Does my civil marriage need to be convalidated?

[konamom]

My husband and I married in a civil ceremony. I was not baptized at the time, but my husband was baptized Catholic as an infant. He is just now returning to the Church. I’m a convert, and was baptized/confirmed this past Easter Vigil. I’m hearing different things and I’m quite confused! Thank you and God bless!

 

[Jim_Blackburn]

Since you state that your husband “is just now returning to the Church” the answer to your question depends on your husband’s status as a Catholic when you got married.

Catholics – even lapsed Catholics – are normally required to marry in the Church or to be dispensed from this obligation so a civil marriage attempt does not result in a valid marriage; therefore, such a marriage would need to be convalidated.

However, if a Catholic has formally defected from the Church, a marriage attempt outside the Church is viewed much the same as any non-Catholic’s marriage attempt; i.e., such a marriage is presumed valid unless proven otherwise.

I recommend discussing your situation in detail with your pastor or priest as soon as possible.