Remarriage after converting...?

[Soulsearcher]

I am currently a non-denominational Christian who is going through her second divorce. I wasn’t raised in any religion, but my grandparents and most of my extended family are Catholic. I’ve been searching and inquiring about becoming a Catholic with a local church. I was my first husband’s second wife. We were married civilly first, then had a Wesleyan church wedding. My first question is: does the Catholic church recognize that marriage should I become a Catholic myself now? Secondly, is my second marriage recognized, considering either it being my second marriage or the fact that it was just a civil ceremony? To sum it up, what I’d really like to know is if I become a Catholic at this stage in my life, would I have any hope of remarrying another Catholic and having a recognized marriage? Thank you.

 

[puzzleannie]

If you were to become Catholic and wished to marry, or if you wish to marry a Catholic now, the status of your prior marriages would have to be investigated by the canon law tribunal of your current diocese, or the diocese where you lived when you married. It is worth it by the way to find out if the process is generally faster in either of those dioceses. Your nearest Catholic pastor can tell you how to get started with this process.

The earliest marriage would be examined first, to determine if the conditions necessary for valid marriage were present at the time it was contracted. If your ex had been married before, and his first marriage was valid, then he was not free to marry you, and your first marriage was therefore invalid. Then marriage no.2 would be investigated. You can see why an investigation can become time consuming and complex, because the circumstances of your exes prior marriages also have to be looked at.

You will be asked to fill out an interview form giving full information on your prior marriages, plus names and contact info of people who can attest to the circumstances pertaining at the time you married. The more complete the info, the faster the investigation proceeds. You need have no personal contact with ex or witnesses if you don’t want to. Also you will be asked to provide original marriage licences, divorce paperwork etc. Get guidance from a priest or deacon familiar with the annulment process for completing this interview form. your goal is to provide the most accurate complete info to speed up their investigation.

When and if you receive an decree of nullity–a declaration that no valid marriage ever took place–you will be free to marry. Not until then should you consider dating or becoming romantically involved with anyone.

If you are divorced and not remarried, and living a chaste life, there is nothing to prevent you from beginning the RCIA process and entering into full communion with the Catholic Church. You need to consider annulment only if you plan to remarry someday.

 

[1ke]

I am currently a non-denominational Christian who is going through her second divorce. I wasn’t raised in any religion, but my grandparents and most of my extended family are Catholic. I’ve been searching and inquiring about becoming a Catholic with a local church. I was my first husband’s second wife. We were married civilly first, then had a Wesleyan church wedding. My first question is: does the Catholic church recognize that marriage should I become a Catholic myself now? Secondly, is my second marriage recognized, considering either it being my second marriage or the fact that it was just a civil ceremony? To sum it up, what I’d really like to know is if I become a Catholic at this stage in my life, would I have any hope of remarrying another Catholic and having a recognized marriage? Thank you.

(1) If you are no longer living with your 2nd spouse, you would be able to enter the Catholic Church. You should consult a priest regarding particulars.

(2) Before you could contract a marriage in the Catholic Church both of your prior marriages would need to be formally investigated to determine your freedom to marry. The particulars and the outcome will depend on many factors particular to your case. You should discuss this with your priest and competent authority in the diocese.

The particulars of your questions cannot be answered here. Please go see a priest.

 

[gvogt4]

The particulars of your questions cannot be answered here. Please go see a priest.

Yes, and I am sure some of what you have already read can sound overwhelming.

Go see a priest. It could be the first step in a beautiful new direction.

 

[Fred_4]

You are always free to convert and most welcome! If you wish to marry again that may be a problem. Protestant church weddings are assumed to be valid by the Catholic church. See your priest for guidance in seeking an annullment for that. It may be possible and may be not. The Tribunal for your diocese has that authority. God bless.

 

[Seatuck]

Yes, please go see a priest or call the Diocese and ask to speak to someone from the Marriage Tribunal.

The best I can do is pray for you and I have.