Should I seek annulment at 64

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Dlee

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I’m 64 years young and would like to have a man friend, maybe marriage, who is also Catholic. I received a civil divorce in 2000 and my ex remarried immediately. I haven’t so much thought about dating. Should I meet with Fr. and start the process just in case or wait until it happens? Am I likely to meet anyone at church events? Possibly better through friends.
 
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Dlee said:
Should I meet with Fr. and start the process just in case or wait until it happens?
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Actually, meet with Fr. and ask his advice. This isn’t the type of question that is best answered by random strangers on an internet forum.
 
I would advise against waiting for it to happen’dating’ before seeking an Anullment Dlee.
Do meet your priest as the other poster recommend.God bless.
 
Absolutely!

Find out if you are free to date before dipping your toe in the water.

Google the name of your Diocese + the word “Tribunal” and you will find out the process in your Diocese.
 
Dlee said:
I’m 64 years young and would like to have a man friend, maybe marriage, who is also Catholic. I received a civil divorce in 2000 and my ex remarried immediately. I haven’t so much thought about dating. Should I meet with Fr. and start the process just in case or wait until it happens? Am I likely to meet anyone at church events? Possibly better through friends.
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If you think you might be open to a relationship at any point in the future, I’d pursue an annulment now. This way you can get the process over with now and not have it put any strain on a relationship you may have already started. It can sometimes take awhile, and if on the chance it is not annulled, that is something you’ll want to know.
 
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It’s never too late! Someone in my family went through the process in her 60s even though the divorce had happened 30 years prior. She is very happy she did so. Just make an appointment with your priest and speak with him about getting the ball rolling. Or you can also contact the diocesan tribunal office directly.
 
Yes, it is wise to have that taken care of before you start dating. That way you know whether you are free to marry instead of putting that uncertainty on a new relationship. Plenty of people don’t think about it until they are engaged (not a good plan), so you are smart to think of it now. Talk to your priest to get the ball rolling. 🙂
 
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Speak to your priest. If you think you might date and you’re not free to date, start now. Some people will not want to date someone else who isn’t free to marry.
 
Definitely start the process now, Dlee. It can take a very longtime depending. If I were in your position, I’d want to know if I am free to date before I became attached to anyone.
 
Do you think the marriage was actually invalid? I don’t want an answer to this question but it must be considered and should be discussed with a local priest.

Dan
 
Yes, I think you should regardless of your relationship status, for the simple reason that it sets the record straight and makes a definitive determination on whether or not your former union is sacramentally valid in the eyes of God and the Church. Speaking from experience, don’t wait until you “need” it. Both my fiancée and I waited for decrees of nullity prior to dating again, and while it was painful, it was the best decision we could have made.
 
Yes, visit with your priest and start the process now.

Most people are frustrated if they feel called to marriage and find out they need an annulment that typically takes 12 - 18 months. Add on 6 - 12 months for marriage prep and you see where the frustration comes from.

Additionally, if you previous union was invalid, it will allow your ex to validly marriage his new wife.

Call and make an appointment right away.
Deacon Christopher
 
Thanks for all of your responses. It feels like unsettled business - so I will discuss with my priest.
 
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