Annulment
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are you considering petitioning for an annulment or have questions about the annulment process?
Contact our lay advocate:
Paula Cross
(970)618-6430 -
Myth vs. Truth
MYTH: Annulments are expensive and time consuming.
TRUTH: Funds received by the generous supporters of the Annual Ministry Appeal and other donors enable the process to be free. While documentary cases requires less than one month, cases requiring an examination are completed within ten to eighteen months.
MYTH: My previous spouse needs to cooperate in the annulment process.
TRUTH: While the cooperation of the previous spouse will provide the Tribunal greater clarity and insights, the grant of an annulment is not conditioned on his/her cooperation.
MYTH: An annulment renders the children of a marriage illegitimate.
TRUTH: Both parties exchanged consent with the best of intentions. An annulment has no civil effects and it does not change the status or “legitimacy” of children in any way.
MYTH: I am excommunicated from the Church and unable to receive communion because I am divorced.
TRUTH: Divorce does not result in excommunicated from the Church. There is nothing in divorce itself that prevents a divorced Catholic from receiving the Eucharist and the Sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick. Persons who attempt a subsequent marriage, however, are to refrain from receiving the Eucharist.
MYTH: Couples married for many years cannot receive a divorce.
TRUTH: Couples stay together for many years due to children, social or family pressure or business. Though they have struggled mightily, they have probably not been living a community of love. It is possible for long-term marriages to be declared null because merely staying together is different than the establishment of a true partnership. -
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