Annulment and ex's previous marriage

[abbiegirl]

I think you nailed it, simply and completely. One of the most obvious impediments to a sacramental union is when one or both are not free to marry. That would apply to someone who is already LEGALLY married, of course. Also, in Catholic Church Law, it would apply to someone who married while a previous spouse was still alive without first obtaining an annulment.

The marriage was clearly not valid and an annulment should be rather simple and straightforward.

Ok, we have a lot more info. now and are somewhat confused as to what it means. His ex was baptised Catholic, but converted to the Methodist religion. So, her 1st marriage was not valid due to lack of form. But it is my understanding that once a Catholic, always a Catholic, right. So, her 1st marriage was not annuled, she was still free to marry. But she did not go thru proper dispensation in order to marry the second time. So her 2nd marriage (to my fiance) was not valid either (due to lack of form), correct? Am I in the right thinking? This is all very complicated, huh?

 

[Drlit]

Ok, we have a lot more info. now and are somewhat confused as to what it means. His ex was baptised Catholic, but converted to the Methodist religion. So, her 1st marriage was not valid due to lack of form.

Right!

But it is my understanding that once a Catholic, always a Catholic, right.

I don’t think this is right; if she really converted, rather than simply attending a Methodist Church. She’s Methodist.

So, her 1st marriage was not annuled, she was still free to marry.

Nope. Not without getting the marriage declared null by a tribunal. Quick and easy, but still a process that must be done.

But she did not go thru proper dispensation in order to marry the second time. So her 2nd marriage (to my fiance) was not valid either (due to lack of form), correct? Am I in the right thinking?

You’re right, but again not unless declared as such by a tribunal. OH, you might find a priest that would apply the Petrine Principle himself. My brother was in a similar situation and that’s what he did. But it is easier and much more honest to petition the tribunal that your fiance was in an invalid marriage (due to lack of form) and was married to a divorced woman. That should be little more than a rubber stamp.

 

[abbiegirl]

Right!

I don’t think this is right; if she really converted, rather than simply attending a Methodist Church. She’s Methodist.

Nope. Not without getting the marriage declared null by a tribunal. Quick and easy, but still a process that must be done.

You’re right, but again not unless declared as such by a tribunal. OH, you might find a priest that would apply the Petrine Principle himself. My brother was in a similar situation and that’s what he did. But it is easier and much more honest to petition the tribunal that your fiance was in an invalid marriage (due to lack of form) and was married to a divorced woman. That should be little more than a rubber stamp.

Thank you so much! We have already met with our pastor twice, but each time we get a little more info.and find out more stuff. Very involving and detailed, and it’s not that easy to just call the priest and ask him a question, or set up immediate appointments. I just like to have some sort of idea before we meet with him again. Thanks again, I really appreciate any info. you have shared.

 

[Drlit]

Thank you so much! We have already met with our pastor twice, but each time we get a little more info.and find out more stuff. Very involving and detailed, and it’s not that easy to just call the priest and ask him a question, or set up immediate appointments. I just like to have some sort of idea before we meet with him again. Thanks again, I really appreciate any info. you have shared.

Sounds to me like he found himself an angel. God bless you both and lots and lots of joy in your life together.

 

[abbiegirl]

Sounds to me like he found himself an angel. God bless you both and lots and lots of joy in your life together.

Well, thank you, so sweet. And thanks again for the help

 

[tee_eff_em]

Thank you so much! We have already met with our pastor twice, but each time we get a little more info.and find out more stuff. Very involving and detailed, and it’s not that easy to just call the priest and ask him a question, or set up immediate appointments. I just like to have some sort of idea before we meet with him again. Thanks again, I really appreciate any info. you have shared.

By all means, go to your priest, and take with you all you have gleaned here: But only as suggestions / information / questions / starting points.

To my knowledge, no one who has posted here is a competent legislator nor canon lawyer, so no one here can have spoken authoritatively. Only a diocesan tribunal (and above) can do so for your (or anyone’s) case.

:twocents:
tee