Can a Catholic Remarry Without an Annulment?

When you stand at the altar and exchange vows, your heart is filled with hope. You never expect your marriage to go off course or end. For Catholics, marriage is a sacrament, a lifelong commitment before God. But life can take unexpected turns, and sometimes, despite best efforts, a marriage may not work out.

At Catholic Annulment – Another Chance, we help individuals through the complex Catholic marriage annulment process. Our team of active and former church judges, along with expert canon lawyers, work with you to identify the legal grounds for annulment so your case is presented in the best possible manner. Seeking an annulment isn’t just a legal process—it’s also a spiritual journey. Here’s what you need to know about remarriage and annulment in the Catholic Church.

What Is an Annulment?

An annulment, or a “declaration of nullity,” is a ruling by the Catholic Church that a marriage, while appearing valid, was not sacramentally binding. Unlike a civil divorce, which ends a legal marriage, an annulment states that the marriage was never valid in the eyes of the Church.

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Why Is an Annulment Necessary for Remarriage?

For a Catholic, marriage is a sacred covenant. If you’ve been previously married and divorced without an annulment, the Church considers you still bound to your former spouse. Without a Catholic annulment, remarriage in the Church is not permitted, and any new union would not be recognized by the Church.

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What Are the Grounds for Annulment?

To receive an annulment, you must prove that the marriage was invalid from the start. There are several potential grounds for annulment, including lack of consent, psychological immaturity, fraud, or a misunderstanding about the nature of marriage. Our annulment attorneys at Catholic Annulment – Another Chance can help you understand which grounds may apply to your situation.

How to Get an Annulment in the Catholic Church

The first step is to submit a petition to a Church tribunal, detailing the reasons why your marriage should be declared null. Our annulment attorneys specializes in helping you identify these reasons and guiding you through the preparation of your written testimony.

How Long is the Annulment Process?

Annulments can take time, depending on the complexity of the case. However, certain situations qualify for a shorter process, especially if the grounds for annulment are clear. By working with our team of church judges, you will be presenting a strong case from the beginning, improving your chances of a quicker resolution.

What Happens After You Receive an Annulment?

Once your annulment is granted, you are free to marry in the Catholic Church. This opens up the possibility for a new beginning, where you can enter into a sacramental union that is recognized by both the Church and God.

Without an annulment, the Church still views you as married to your former spouse, which prevents you from entering into another sacramental marriage. This is why seeking an annulment is crucial if you wish to remarry within the Catholic Church. Everyone deserves another chance at a life that reflects their faith. If you’re hoping to remarry in the Catholic Church, but still have questions about how to get an annulment, we’re here to help.

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