I am a Catholic who has been living seperately from my spouse for 20 years. I wish to obtain an annulment and believe I have grounds to do so. The problem is despite determined efforts I can't find him. I know he is still living and somewhere in the USA - I need to resolve this so that I can marry again. (We have already been divorced.)

Any ideas? Can I start the ball rolling without knowing where he is at this moment?

-- Sarah (anon@anon.com), January 21, 2005

Answers

Yes you can, in the event that he cannot be located. Make sure you describe the efforts you have made to find him.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), January 21, 2005.

... who has been living seperately from my spouse ...

From the language you used, Sarah, it appears that you are still married in the eyes of the state. Before the Church would consider granting you a declaration of nullity (at least in the U.S.), you must be divorced. Of course, for a divorce to happen, you will (may?) have to find your husband. If you cannot track him down by using the Internet to search for him, you may need to employ a private detective.

-- (Paul@forgot.this), January 22, 2005.

stop looking for where Paul M forgot something, i think this line: We have already been divorced clears it up quite nicely. she's right to continue to call him her spouse for the time being though, as divorce does nothing more than disolve the legal side of marraige without doing a thing to the sacramental bond.

-- paul h (dontSendMeMail@notAnAddress.com), January 22, 2005.

You are right, both Pauls. I am embarrassed about having made such a stupid mistake.

-- (Paul@forgot.this), January 23, 2005.