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More properly called a “declaration of invalidity”, a Church annulment is a statement is a decision by competent Church authority that at the time of a couple’s wedding, something essential to marriage was lacking either through exclusion, omission, or personal incapacity. Such cases most often are initiated by one of the parties who must prove that, despite all appearances to the contrary, his or her marriage lacked an essential something.

No! In fact, the Church begins with the logical presumption that at the time of their wedding, both parties understood what marriage is, intended that for themselves, and had the wherewithal both to exchange consent and to make good on their vows. The contrary must be proven.

In the Diocese of Richmond, there is no fee for this process.

In rare cases, a briefer process can be invoked. The briefer process requires (a) both parties agree not only the marriage is null but that it’s null on the same basis in Church law; and (b) there is nearly incontrovertible proof of what the parties claim. In such cases a diocesan bishop, after consultation, issues a decree to the effect the union was invalid from its beginning. More often, either parties disagree about the basis for nullity or proof of what’s claimed is not readily obtained. In such cases, the ordinary process in the Church’s law is used.

The law of the Church recommends the matters be resolved within one year of a tribunal having accepted a petition for nullity.

A person can present a petition to the diocese (a) where the wedding took place, or (b) where either party lives, or (c) the diocese where most of the evidence will be gathered (can 1672).

The best place to begin is at your local Catholic parish. Either a priest, deacon or member of the parish staff should be able to assist you. If not, you are free to call this or any diocesan tribunal for help.