Feeling hopeless about anullment

[Steve_P]

To the OP,

I recently have returned to the Church after being away over 35 years and I am just now beginning the annulment process. I just want to say that you are an inspiration to me through your courage and perseverance. You are in my prayers.

 

[gtd]

“I initially got married in the courthouse . . . .”

Sounds like it might be a relatively simple “defect of canonical form” annulment petition. Maybe it’s a problem with paperwork – that is, describing the marriage in proper detail so the tribunal can understand your situation. Or maybe you didn’t provide the paperwork and witnesses relevant to your situation. That is, “civil marriage with no priest, celebrated outside the church with no dispensation, and no witnesses.” In other words, not a sacramental marriage and should be easily annulled.

Hang in there and keep trying. Sometime the best advocates miss the boat and you just need to try again. Sometimes the person seeking annulment can’t focus properly to provide the advocate with proper information. Focus on the truth of your situation, pray constantly, and keep trying.

You’ll be OK.

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

“I initially got married in the courthouse . . . .”

Sounds like it might be a relatively simple “defect of canonical form” annulment petition.

The OP was not baptized at the time of marriage, thus is not subject to marriage in the Catholic form. The only way a lack of form is applicable is if the husband was baptized Catholic, which does not appear to be the case. Nor would she be asked for witnesses in a lack of form case.

If that the ex is not baptized, that is favorable to her position, as dissolution of the marriage via the Petrine Privilege may be applicable. If he is baptized, the marriage might still be able to be dissolved provided they did not have relations after she was baptized. These matters should have been discussed with her as part of the process. If not, it’s time for her to visit the Bishop’s office.