Who can apply for an annulment process? Anyone who has been married, then received a decree of civil divorce, can apply. Sometimes, the former spouse also voluntarily participates in the process.

What documents do you need to begin the process? A copy of your marriage certificate, a copy of your civil divorce decree, completion of a petition and a written detail history of your relationship with your former spouse, sent to our diocesan tribunal is all that is needed to begin.

Are there others I can name to assist in the process? Yes, absolutely! They would be your witnesses. The best witnesses would be those who knew you and your former spouse before the failed marriage actually began.

What is the length of time from the beginning to end for the annulment process? Ordinarily, the length of time is about eighteen months, however, occasionally less, if the evidence can be acquired in a timely manner.

What about my children? Will that be considered illegitimate, if my marriage is annulled? Unfortunately, there is a misunderstanding about that aspect of the annulment process. An annulment granted for a failed marriage does not impact the legitimacy of the children whatsoever.

What is the administrative fee? The fee for the time and effort for all the administrative work done from start to finish is six hundred dollars. Only if it seems necessary to increase the hope for a successful outcome, an assessment fee for the assistance of an expert witness, such as a Court-appointed psychologist is asked. He would pen a document, after reading through the testimonies and affidavits. The assessment fee would be two hundred dollars.

I wish not to experience the pain of recalling uncomfortable memories of the failed marriage. Is it possible the annulment process will help me in that regard? Yes, the annulment process has the potential to provide healing. Many men and women whom have participated in the annulment process by providing their testimonies have shared they experienced curing of lingering hurts deeply felt due to their failed marriage.

How can I find out more details about the annulment process? See our tribunal’s website at  https://rcdop.org/tribunal-1

Tribunal Procedure

1. Petition received for the Formal Annulment Process.
2. Petitioner and Respondent (hereinafter “litigants”) are invited to provide his and her oral judicial testimony.
3. The testimony of the litigants is done either by a face-to face interview at the tribunal or online via Microsoft Team
4. Witnesses are contacted too. They have options to provide their affidavit as noted in #3.
5. In some instances, a psychological expert opinion must be received to enhance the possible grounds of an annulment. A written report is provided by the psychologist. The fee is $200.
6. A letter is sent to the litigants declaring the grounds in the proceedings.
7. Then, a letter is sent inviting the litigants to review the evidence (testimonies and affidavits).
8. The Advocate pens a document in favor of the annulment
9. The Defender of the Bond pens a document against an annulment to be granted.
10. If the marriage in question was more than fifteen years, then three tribunal judges, all holders of a JCL, make a definitive judgment.
11. If the marriage in question is less than fifteen years, one tribunal judge makes a definitive judgment.
12. The litigants may read the Definitive Sentence, if he / she / they may wish.
13. After fifteen days, the case decided, and formally closed.