Annulments/support group

[Peebo]

Yikes! Did she call back again? I received a call back from the Expert Witness office same day. What does her timeline look like compared to mine?

I will pray that she receives a call back soon.

She had left a message…then she called and was told she would get a call back…never did…she called the diocese at Pensacola which is handling the annulment 2 weeks later to tell them she hadn’t heard from the expert witness…(Tallahassee)…she was told she is very busy…that was the last she heard from anyone…it will be 12 months next month she applied for the annulment…as the Catholic in the family I’m ready to call it quits and find another church but she’s set on becoming a Catholic

 

[Casilda]

I am wondering if I could ask a question regarding the annulment process started by my parents back in the mid 50’s? That was a real hard time to be a divorced mom with a young child. My mom’s annulment was stalled when they were unable to find the ex-husband. My parents gave up and married civilly.

Could I possibly resume that annulment process on behalf of my now dead parents, to get their marriage blessed? They died a year apart, after over 50yrs of faithful marriage.

 

[dans0622]

I am wondering if I could ask a question regarding the annulment process started by my parents back in the mid 50’s? That was a real hard time to be a divorced mom with a young child. My mom’s annulment was stalled when they were unable to find the ex-husband. My parents gave up and married civilly.

Could I possibly resume that annulment process on behalf of my now dead parents, to get their marriage blessed? They died a year apart, after over 50yrs of faithful marriage.

Hello,

No, you could not. It is possible to have a case involving a deceased Party (or Parties) but the circumstances are limited and your situation is not one of the circumstances (c. 1575).

Dan

 

[Convert1]

Hello,

Don’t be afraid to call the Tribunal and ask what is involved in the meeting with the Expert. I could tell you what I have usually seen but there might be variations. So, I’d ask the Tribunal.

As for timing, again, you can ask the Tribunal what to expect. They may tell you “we’ll see how it goes” or some other non-committal sort of answer…which is often all they can say.

Dan

Dan
My case was closed on in April. The letter my priest and I received said specifically NOT to call the Tribunal as they were “busy” with cases. Do we have any rights under canon law to find out our status? Also, my “advocate” at the Tribunal has never responded to my email or phone message in the past.
What do you suggest?

 

[dans0622]

Dan
My case was closed on in April. The letter my priest and I received said specifically NOT to call the Tribunal as they were “busy” with cases. Do we have any rights under canon law to find out our status? Also, my “advocate” at the Tribunal has never responded to my email or phone message in the past.
What do you suggest?

Hello,

I like how you put “advocate” in quotes. Seems there could be a little more “advocating” going on.

It seems to me that it is common sense to say that a Petitioner has a “right under canon law to find out (the) status” of his/her case. I can think of no explicit passage in the law stating this…like I said, it seems self-evident: you can communicate with the Tribunal whenever you want, to see what is going on with your case. I wouldn’t recommend calling every day or week but if we’re talking about calling once every few months, how could that be a problem?

If you received such a directive, though, that’s the way it is. I don’t understand it and don’t agree with it… But, at the end of the day, I’m just a guy on the internet with no influence or authority in your actual situation.

Dan

 

[Convert1]

Hello,

… But, at the end of the day, I’m just a guy on the internet with no influence or authority in your actual situation.

Dan

For a guy on the internet, I’d say you are pretty awesome in your constant commitment to this forum. Thank you, Dan.

I used to pray to God to expedite,my annulment. Now I just pray for patience. I think I will give them a call in July after they have had 90 days. I don’t think that’s unreasonable. God Bless You.

 

[forgetmenot]

the problem at the first hearing was that I had insufficient evidence. When my husband proposed to me at that point I realised I should appeal so that we could look forward to a time in the future when we could be consolidated. That was in October 2013 when I wrote to the judicial vicar for my diocese asking about an appeal. I heard about a year later that the appeal had been upheld by the first tribunal and so it is now in the vatican for its second hearing waiting for an attorney to be appointed. (as I cannot afford to pay for one that I chose myself), My question is how long will it take now? My husband would like to be baptised and is holding back till the result for fear of being refused.

Hi, rose2. I am sorry it has gotten this far. I would strongly suggest you contact a Canon lawyer (you can PM me and I can recommend one if you can’t find). Yes, it’s $, but well worth the price. I’m not familiar with what information can be submitted now that the case has gone so far as the Vatican (that’s a DanS question), but, my thought is that you might have a new ground to submit a new request. It is obvious that there wasn’t enough info the first time, and acting as your own attorney is not the best choice, still. We learned from our mistakes and thankfully all worked out in the end. Best wishes.

 

[Peebo]

Yikes! Did she call back again? I received a call back from the Expert Witness office same day. What does her timeline look like compared to mine?

I will pray that she receives a call back soon.

I called the diocese myself 3 days ago.my wife (bless her) was afraid to call as she didn’t want to seem like she was being pushy…I also called the expert witness office…they said they couldn’t understand why she hadn’t received a call back but the receptionist said she would tell the expert witness…next day the diocese called back and said they had called the office also…later that day the psychologist (expert witness) called and set a date for next week…I guess it sometimes pays to be " pushy"…I hope it’s worth it…it costs $300 for the interview.

 

[forgetmenot]

I called the diocese myself 3 days ago.my wife (bless her) was afraid to call as she didn’t want to seem like she was being pushy…I also called the expert witness office…they said they couldn’t understand why she hadn’t received a call back but the receptionist said she would tell the expert witness…next day the diocese called back and said they had called the office also…later that day the psychologist (expert witness) called and set a date for next week…I guess it sometimes pays to be " pushy"…I hope it’s worth it…it costs $300 for the interview.

Worth every penny. Please have your wife prepare herself as much as she can, example go over her written testimony.

 

[dans0622]

Hi, rose2. I am sorry it has gotten this far. I would strongly suggest you contact a Canon lawyer (you can PM me and I can recommend one if you can’t find). Yes, it’s $, but well worth the price. I’m not familiar with what information can be submitted now that the case has gone so far as the Vatican (that’s a DanS question), but, my thought is that you might have a new ground to submit a new request. It is obvious that there wasn’t enough info the first time, and acting as your own attorney is not the best choice, still. We learned from our mistakes and thankfully all worked out in the end. Best wishes.

Hello,

What information can be submitted? Whatever the Rota asks for can be submitted. If the Judges think it necessary, they will practically re-investigate the case from start to finish.

As for a lawyer, everyone who has a case accepted at the Rota is assigned to an Advocate who can function before the Rota (and this can be free of charge). This is automatic.

The list of people who can act before the Rota is rather short–the typical canon lawyer can’t do it (special classes are required along with an actual, specific approval from the Dean of the Rota).

Dan

 

[rose2]

Thanks Dan

Its great that you are here to clarify things.

A very long list came from the diocese last week with the names of Advocates, although those who could use English was shorter. There was no information about them so it would have been impossible to know who to choose. However I was saved having to do that as my finances are stretched to say the least. I sent the diocese my bank statements and explained my circumstances. I got a very nice letter back to say they would recommend I be allocated an advocate without having to pay.

I just wanted to tell you so people will be reassured that the process is not about money. I pray the truth will be seen in the evidence that has been submitted.

I understand being an advocate is a paid position so of course if I had the means I would expect to pay.

Please pay for my family and my new husband. God Bless. Rose

 

[EvelynEVF]

Dan and others,

I’m in a situation where a bitter, abusive, non Catholic ex spouse has fought my petition tooth and nail, with everything from intimidation to intentional delays. The first instance decision was for nullity, and he has now appealed to the Rota. There are piles of testimony in a file 4" thick.

I believe the evidence is clear and overwhelmingly in favor of nullity. Is there any advantage to my hiring a canon lawyer at this point in the process, or do I just have to find the resolve to wait a few more years for the Rota to get through the case?

Thanks.

 

[dans0622]

Dan and others,

I’m in a situation where a bitter, abusive, non Catholic ex spouse has fought my petition tooth and nail, with everything from intimidation to intentional delays. The first instance decision was for nullity, and he has now appealed to the Rota. There are piles of testimony in a file 4" thick.

I believe the evidence is clear and overwhelmingly in favor of nullity. Is there any advantage to my hiring a canon lawyer at this point in the process, or do I just have to find the resolve to wait a few more years for the Rota to get through the case?

Thanks.

Hello,

I’m happy to hear that the first instance decision has finally been handed down.

Sometimes, I hear of people trying to convince the Rota to send an appealed case back to the normal Second Instance Court for the area. I have no idea if such requests are ever granted but it would be something like “Due to the excessive delay in coming to a decision in first instance…due to the obvious and demonstrated attempts of the Respondent to cause useless and unnecessary delays, due to the demonstrated fact that the Respondent has no real interest in justice (or the validity of the marriage or whatever), etc., I respectfully request that the case be sent to such and such tribunal so that a final decision may be reached in an appropriately brief period of time.”

A lawyer could help in drafting such a request. Other than that, you could have an additional advocate (such as your parish priest–the Rota tends to value the statements of parish priests quite highly) who could argue your case and/or testify to your faithfulness and the Respondent’s recalcitrance. The bulk of the advocate work, though, should be handled by the Roman Advocate.

Dan

 

[loralee238]

I am thankful to have found this forum.

I am not Catholic, but planning to start RCIA in the fall. I am recently engaged to a wonderful Catholic man I have known for over 30 years. I submitted my forms for annulment in March, my witnesses statements were completed in May, and now I am waiting for publication of the acts.

I have been married twice. In going through this process I have found that my understanding of marriage was wrong. (Protestant background, Family with multiple divorces and marriages.) I am thankful for the healing and the understanding that this process brings about, but I’m frustrated that this process takes so long. As someone who wants to join the Catholic faith, it seems like a shorter process would be more welcoming, but I understand that it is very serious work that is taking place.

Any advice on how I can get through this process with grace and come out on the other side? Right now it feels like there is no other side.

Thank you all for your support.

 

[Convert1]

Any advice on how I can get through this process with grace and come out on the other side? Right now it feels like there is no other side.

Thank you all for your support.

Welcome!
The process is certainly a long one, you are right about that. And all Dioceses are different. I am on my 11th month. I read my Publication of the Acts in April, and I am now waiting on the First Decision .
There seems to be a big lag between the two for most people. Sometimes many months. This area is definitely one place that could change by perhaps giving Dioceses a time limit between the two. Anyway I will list for you my coping with the waiting, as you are correct, it is hard.

1. Stay informed. Check on the status of your case with your advocate and the Tribunal. I try to check every 45-60 days, just to keep my case fresh on their minds.
2. When you get frustrated, have some conversation with your Priest. He will help you through such a difficult time.
3. Pray. This is really a big one that helps me. I know Christ will provide this answer in his own time and I trust his purpose.

Use this forum when you have questions. It has been a wonderful support! God Bless You and hang in there.!

 

[Nic1099]

Dan and others,

I’m in a situation where a bitter, abusive, non Catholic ex spouse has fought my petition tooth and nail, with everything from intimidation to intentional delays. The first instance decision was for nullity, and he has now appealed to the Rota. There are piles of testimony in a file 4" thick.

Hi EvelynEVF

I am sorry to hear about your situation. I too, had to deal with a bitter, aggressive ex who objected to the Decree of Nullity, which thank God, I received last year. Despite two affirmative decisions, my ex threatened to ‘appeal’ to Rome but to date, I have heard nothing. I am getting married in just over two months time, so please God, all will go smoothly.

I am thinking of you and will continue to pray for a successful resolution for you.

Nic

 

[BelleFL]

June 20, 2015 - I received a letter from the Tribunal stating they were like the (name removed by moderator)ut of an “Expert Witness”. So I am now scheduled to see the psychiatrist they recommended in 2 weeks (this was first available).

Does anyone have experience with seeing an Expert Witness? What to expect? How long after your appointment with the Expert Witness did it take for you to receive your next correspondence from the Tribunal?

July 7 - Expert Witness appointment ($450)
July 27 - Received letter of Affirmation from Diocese. Next and Final step is to receive final decision from Arch Diocese in Miami. Any idea of approximately how long this will take?

 

[DCNBILL]

July 7 - Expert Witness appointment ($450)
July 27 - Received letter of Affirmation from Diocese. Next and Final step is to receive final decision from Arch Diocese in Miami. Any idea of approximately how long this will take?

I have seen this process take 3 to 8 weeks in the Archdiocese of Miami. I think it depends on how many cases they have pending.

God bless

 

[kristis524]

I am just beginning this process. I am currently waiting for my first contact with my sponsor. I downloaded all the forms from my diocese, would it be helpful (speed things up) if I filled out all the forms before I meet with my sponsor so we can just go over them rather than start from scratch. I also have all of the documents with the exception of my ex-husband’s baptismal certificate (I have requested that). Is there anything else I can do to speed up my side of the process? I am not engaged or dating, I just want it out of my hands.

Thanks for you help

 

[MJJean]

I am just beginning this process. I am currently waiting for my first contact with my sponsor. I downloaded all the forms from my diocese, would it be helpful (speed things up) if I filled out all the forms before I meet with my sponsor so we can just go over them rather than start from scratch. I also have all of the documents with the exception of my ex-husband’s baptismal certificate (I have requested that). Is there anything else I can do to speed up my side of the process? I am not engaged or dating, I just want it out of my hands.

Thanks for you help

I also downloaded the forms and got my additional paperwork ordered before I met with my Advocate. I did some research so I would know the process and what kind of information the Tribunal was looking for. Then I filled out my questionnaire, copied it to disc, and copied it to thumb drive before printing it out.

It was a total of 19 pages, typed! Whew!

I liked having it done before the appointment so that I could go back and add relevant things I remembered and remove superfluous information.

When I met with my Advocate, we went over everything to make sure there was enough information included in my answers, signed the documents, and sent the printed documents along with the disc to the Tribunal.

The only helpful hints I can offer:

Make sure your Witnesses are on board, reliable, and will turn in their questionnaires promptly. Sometimes, as in my case, getting the Witnesses to turn in their questionnaires is like herding cats! Witnesses not responding can delay the process quite a bit!

If your Tribunal says that an e-copy (disc, drive, or email) will speed up the process a bit, believe them!

Make sure you have current contact info for your ex and, if you’re on decent terms, secure the ex’s cooperation if at all possible. If the ex doesn’t want to participate, ask that he write something along the lines of “I do not wish to participate in this process.” on his paperwork, has it notarized, and mails it in to the Tribunal. If he doesn’t respond, the Tribunal will give him something like a month to reply. Then they will send him another letter and wait another 2 weeks to a month! It sure seeds things up if he responds one way or another.

Respond to any and all communications with the Tribunal as soon as possible.

Don’t be afraid to call your Advocate or the Tribunal if you have any questions or concerns.

My Tribunal says Annulments take anywhere from 12-18 months. Mine took 21 months. Every Tribunal is different and processing time can vary widely from place to place depending on number of cases, staff, and other factors.

May the Lord grant you a speedy and just decision.