How to Get a Catholic Annulment
The rate of divorce is at an all-time high. Divorce is frowned upon by the Catholic Church, due to their strict beliefs on marriage. Members who receive a divorce decree must get an annulment if they desire to remarry. The process of a Catholic annulment takes a long time, and each step must be followed exactly.
What You'll Need:
- Copies of baptismal certificates for all parties
- Copy of marriage license
- Copy of church marriage certificate
- Copy of signed divorce decree
- Schedule an appointment to meet with the priest of a church in the diocese where you live. Ask about any fees associated with the annulment and a rough timeline for the process. The priest will provide you with an annulment application.
- Fill out the application being sure to thoroughly answer each question. It will ask about the relationship, along with questions about earlier years of your life. Get copies of the baptismal certificates, marriage license, church marriage certificate and signed divorce decree. Return these documents, along with the completed application, to the priest. The case will be submitted by the priest to the tribunal.
- Notify the other party of the annulment process. The Catholic Church requires that the ex-spouse has the opportunity to respond to the annulment initiation. The ex-partner does not have to participate in the process, nor do they have to agree to the annulment.
- Contact two people to serve as witnesses on your behalf. They will be asked to testify about the relationship. Choose friends or family who know a lot about the relationship and the time periods before and after. If they are asked to fill out paperwork, request that they do so in a timely manner.
- Wait patiently until a decision is reached. Most annulments take over a year to resolve. If the annulment is not approved, you may have the opportunity to appeal the decision.