Anullment question

[Rose74]

My husband and I married civilly six years ago. I was away from the church at the time we met, dated, and married. He had been divorced for about six months at the time we met. I thought we could have our marriage convalidated at a later date because he is a former mormon (unbaptized) and I mistakenly believed non-sacramental marriages were invalid.

I would like him to apply for an anullment, but the circumstances regarding his 10 month “marriage” were extremely painful for him. I think his case has an excellent chance of being declared null. Quick summary- he married 8 weeks after meeting his ex-wife. He had cold feet about going through with the wedding, but felt obligated because her family already spent so much money. He discovered after the wedding that many of the the things she told him while they were engaged were lies. She started an affair about 4 months after the wedding. Even her pastor told him when they split up that he didn’t think the marriage would last and only married them so they wouldn’t go to the courthouse.

We once had a fight about this issue a few years ago. He doesn’t understand why he, a non-catholic, would have to go to a tribunal. How do I approach this with him? I’d like to be able to go to communion with my kids when they are older. BTW, raising the kids catholic is no problem for him. Any advice?

 

[1ke]

I would suggest that you start by picking up a copy of the book Annulment: The Wedding That Was by Michael Smith Foster and reading it together. It will help him gain an understanding of what a decree of nullity is, and isn’t.

Also, since he is unbaptized that might open up other avenues for resolution, such as a dissolution of the bond under the Pauline or Petrine Privilege.

The next step is for the two of you to make an appointment with your pastor-- and you should make one to talk to him even if your husband will not go.

 

[Catholic1954]

Make an appointment with your priest. He will be in the best position to advise you on how to proceed. Hopefully, it will just be a matter of some paperwork and maybe a waiting period until it is reviewd by the tribunal. Does he understand that the anullment is not for him so much but for you?