Do I need annulment for a civil marriage?

[lprelec]

I have been in a civil marriage for 12 years and have been separated for 7 years. The marriage was never consummated, but the relationship was consummated before it became a civil marriage. Once I have a legal divorce, will I need an annulment?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Yes, you do need a decree of nullity for a civil marriage. However, if you were a baptized Catholic at the time of the civil marriage then it would be “automatically” be considered an invalid marriage. The decree of nullity would be issued on the grounds of “lack of canonical form.” You simply need to supply your baptismal certificate and copies of your marriage license and divorce decree.