Further Questions
- What about the Former Spouse?
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The Tribunal will contact the former spouse (the respondent) at least two times-and possibly more-during the review, depending on the respondent's interest. He/She will be offered the opportunity to submit testimony and witnesses, and will have the option to be notified about the progress of the case.
It is essential for the Tribunal to have a current address and contact information for the former spouse. The Tribunal will contact the respondent. If you wish, you may contact him/her, but it is not required.
- Is remarriage in the Catholic Church Allowed?
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If a marriage is declared invalid due to a specific cause, a second marriage cannot be permitted until the cause which invalidated the first marriage has been removed.
When a decree of nullity is granted and there are no restrictions attached to it, the usual procedure of preparations for marriage in the Roman Catholic Church may be started with one's local priest.
Please note that permission to remarry can in no way be guaranteed before the completion of the annulment process. No plans for future marriage should be made until the completion of the annulment. If marriage plans have been made, consider postponing them until the annulment process is complete. No priest will perform a wedding until the annulment is 'in hand.'
The Tribunal cannot be responsible for arbitrary promises or guarantees made by any priest, religious or lay person(s).
- Are there any civil effects to a Church decree of nullity?
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There are no civil effects to a Church decree of nullity in the United States. It in no way affects the legitimacy of children, property or inheritance rights, legal names, etc. These matters must be taken up with the proper authorities in civil court.
- Is there a fee for Tribunal services?
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At the conclusion of the annulment process, a fee of $150 will be asked of the person who introduced the case (the petitioner). This fee is in deference to the people of the Diocese of Grand Island, who subsidize the Tribunal budget through their contributions. We believe it is fair that those who use the services of the Tribunal assist in bearing this financial burden.
If for any reason one cannot afford to pay all of the fee at one time, payments can be arranged.
If your case qualifies as Defect of Form, the fee is only $25. A Ligamen is $50.
At no time should financial consideration discourage or stop any person from exercising the right to receive a just hearing from the Church.
One's ability to pay a fee in no way affects the progress or outcome of a request. Therefore, no payment in part or in full will be accepted by the Tribunal until the completion of a case.
- Need more information?
- Contact one of our trained staff