Be Gentle on Youself

Be kind and gentle on yourself. Going through a divorce is very painful on many levels. One of the harshest pains is the fear of other peoples’ judgments. The same can be said about going through a church annulment. What will people think? However don’t be harsh on yourself because of what other people may think. You lived the realities of your marriage and you alone know the truth behind what led to the divorce. Please don’t judge yourself harshly… Be gentle on yourself. God knows what is in your heart and loves you more than you can imagine.

Annulment vs. Divorce

A civil divorce is concerned with the division of assets and liabilities; and if there are minor children, the fulfillment of parental obligations. It is devoid of emotional healing. However the annulment process is centered on the emotional aspects of your marriage. It helps you realize why the previous marriage ended. So you become aware of how you need to change, or the type of partner you need to avoid. Hopefully, it enables you to define realistic expectations for a future marriage.

What is/was your annulment experience?

For many divorced individuals the annulment process is a difficult one. They find it invasive and overwhelming. For others, the process brings closure and healing. If you have applied for a church annulment, let us know your experience. Your anonymous responses to the survey on the link below can help tribunals deal compassionately with divorced women and men.

http://www.consentmakesmarriage.com/

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.