Where should you apply for an annulment?

Every tribunal handles annulment cases differently. You may find some tribunals have policies that are easier for you than others. So before you actually begin the annulment process go to Google and search the diocesan websites applicable to you. Click on the diocesan Tribunal link. Normally, the local processes are outlined in the FAQ section.

The dioceses that have jurisdiction to process your case fall into four categories. They are the diocese: (1) where the wedding occurred; (2) where your ex-spouse is presently living; (3) where you are presently living; and, (4) where the majority of testimonies [i.e., yours, your ex-spouse and the witnesses] will be collected.

Do I need a specific reason to request an annulment?

A person's reason for seeking an annulment will not affect the outcome the case. The vast majority of divorced women and men requesting an annulment hope to remarry in the Catholic Church. Some people do so for "peace of conscience" reasons, with no immediate remarriage plans. Whatever the reason, every divorced person has the right in church law to make a petition. Why not make use of that right?

Is the Catholic Church judging me during the annulment process?

Some divorced individuals are uncomfortable approaching the Church for an annulment out of concern that the Church is judging them as individuals, or, because they went through a divorce. However the annulment process does not judge the person, or, the divorce. The annulment process is focused only on whether or not the sacrament of marriage happened on the wedding day. So please do not let a fear of judgment prevent you from applying for an annulment.

I'm engaged to a divorced non-Catholic ...

Does a non-Catholic, divorced man need a Catholic annulment? The answer is Yes.
The reason is the Catholic Church considers all weddings [with one or two exceptions] as legal in Catholic Church law.
So before a divorced non-Catholic person is free to marry again, a church annulment - or perhaps another legal process - is needed.

Book on Annulments and Spiritual Healing

When going through the annulment process it is easy to get bogged down in the formalities and requirements of church law. They can be an offputting obstacle for you. However, the annulment process can be used to your personal advantage. You can use it to gain a greater understanding of yourself. When done correctly, the annulment process can be an emotionally and spiritually healing one.

To help you with that we highly recommend the book: "Catholic Annulment – Spiritual Healing" by Dennis and Kay Flowers. You can find it on Amazon.com under the title or authors names.

Spiritual hope after divorce…

Going through a divorce can have a negative effect on a person's spirituality. It is natural to judge yourself and to be concerned about the judgments of others. But perhaps you even worry about or fear God's judgment of you.

But that fear is misplaced. God's love for you is ever present. God is not disappointed in you. God does not think less of you. God does not reject you in any way because of a divorce. Rather, it is during difficult times such as divorce that God's love for you is ever present. God is holding on to you – try to feel the embrace!

A person's childhood affects their marriage ...

The family situation within which a person grew up can have a profound affect on their choice of a marriage partner, or, their decision to marry. For example, if you, or someone you know, grew up in an alcoholic home, you may find Janet Woititz's book, "Adult Children of Alcoholics" very enlightening.