Seeking Annulment FOR Someone Else?

[concretengrace]

I’m in RCIA and converting from Protestantism. I and my husband are both previously divorced. I’ve begun the process of seeking an annulment for my previous marriage, but my husband is not thrilled about me coming into the Church in the first place and does not want to seek an annulment for his first marriage.

Possibly because he knows I can’t enter the Church without it and he’s not thrilled about the Church. Talking to him about it has resulted in further stubbornness and unwillingness to talk about it any more.

Would it be possible to seek an annulment for him if I submitted the paperwork?

 

[Catholic1954]

I am sorry for your trouble, but no, you can’t file for an annulment on behalf of your husband. Please make an appointment with the pastor, ASAP, to discuss this problem. He will be in the best position to advise you.

 

[AdamP88]

I think you only need an annulment for you. He doesn’t have to be on board with it.

Also do you mean you can’t enter the church without an annulment? I don’t think that’s the case.

 

[Phemie]

I think you only need an annulment for you. He doesn’t have to be on board with it.

Also do you mean you can’t enter the church without an annulment? I don’t think that’s the case.

Even if her marriage is found to be invalid and she’s free to marry, he isn’t so they are in an invalid marriage and she cannot be received into full communion.

 

[1ke]

I think you only need an annulment for you. He doesn’t have to be on board with it.

Also do you mean you can’t enter the church without an annulment? I don’t think that’s the case.

No Adam. Both she and her husband have prior bonds. Both bonds must be examined by the tribunal for nullity or have the bond dissolved via Pauline or Petrine privilege if applicable.

 

[1ke]

Would it be possible to seek an annulment for him if I submitted the paperwork?

Please bring the situation to your pastor. After discussing with him, make an appointment for both of you to have a sit down with your pastor. Your husband probably has some fears or concerns that can be resolved by a discussion with the pastor.

Ultimately, only he or his first spouse can petition regarding the bond.

 

[AdamP88]

No Adam. Both she and her husband have prior bonds. Both bonds must be examined by the tribunal for nullity or have the bond dissolved via Pauline or Petrine privilege if applicable.

What? Really? So BOTH parties must seek an annulment in order for the Church to consider it?

 

[Phemie]

What? Really? So BOTH parties must seek an annulment in order for the Church to consider it?

I’m not quite sure what you’re asking.

If she approaches the Church for an annulment, the Church will examine her prior marriage and rule on its validity. Nothing he does or doesn’t do affects that. If the annulment is granted she is free to marry.

But unless he approaches the Church for an annulment and his prior marriage is found to be invalid, he is not free to marry. So regardless of their civil status, they are not married to each other as far as the Church is concerned. Unless that can be rectified she can’t become Catholic.

 

[1ke]

What? Really? So BOTH parties must seek an annulment in order for the Church to consider it?

I don’t understand your question.

There are two diffent marriages and two different cases here. Each involving two different sets of people.