Annualment Question

[jf0313]

I have a question if a Catholic is divorced do they have to get an annualment if they do not plan on getting remarried? Can they still practice their faith and receive the sacraments?

 

[1ke]

I have a question if a Catholic is divorced do they have to get an annualment if they do not plan on getting remarried?

No, there is no obligation to go through the tribunal process.

However, if one does believe there are grounds it is better to go ahead and petition. First, you will know your canonical status with certainty. Second, should you change your mind down the road, the investigation becomes more difficult as time passes-- witness move or die, memories fade, etc.

Can they still practice their faith and receive the sacraments?

Yes.

 

[Inman]

Another possible reason to seek an annulment even if you don’t plan to remarry is that in the eyes of the church, you are still married. So even going on a date (with someone that isn’t your spouse) would be sinful or at least an occasion of sin.

 

[jmcrae]

I have a question if a Catholic is divorced do they have to get an annualment if they do not plan on getting remarried? Can they still practice their faith and receive the sacraments?

Pardon my nitpicking, but it’s a “Declaration of Nullity.” What they do is they find out whether or not the previous marriage was valid, or not - they can’t actually affect its status in any way.

I think it’s better to go through the Marriage Tribunal process early, before there is any chance or idea of getting into another relationship, for a couple of reasons - first, the witnesses will still be around to testify, making it way easier for the Tribunal to work quickly, and secondly, so that if the result is not in your favour, you know that, and you don’t make the mistake of attempting a relationship later on - you already know that you are classifed as a married person.

But yes, a person could decide never to go through the process, and never to get into a future relationship, and they would be perfectly fine with regard to the Sacraments.

 

[IrishAm]

I have a question if a Catholic is divorced do they have to get an annualment if they do not plan on getting remarried? Can they still practice their faith and receive the sacraments?

I considered not going through the Tribunal process following the ending of my long-term marriage. I did not feel that I would be pursuing any future relationship, and was satisfied to live as a chaste married woman. I decided to do so, however, because I felt not to do so did not leave me open to the choices God may wish for me in the future.

Ironically, I found the process itself to be very healing and very revealing. I am glad I was open to it.

 

[puzzleannie]

I have a question if a Catholic is divorced do they have to get an annualment if they do not plan on getting remarried? Can they still practice their faith and receive the sacraments?

no they do not need an annulment unless and until they plan to marry again (or enter religious life) and yes presuming they are otherwise properly disposed (sacramental confession and absolution etc) they may and should have recourse to the sacraments.

a person who may in the future wish to pursue annulment, young and very likely to wish to remarry ie, should set about the process a year or so after there is no possibility of reconciliation (usually civil divorce). Much easier to get witnesses etc. early in the game that waiting for years. also it is a healing process and can provide closure especially if the relationship was damaging and bitter.