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What is an annulment?
In an attempt to answer a difficult question in as simple and brief a way as possible, an annulment is a decree by the Church stating that a marriage did not exist sacramentally. The key word here is sacramentally. An annulment states that at the time of marriage, one or both parties was not capable of honestly making and fulfilling the marriage vows, thus making the vows null and void. The Church does not make statements regarding the civil and legal aspect of the marriage. On paper, according to civil law, there was indeed a “marriage” by all secular standards (which makes children legal/legitimate), but the “marriage” was never a valid sacrament. Thus, the Church would not recognize it. It is also important to remember that there is really no such thing as “illegitimacy” in the eyes of God. We are all born as God’s beloved and eternal children regardless of our civil status.
Isn’t an annulment just “divorce” the Catholic way?
No, the Church does not recognize divorce. An annulment does not dissolve a marriage. It simply means that in the eyes of the Church there never was a sacramental marriage in the first place. If two people separate and divorce, in the eyes of the Church, these two people remain married; they just do not live together. Separated and divorced Catholics, contrary to common belief, may still participate actively in the Church and, if living a chaste life, may receive Holy Communion and the other sacraments. However, if a separated and divorced Catholic REMARRIES without a decree of nullity for a first marriage, then this Catholic would be considered living in an “adulterous union” and, under normal circumstances, would be unable to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church (such as receiving Holy Communion).What is a Lay Advocate?
Lay advocates are authorized to help individuals prepare their petition for a declaration of nullity. In addition to helping those seeking an annulment at the beginning of the process, advocates will accompany them to the case's conclusion.
