My best friend of 30+ years has asked me to be a witness for her annulment from her first marriage (She’s in the process of getting her second divorce right now) My question is: In the papers I receive, will I be asked the truth of why her first marriage ended?
No. You’ll be asked for information pertaining to her family life before she married, the beginning of their relationship, their intentions and beliefs at the time of the ceremony and what you know of happening during their marriage. Just answer truthfully and to the best of your ability.
Also, will she ever know what I say about her marriage? I won’t lie for her, but I also don’t want to anger her. I was surprised that she was trying to get an annulment becuase her marriage lasted for ten years. How can that be done? I’ve never done this before, and although I was raised Catholic until I was fifteen, I know basically nothing about this process. If anyone has any information I’d really appreciate it. Thanks–
The Church has a specific list of things that make a marriage valid or invalid at the time it is contracted. The duration of the marriage doesn’t matter. What matters is what was meant and intended at the time of the ceremony by one or both partners. Anything that happened during the marriage can be used as supporting evidence of their intentions and beliefs, but does not necessarily prove a marriage valid or invalid.
Once she has finished the application process and her application has been accepted by the Tribunal as having merit the Tribunal will send all witnesses a questionnaire in the mail. The witnesses fill it out and send it back. Sometimes, the tribunal will ask witnesses to come in to their office for an in person interview or do an interview over the phone.
Once all testimony and necessary paperwork is gathered the Tribunal will have a Defender of the Bond and a Procurator-Advocate write up statements. The Defender of the Bond tries to make a case for the validity of the marriage. The Procurator-Advocate tries to make a case for invalidity. A Judge will review everything and make a decision. Once that decision is made the whole case is sent to a 2nd Tribunal for review. If both Tribunals agree, the marriage is declared either valid or invalid. If they disagree ( one tribunal finds the marriage valid, the other finds it invalid) the case is sent to Rome for review and a decision.
Yes, she and/or her ex can view the witness statements. I understand that you will not lie for her, nor should you. Just be honest and if she has issue with that…well, tough cookies. Honestly, though, from what I understand most people never look at their witness statements.
