My sister-in-law was married to another man before meeting my brother, but it was by law, not by the church. I was wondering, can they get married by the Church if they really wanted to?
I am no Canon Lawyer, but my understanding is that there may be a need to at least send the question to the Tribunal, or at the minimum, to a Canon Lawyer.
Your sister-in-law will need to seek an annulment, which in this case should be very straight forward because they had only a civil marraige.
Canon 1099 is probably the grounds that would be given
Error regarding marital sacramental dignity that determined the will (Canon 1099)
You and your spouse married believing that marriage is not a religious or sacred relationship but merely a civil contract or arrangement.
Your sister-in-law should talk to her pastor about getting the necessary paper work and help in filling it out, or she could talk with the diocese. In either case they will be able to help her.
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