Annulment Question

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I have heard that annulments are faster to process if one of the parties was non-baptized. Is this true and if so, approximately how much time would the annulment take?

-- Marla Hernandez (snoopymh67@hotmail.com), July 15, 2004

Answers

Bump to New Answers to invite comment.

-- (bump@bump.bump), July 16, 2004.

Marla,

Being married to a non-baptized does NOT speed up the process in any way shape or form.

If, however, the marriage took place outside of the Church, for instance, in front of a JP or a Protestant minister or Jewish rabbi or Muslim imam then this would be a "Lack of Form" case and would be processed much faster. However the amount of time still depends on how many cases the particular Tribunal is processing at any given time. In general though we'd be talking weeks/months rather than months/years.

Hope that's helpful.

-- Fr. Mike Skrocki, JCD (cand.) (abounamike@aol.com), July 16, 2004.


Marla, Another factor that can prolong the process is the witness testimony, participarion of your ex-spouse and his responses. I gently prodded my witnesses along by letting them know when they would be receiving the questionaires, then kindly asking for a quick "turn-around" in their responses.

My advocate at the Tribunal told me that the witness step can be the longest step. It's difficult, thought-provoking paperwork for the witness to complete, so you can imagine how procrastination can set in with some people. Gentle suggestions may help move them along.

I have found tremendous peace as a result of my annullment. May God bless you with a speedy and peaceful annullment.

-- Jennifer (jrabs@jrabs.com), July 16, 2004.


Marla,

No legitimate annulment may be available. In that case, the parties could never be married in the Catholic Church, because in fact they would already be married to other people. Have they reflected upon this very real possibility?

-- Pat Delaney (pat@patdelaney.net), July 18, 2004.


Pat, Please try to be more compassionate and optimistic toward people who are trying to do what is right.

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), July 22, 2004.



I think realism is more valuable than optimism in taking such a serious step. What Pat said is absolutely true, and anyone seeking annulment needs to realize this. Too many people think that annulment is simply "Catholic divorce" and that once you apply, it's just a matter of time before you receive the annulment.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), July 22, 2004.

I have to agree with John on this. In posts that I have read by Pat regarding annulment, it appears he may be having a difficult time with his annulment process. If I have misinterpreted this, I apologize Pat. If I am correct, then I pray for a happy final determination in your situation.

But please do not dash the hopes of others. I think I understand that Paul and Pat's intentions are to have people realize annulments are not dispensed by a Tribunal easily without support of appropriate Cannon Law - or willy-nilly like divorces in the civil setting.

Marla did not state the reason for her annulment. She just asked about a the factor of time regarding a particular fact in her case.

Not all annulments are difficult, drawnout, agonizing events, in which the Tribunal acts oppressively. Please have compassion on people, like Marla, who deserve to innitiate this process with the optimism of finding closure and new begining. I believe that is the true Spirit of the annulment.

God bless all who are going through this process. That God delivers them quickly through this and grants healing and comfort.

Jennifer

-- Jennifer (jrabs@jrabs.com), July 22, 2004.


Jennifer & John,

Thank you for your timely and on-target comments. We should not be discouraging those who are trying to do what is right. Perhaps limiting ourselves to answering the questions that are asked and referring people to sources for further information would be more helpful.

Hope that's helpful.

-- Fr. Mike Skrocki, JCD (cand.) (abounamike@aol.com), July 22, 2004.


My hope is that the Truth will be revealed to Marla, and that she will be happy to embrace it.

This can be either an annulment, if granted legitimately, or the recognition that she is already married and must be faithful to her husband. That marital fidelity is meant to be a reflection of God's own unconditional love toward us all.

The original question presupposes an annulment can be granted. I responded to that with compassion in pointing out the error.

Contrary to Jennifer and John's impression, I am trying to point out the most liberating of alternative life choices. That's the one I hope I have chosen. Not difficult at all really.

-- Pat Delaney (pat@patdelaney.net), July 22, 2004.


"We should not be discouraging those who are trying to do what is right".

A: I don't think that concealing the facts from people in the name of avoiding "discouragement", and allowing them to stumble ahead in the blind optimisim of ignorance is ultimately in their best interest. Before anyone makes such a profoundly important life decision as seeking annulment of a marriage, they have a right to know all the essential facts about the nature of the annulment process, including the immensely important fact that simply applying for an annulment is absolutely no guarantee of receiving one.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), July 22, 2004.



strangely, because we have so often been on opposite sides of the coin on this issue, i find myself agreeing with pat on this one.

it is a simple fact, that while it APPEARS that there is LIKELY a case for declaration of nullity, that such a situation may not actually exist. I think it would be best if marla DID consider what would happen should her case for annulment be denied, because that will place her in an area where she will have to make a tough choice: namely, is she loyal to God's church, or to the desires of her flesh.

it is my hope that things will turn out the best for marla, according to God's will.

-- paul h (dontsendmemail@notanaddress.com), July 22, 2004.


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