Would it be sinful to have marital relations with a woman from whom one is civially divorced yet still sacramentally married?

[tmaestretti]

My wife and I have received a civil divorce. She was unfaithful, verbally abusive to me and our children, and refused to seek help for alcoholism. Most importantly to me, she has refused to actively live her faith and participate in CathoIic family life. I still consider her my wife and want to maintain a peaceful relationship wife her for the sake of my children and am open to a reconciliation should she experience a genuine conversion.
We live in separate households and three of our four children are adults who live on their own. Our 16 year old son splits time between both homes.
She and I had relations in my home and I’m wrestling with whether or not this would be considered sinful. Please help! Thanks and God bless!

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Civil divorce is of no effect towards the sacrament. Individuals are considered married until enough evidence is presented to a tribunal to declare an annulment. So I’m not sure where there would be a sin in this situation.

However, I would challenge you to think about why you’re willing to engage in marital relations with someone who is (using your words) an unrepentant unfaithful verbally abusive alcoholic? What is your end game here? Individual and marriage counseling is probably in order.