to speak freely.
6. When waiting for a decision.
After all the information is gathered, a judge or jury will write the decision. They will decide whether the marriage was invalid from the beginning really. Another person who is known as the Defender of the Bond also participates. The defender of the bond is the wedding itself, speaking on behalf of all the facts that support the validity of the marriage. After the judge makes a decision, you and your former spouse will be informed of the decision, unless the former spouse does not wish to be informed.
7. How long it takes.
There is no way to put a timetable on the process. However, it normally takes about 16 months. The period of declaration of nullity depends on many factors. For example, if the applicant does not meet the necessary document collection timely cancellation is delayed.
8. How much it will cost.
The cost of cancellation may vary from church to church. The average cost is about $ 500 with a portion due when the case is submitted. The rest can be paid in monthly installments. If you can not pay the full amount, arrangements can be made, through the church to cover part of the expenses. No case is refused due to the inability of a person to pay the costs.