Witness Questions for Declaration of Nullity

  • Thread starter Thread starter lizaanne
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
L

lizaanne

Guest
Was thinking about this the other day, and wondered if anyone can help me.

When I went through the nullity process myself many years ago, I had to select witnesses to respond on my behalf. As is the practice, I was not able to see their responses, which is totally fine. But I’m wondering if anyone happens to have a list of the questions they are asked to respond to as witnesses, so I can at least know what they were asked.

Thanks much!!
~Liza
 
I was absolutely able to read what my witnesses wrote, and several of them gave me copies before they submitted them. They are asked if they are related by blood, how long they knew me and in what capacity, if anyone had concerns about the marriage before the wedding, knowledge of the marriage in general, knowledge of the breakup of the marriage, and if anyone had any reason to believe either spouse might not tell the truth.

It was pretty darn thorough.
 
Thank you!!! I think I remember (it was 12 years ago) that I was offered an opportunity to read the file for a limited period of time, but after that it was sealed.

Didn’t remember that until I read your post!

Thanks!
~Liza
 
I have chosen not to read my witness statements as my xh chose not to participate. However my best friend from high school who was an integral part of our lives throughout the marriage did give me the blow by blow after - she did her testimony by phone interview as they lost her testimony twice. She said the funniest part was that she had to go lock herself in the car because everytime she tried to say something tactfully about my xh her dh would come in the room and start making faces and pretending to hang himself making her want to bust out laughing. This is what I choose to take away and remember about the whole process when it is all over - what great and supportive friends I have.
 
Affidavit Regarding the Free Status of Bride or Groom

According to the NCCB Publication “Faithful to Each Other Forever, 1989” (page 147), two witnesses for each party should be interviewed using this Affidavit when any of the following applies:
  1. Proof of baptism should be ascertained when a certificate is unavailable.
  2. Proof of canonical freedom to marry must be ascertained when a party lives outside the diocese or if doubt exists in the mind of the officiant concerning freedom to marry.
  3. Attitude of both sets of parents to the proposed marriage can be extremely important when the party is under 21 years of age or appears to be very immature.
  4. When a party is a minor, under 18 years of age, the potential for a stable marriage needs to be investigated.
Parental testimony is always preferred and should only be neglected for grave reasons.
Witness for _____________________ who wishes to marry ______________________
  1. Your full name: ________________
    Address: _______________________
    Telephone: ______________________
  2. How are you related to the above mentioned party? ___________
  3. How long have you known him/her? ___
  4. Was the above person ever baptized? _____ Date: __________
    Church: _________ City: _____________
  5. As far as you know or have heard, has he/she ever been married at any time in his/her life? ____
    If yes: How many times: ___ With whom: _______________
    Place of marriage: _____________
    Approximate date: _____________
  6. As far as you know, do the parents (or guardians) consent to this marriage? ___
    (If not, please state their objections on reverse side)
  7. Do you know of any reason why this couple should not get married? ___
    If so, please explain: ____________________________________________
  8. As far as you know, are there any conditions of any kind being attached to this marriage by either of the parties to the marriage? ___
  9. Is any person or circumstance forcing either one to marry against his/her will? ___
    If so, please explain: _______________________________________________
  10. Do you know of any reason on the part of either of these persons, why the forthcoming marriage would not be lawful and valid? ___ .
    If so, please explain: _______________________________________________
    As God is my witness, what I have stated above is true.
    Your Signature: ___________________
    If possible:
    Signature of Priest/Deacon/Pastoral Minister/Notary Public: ____________________
    Parish: __________________________
    City/State: SEAL
    Date: _______
 
Vico said:
Affidavit Regarding the Free Status of Bride or Groom

According to the NCCB Publication “Faithful to Each Other Forever, 1989” (page 147), two witnesses for each party should be interviewed using this Affidavit when any of the following applies:
  1. Proof of baptism should be ascertained when a certificate is unavailable.
  2. Proof of canonical freedom to marry must be ascertained when a party lives outside the diocese or if doubt exists in the mind of the officiant concerning freedom to marry.
  3. Attitude of both sets of parents to the proposed marriage can be extremely important when the party is under 21 years of age or appears to be very immature.
  4. When a party is a minor, under 18 years of age, the potential for a stable marriage needs to be investigated.
Parental testimony is always preferred and should only be neglected for grave reasons.
Witness for _____________________ who wishes to marry ______________________
  1. Your full name: ________________
    Address: _______________________
    Telephone: ______________________
  2. How are you related to the above mentioned party? ___________
  3. How long have you known him/her? ___
  4. Was the above person ever baptized? _____ Date: __________
    Church: _________ City: _____________
  5. As far as you know or have heard, has he/she ever been married at any time in his/her life? ____
    If yes: How many times: ___ With whom: _______________
    Place of marriage: _____________
    Approximate date: _____________
  6. As far as you know, do the parents (or guardians) consent to this marriage? ___
    (If not, please state their objections on reverse side)
  7. Do you know of any reason why this couple should not get married? ___
    If so, please explain: ____________________________________________
  8. As far as you know, are there any conditions of any kind being attached to this marriage by either of the parties to the marriage? ___
  9. Is any person or circumstance forcing either one to marry against his/her will? ___
    If so, please explain: _______________________________________________
  10. Do you know of any reason on the part of either of these persons, why the forthcoming marriage would not be lawful and valid? ___ .
    If so, please explain: _______________________________________________
    As God is my witness, what I have stated above is true.
    Your Signature: ___________________
    If possible:
    Signature of Priest/Deacon/Pastoral Minister/Notary Public: ____________________
    Parish: __________________________
    City/State: SEAL
    Date: _______
Click to expand...
These are the questions for those getting married not those seeking a decree of nullity.
 
I googled

In addition the questionnaire says this:

The Tribunal is an EXTERNAL forum. All testimony given by the Petitioner and/or
Respondent, as well as their witnesses, can be seen by the Petitioner, Respondent and the
Tribunal officials. This right is considered “the right to defense” in case one would like to
give additional testimony. If, because of the sensitivity of the information given, the person
would like the information confidential he/she can give reasons in writing why he/she wishes
this information to be kept confidential. The final decision in this matter will remain with the
presiding Judge (Canon 1598).
 
KostyaJMJ said:
I googled

In addition the questionnaire says this:

The Tribunal is an EXTERNAL forum. All testimony given by the Petitioner and/or
Respondent, as well as their witnesses, can be seen by the Petitioner, Respondent and the
Tribunal officials. This right is considered “the right to defense” in case one would like to
give additional testimony. If, because of the sensitivity of the information given, the person
would like the information confidential he/she can give reasons in writing why he/she wishes
this information to be kept confidential. The final decision in this matter will remain with the
presiding Judge (Canon 1598).
Click to expand...
Outstanding!! Thank you!! 🙂

~Liza
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top