Annulments/support group

[kwillson]

Got an update (FINALLY!) on my case! It’s the Publication of the Acts letter. So, in 2 weeks the case will go to the Defender of the Bond for hearing! YAY!!! PROGRESS!!!
Thank you for all of your (name removed by moderator)ut and moral support. I’ll post updates as I get them!:extrahappy:

 

[MJJean]

I got a letter from the Court of Second Instance. They let me know my case has made it to them and that I can add to it, if I wish, within the next 15 days. After that it goes in line to be judged.

So close, yet so far.

 

[Nic1099]

I got a letter from the Court of Second Instance. They let me know my case has made it to them and that I can add to it, if I wish, within the next 15 days. After that it goes in line to be judged.

So close, yet so far.

Delighted to hear of your update MJJean! I’ll be keeping you in my prayers. Out of curiosity, may I ask, is the respondent objecting? The reason being that I also was asked to add further details as the case progressed to Second Instance and I definitely had a hostile respondent. I only know of two other people who have been through this process and neither had to do this. In both their cases, the respondent was in favour of the Decree of Nullity and neither was requested to provide further testimony to the Court of Second Instance. It’s all probably just procedural.

Regards
Nic

 

[MJJean]

As always, thanks for your prayers.

No, my ex is not being difficult. He responded to his initial questionnaire with " I am not Christian and do not want to participate in this process." He signed it, had it notarized, and hasn’t responded to anything since.

 

[Convert1]

Thanks be to God for all of you! I have been reading these threads and crying for hours!

FINALLY! There are those like me out there, struggling with the annulment process and writing each other for support! I have been involved in this process since July of 2014. I married a cradle Catholic (seeking an annulment, also) and I was raised Southern Baptist. I took my RCIA classes as far as I could this year. Because my annulment has such strong grounds, I was allowed to enroll, but could not go past the Rite of Welcome. My case lies with the Mobile Tribunal, Mobile, Alabama. I utilized a Canon Lawyer to help me construct my petition and walk me through the initial steps. I married young to escape years of an abusive home life. The marriage was doomed, but I did “the right thing” and stayed 15 years, all along being miserable. My only saving grace was my children. I do concur that the annulment is a VERY difficult and extensive process, often times frustrating and painful! I will help anyone I can. Sorry to babble, but I have been looking for this type of group for soooo long! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

 

[MJJean]

Thanks be to God for all of you! I have been reading these threads and crying for hours!

FINALLY! There are those like me out there, struggling with the annulment process and writing each other for support! I have been involved in this process since July of 2014. I married a cradle Catholic (seeking an annulment, also) and I was raised Southern Baptist. I took my RCIA classes as far as I could this year. Because my annulment has such strong grounds, I was allowed to enroll, but could not go past the Rite of Welcome. My case lies with the Mobile Tribunal, Mobile, Alabama. I utilized a Canon Lawyer to help me construct my petition and walk me through the initial steps. I married young to escape years of an abusive home life. The marriage was doomed, but I did “the right thing” and stayed 15 years, all along being miserable. My only saving grace was my children. I do concur that the annulment is a VERY difficult and extensive process, often times frustrating and painful! I will help anyone I can. Sorry to babble, but I have been looking for this type of group for soooo long! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Welcome!

I also did RCIA up til the Rite of Welcome and then I was stalled until my annulment is complete, as well. My teenage daughter did RCIA with myself and my husband, so she was able to be Baptized and Confirmed last Easter Vigil. My husband and I are still waiting. He’s a cradle catholic who was never Confirmed as a teen and I’m the previously civilly “married” and civilly divorced convert. We married while he was away from the Church and now need our marriage convalidated before we can be Confirmed and admitted to the Sacraments.

Recently, we began Confirmation prep as the Sister in charge of faith formation thinks my annulment will be completed within 3-6 months. This way we’ll be prepared to be Confirmed and have our marriage convalidated as soon as we are able to do so.

I’ve already gotten past all the paperwork and the painful process of remembering my first “marriage” and now it’s just the waiting. I think that’s the hardest part. Knowing it wasn’t a valid marriage and being in limbo until 2 Tribunals investigate and agree is indeed difficult.

We’re here for you if you need us!

 

[Convert1]

Thank you, MJ Jean! And congratulations on your recent first decision. That is a HUGE milestone! Soo happy for you! I pray for the day I can hear the same thing! You have to be over the moon with that news!!!

I do have a question:
I submitted all my final documents in September of 2014. My witnesses submitted everything by November 1st, 2014. I went for a six hour personal interview in December, also at that time, I underwent psychological testing (three tests). All this was completed by the end of December. I heard nothing until I called in February, and according to the Tribunal secretary; an “Auditor” needs to call my witnesses and personally interview them.
I have gone along with it, because, what else can you do? One of the witnesses is my brother who was also abused. So to say this is painful, is an understatement. I know all three of my witnesses were VERY thorough in their answers to their questions. This delay is maddening. Have you ever heard of this, and what is the purpose? I did not know an “Auditor” exists???

 

[Nic1099]

As always, thanks for your prayers.

No, my ex is not being difficult. He responded to his initial questionnaire with " I am not Christian and do not want to participate in this process." He signed it, had it notarized, and hasn’t responded to anything since.

Thanks MJJean

Strange how some require further observations and others don’t!

 

[dans0622]

… I heard nothing until I called in February, and according to the Tribunal secretary; an “Auditor” needs to call my witnesses and personally interview them. …Have you ever heard of this, and what is the purpose? I did not know an “Auditor” exists???

Hello,

An auditor is a person who “hears” (collects) evidence, either on his own initiative or at the specific direction of the judge (canon 1428).

As for the fact that, in your case, the witnesses are giving testimony on two occasions–I understand your frustration. Perhaps this interview will be brief…

Dan

 

[Convert1]

Dan, thank you for your reply. I have your blog spot on my favorites bar. You post some interesting articles.

The interviews are today, so I will report on the nature of them in case others encounter this.
God Bless!

 

[MJJean]

Thank you, MJ Jean! And congratulations on your recent first decision. That is a HUGE milestone! Soo happy for you! I pray for the day I can hear the same thing! You have to be over the moon with that news!!!

I do have a question:
I submitted all my final documents in September of 2014. My witnesses submitted everything by November 1st, 2014. I went for a six hour personal interview in December, also at that time, I underwent psychological testing (three tests). All this was completed by the end of December. I heard nothing until I called in February, and according to the Tribunal secretary; an “Auditor” needs to call my witnesses and personally interview them.
I have gone along with it, because, what else can you do? One of the witnesses is my brother who was also abused. So to say this is painful, is an understatement. I know all three of my witnesses were VERY thorough in their answers to their questions. This delay is maddening. Have you ever heard of this, and what is the purpose? I did not know an “Auditor” exists???

I am cautiously over the moon. I know there is a chance the Second Instance Court could find the opposite of First Instance and that would be a nightmare! But, considering the whole of my situation, I am pretty confident that the decisions will match and the annulment will be.

It’s the waiting that’s really killer. Probably because I knew even before I discovered the beauty of the Church’s teachings on marriage that my former marriage was not a real marriage other than legally. Waiting for the Church to recognize something so obvious is hard. I sometimes wonder if God is trying to teach me patience.

I have heard of Auditors doing phone or in person interviews. I’m sure they have dealt with abusive situations and will try to be as kind and gentle as possible. I actually think this is a good thing. A skilled interviewer can get more information than a paper questionnaire.

Thanks MJJean

Strange how some require further observations and others don’t!

The way it was worded included “if you wish” so I believe that further info is not required, but could be added if I thought necessary.

Dan, thank you for your reply. I have your blog spot on my favorites bar. You post some interesting articles.

The interviews are today, so I will report on the nature of them in case others encounter this.
God Bless!

I hope the interviews go well and things start moving forward for you. Hang in there!

Peace and Christ be with you.

 

[kwillson]

The clock is ticking! I haven’t heard anything about whether the ex showed an interest in reviewing the evidence, so I’m assuming he’s still refraining from participation. (fingers, toes, and everything else crossed!) So, my case is THEORETICALLY with the Defender of the Bond. Please keep me in your prayers (even a quick Hail Mary) that I hear from First Instance soon!
Keeping all of you in my prayers for your particular needs in each of your cases!

 

[Convert1]

Congratulations KWillson on your status and progress! It must be exciting to get closer.
I am trying to keep my chin up but this has really been difficult.

The “Auditor” interviewed my witnesses, and they stated it was not pleasant. I am not sure what the whole purpose of the “re-interview” was meant to accomplish, but I must have Faith that it was meant to be. Marrying to leave an abusive home is never a pleasant subject for anyone.

I have heard nothing further, and I would not expect to either. Anything I find out is because I am persistent in calling and initiating communication. I have very little trust in this process so I am constantly worried things will get missed.

I assume that my next step would be the Publication of the Acts. I am not sure how long it takes to get from all the data being gathered to publication, does anyone have a clue?

Blessings to all those in the Annulment Process!

 

[MJJean]

Congratulations KWillson on your status and progress! It must be exciting to get closer.
I am trying to keep my chin up but this has really been difficult.

The “Auditor” interviewed my witnesses, and they stated it was not pleasant. I am not sure what the whole purpose of the “re-interview” was meant to accomplish, but I must have Faith that it was meant to be. Marrying to leave an abusive home is never a pleasant subject for anyone.

I have heard nothing further, and I would not expect to either. Anything I find out is because I am persistent in calling and initiating communication. I have very little trust in this process so I am constantly worried things will get missed.

I assume that my next step would be the Publication of the Acts. I am not sure how long it takes to get from all the data being gathered to publication, does anyone have a clue?

Blessings to all those in the Annulment Process!

I’d take a guess and say the verbal interview helps the process by making sure that the witness didn’t forget to add something relevant and verify their written statements.

My witnesses turned in their testimony in November 2013. I got the Publication of the Acts notification in February 2014. 15 days after the letter my case went in line to be judged and I received my First Instance decision January 2015. But, of course, your timeline will vary. Might be sooner, might be later. Just take deep breaths and put it in the Lord’s hands when you think about it and pray.

 

[kwillson]

YAY!!! I got my first instance “Declaration of Nullity”- Got it Saturday!!! Now, on April 9 (my stepdad’s bday), it will go to the Diocese of Washington DC for the second instance. Fingers, toes, and eyeballs are crossed!!! This has to be the most excruciating thing any person has to endure in order to move on with their life, but I KNOW it’ll all be worth it in the end.

 

[kwillson]

Congratulations KWillson on your status and progress! It must be exciting to get closer.
I am trying to keep my chin up but this has really been difficult.

The “Auditor” interviewed my witnesses, and they stated it was not pleasant. I am not sure what the whole purpose of the “re-interview” was meant to accomplish, but I must have Faith that it was meant to be. Marrying to leave an abusive home is never a pleasant subject for anyone.

I have heard nothing further, and I would not expect to either. Anything I find out is because I am persistent in calling and initiating communication. I have very little trust in this process so I am constantly worried things will get missed.

I assume that my next step would be the Publication of the Acts. I am not sure how long it takes to get from all the data being gathered to publication, does anyone have a clue?

Blessings to all those in the Annulment Process!

For my Publication of the Acts, it took about 3 months from the time everyone got their paperwork in. I’m guessing it can vary, but that’s my personal experience.

 

[JillyAnn]

I got a letter from the Court of Second Instance. They let me know my case has made it to them and that I can add to it, if I wish, within the next 15 days. After that it goes in line to be judged.

So close, yet so far.

In my case, the court of second instance was the final say. Where else is your case going?

Most of the stuff is handled locally. The court of first instance was diocesan and the court of second instance was regional…and we were done.

Not sure why there is so much talk about appealing to Rome.

 

[His_helpmeet]

In my case, the court of second instance was the final say. Where else is your case going?

Most of the stuff is handled locally. The court of first instance was diocesan and the court of second instance was regional…and we were done.

Not sure why there is so much talk about appealing to Rome.

My understanding is that in the vast majority of cases, the court of second instance is where it ends. This is the usual progression:

1. The case is submitted to the local/regional tribunal.
2. The local/regional tribunal rules on the case.
3. In the case of an affirmative (i.e. marriage not valid) ruling, the local/regional tribunal automatically appeals the case to the appeals tribunal. In the case of a negative (i.e. marriage valid) ruling, the petitioner has the right to appeal to the appeals tribunal.
4. The appeals tribunal rules on the case.
5. In the case of a second affirmative (i.e. marriage not valid) ruling, this is where the process usually ends. In the case of a decision contrary to the initial ruling and/or a second negative (i.e. marriage valid) ruling, the petitioner has the right to appeal to the Roman Rota. If the petitioner and/or respondent disagree with an affirmative ruling, he and/or she also has the right to appeal to the Rota.

*I believe that the Rota rarely hears cases; I think they will usually only rule on cases where opposing rulings were granted in the lower courts. I DO know that there must be TWO affirmative decisions in order for the couple to be granted the freedom to marry.

 

[MJJean]

YAY!!! I got my first instance “Declaration of Nullity”- Got it Saturday!!! Now, on April 9 (my stepdad’s bday), it will go to the Diocese of Washington DC for the second instance. Fingers, toes, and eyeballs are crossed!!! This has to be the most excruciating thing any person has to endure in order to move on with their life, but I KNOW it’ll all be worth it in the end.

I am at the same stage in the process you are and I am feeling more peaceful about it. The wait has been killer, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter!

In my case, the court of second instance was the final say. Where else is your case going?

Most of the stuff is handled locally. The court of first instance was diocesan and the court of second instance was regional…and we were done.

Not sure why there is so much talk about appealing to Rome.

Yes, it’s the same here. There must have been some confusion due to my phrasing.

After the Court of Second Instance makes their decision they will notify me and then send all of the paperwork back to the Archdiocese who will send it on to the parish.

The only hiccup I can see is if my ex all of a sudden decides to protest out of spite. He sent his paperwork back notarized and stated that he is not a Christian and does not wish to participate in the process. However, he hasn’t been paying child support and I contacted the court. He’s been spiteful in the past when myself or his other child’s mother try to enforce the orders for support, so I could see him appealing just to give me a hard time.

 

[Convert1]

I am at the same stage in the process you are and I am feeling more peaceful about it. The wait has been killer, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter!

Yes, it’s the same here. There must have been some confusion due to my phrasing.

After the Court of Second Instance makes their decision they will notify me and then send all of the paperwork back to the Archdiocese who will send it on to the parish.

The only hiccup I can see is if my ex all of a sudden decides to protest out of spite. He sent his paperwork back notarized and stated that he is not a Christian and does not wish to participate in the process. However, he hasn’t been paying child support and I contacted the court. He’s been spiteful in the past when myself or his other child’s mother try to enforce the orders for support, so I could see him appealing just to give me a hard time.