What keeps you from applying for an annulment?

There are many reasons divorced men and women hesitate applying for an annulment. Perhaps, the process is too overwhelming; fear it will affect the legitimacy of children; a resistance to relive the painful experience of the divorce; no desire to have anything to do with the ex-spouse. Every one of these hesitations – and others – is understandable. What are your hesitations? Let us help!

If my ex gets an annulment does that mean I get an annulment too?

The answer is, Yes.
When an annulment is granted it affects both parties. The granting of an annulment means neither one of you is considered husband and wife in the Church. You both have the status of "single" in the Church. So you are both free to remarry.

How much does an annulment cost?

The cost for an annulment varies from diocese to diocese. In a few dioceses there is no cost. In most dioceses it is approximately $400-$600. In a few dioceses it can be as high as $1000. However, whatever a person applying for an annulment is asked to pay is only part of the overall cost to process their case. Every diocese throughout the United States subsidizes its tribunal for the majority of its costs. So every case is in fact subsidized by the Church.
No one in any diocese is turned away for an inability to pay.

You Are Not Alone ...

If you are applying for an annulment or going through the annulment process you can feel very much alone. Often annulment petitions can go into a tribunal and you hear nothing for months the time. You may wonder, is anyone else going through this experience?

You may be surprised to know that in 2008 [the most recent year for these records] there were approximately 20,000 annulment petitions initiated in the United States. Since every petition involves both parties – and normally 3 to 5 witnesses – that means that there were anywhere from 100,000 - 140,000 people interacting with tribunals across the country.

So if you are feeling isolated and "in the dark," know that there are many other people asking the church to consider the annulment of their marriage is well. You are not alone!

Need Help with Your Annulment Application ...

Have you filed for an annulment only to have received about 20 pages from the Tribunal - each page looking more overwhelming than the first? Has this happened to you or to a friend or neighbor? That is exactly why www.churchannulment.com has been started. Help is there - don't feel like you are going it alone. Our professional staff will help with the paperwork and make sure that you are properly prepared.

How long does it take to hear the tribunal's decision?

Question: Once all the paperwork is submitted (my paperwork, the ex spouse’ paperwork, and the witness letters), approximately how long does it take to hear the results?

Answer: Once all the paperwork has been submitted, normally you should hear back from the tribunal with the decision within a few months. However, in order to have a more accurate answer to the timeframe question, it is best to contact your tribunal. This is because each tribunal's time frames differ depending on its caseload and number of full-time personnel.

What if my ex won't cooperate?

Question: What happens if my ex-spouse is uncooperative toward the annulment process? Is there any way to receive an annulment without involving my ex-spouse? If so, what happens then?

Answer: Your former spouse must be contacted about the annulment petition. He or she is given the right to contest the annulment [by giving testimony], cooperate with the annulment [by giving testimony], or, they can simply choose not to be involved in the annulment investigation. If your ex-spouse selects the final choice the case proceeds without their involvement.