Prior Bond / Resistant Ex

[Heather_Maria]

Hello Everyone,

I need your help… I have a problem that I am trying to work through. I came into the Church earlier at this year’s Easter Vigil. I had been separated from my husband for a while at this point, and have just finalized my divorce today. We remain friends.

I have been planning to go through the process to request an annulment from a tribunal based on prior bond. I had discussed this with him and it seemed like he would at least not hinder me in this process, although he has not been supportive of my decision to join the Church. I should mention that he does not practice any religion, so I can definitely understand that he would not get why this is so important to me.

Anywho, I again brought up the subject with him this evening and he said that I have absolutely NO business whatsoever contacting his ex. He is adamant that I do not contact her at all.

Is there another way? I want to respect his wishes, but I don’t want to be married to him in the eyes of the Church. I had spoken with my priest and he feels that the marriage was not sacramental, so I would really like to go ahead with the petition. My case sponsor is not available this week because of the holiday…

Any constructive advise would be much appreciated.

 

[1ke]

This is a Ligamen case, not a formal nullity case. For the Ligamen case, the co-respondent (your ex’s first wife) would not have to be contacted if the respondent (your ex) supplies all the necessary paperwork and witnesses to the facts.

A Ligamen case can actualy proceed without the respondent, too, if you as the petitioner can obtain his marriage and divorce records (since they are public record you should be able to) and if you have witnesses.

The best thing is to take it one step at a time and let your advocate help you. The tribunal personnel are professionals, they deal with unresponsive and difficult respondents all the time.