What do you think about marriage annulment when there are children involved?

Question

To be clear, I am not married, never have been, and I am not seeking an annulment. I am just curious about what everyone thinks.

I am Catholic. I have always thought that an annulment is just a slap in the face of children, especially older children. While the church doesn't think any differently about the children of an annuled marriage (they are not considered bastards or anthing like that), I still think a child would psychologically feel betrayed or lesser than if there was just a divorce (which is hard enough).

What do you all think?

Answer 1

The term "annulment" is a misnomer because the Catholic Church does not undo or erase a marriage bond. Rather the Church issues declarations of nullity when it discovers that the parties were not truly joined by God and hence a full spiritual sacramental marriage as understood by the Church was not present.

The relationship between a child's parents reaches rock bottom during a divorce.

Later as one or both seek to rebuild their lives, the honesty that a true marriage never really existed can be a source of healing and forgiveness.

I think this healing and forgiveness can only help the child through a time already filled with hurt and stress.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

You can only get an annulment if you have been married only a short time and something was not disclosed before the marriage, or if both persons involved agree that it was not what they wanted. A dissolution is a type of divorce, but not divorce to where both parties agree and the division of property and children. A divorce is when neither party can agree and someone, the judge has to make the decision. Neither way is good for the children, because they will have to adjust to only one parent being in their lives at any given moment, instead of both. Good Luck!

Answer 3

If the marriage is no longer healthy and the respect for each other is gone and the kids continue to see the fightings going on, it is better and wise to live separate lives for the couples sake and for the sake of the children rather than just stick to the marriage for better or for worst because that is what was taught.

If you are not happy with yourself anymore and are deteriorating as a person then by all means, get that divorce. Once you have gained back your self esteem, you will be able to communicate better.

It will always be hard on the children no matter what they say. Each child will undergo his/her own rebellious ways. But it is the responsibility of the parents to control that by explaining to their chidren/child why it is best for them to separate. It must be clear to the children that it is not their fault on why the marriage failed. Parents should in their power make sure that the child is loved and understands why.

Well, that's my opinion.

Answer 4

To be granted an annulment if you have had children together seems like a complete farce to me. It's like finding a loophole.

Also annulments after, say, 2 years seem really lame to me. You certainly had enough time to discover what was wrong.

I guess you can tell I'm not a big fan of annulments. If you were brave enough to get married, you should be brave enough to admit you made a mistake and get divorced. Oh but yes, I guess that means in certain religions you are forever tainted - another stupid rule, in my opinion.

Answer 5

Are there children? Then annulment is wrong. But if you do end the marriage by annulment, and take even one of the children with you, remarry, soon as possible for the sake of the child/children! Children have to have 2 parents, to do well in botrh school, and life!

Answer 6

It's a good thing for you! It does not make your kids born out of wedlock. This does not affect their lives in the least. My bible study course went over this and yes I will have mine annuled, because my ex made a bad decision and now regrets it, but you know what it's too late; I am single happy and enjoying my kids more than ever!

Answer 7

I think that sometimes two parents separating/ divorcing, etc. is better for the children. If your relationship flaws are effecting your children, maybe it is time to consider not being together any more.

Sure, its hard on a child to spend one week with mom and one week with dad- but its better than growing up in an environment where mom and dad fight all the time...

Answer 8

annulment is distinct from divorce. It means there was no marriage from the very beginning due to different factors like underage, psychological incapacity, homosexuality etc. So if you love the ur partner, then just have ur marriage revalidated.

Answer 9

Whether children are involved or not when it wasn't meant to be it wasn't meant to be. Usually religion dictates the need for annulment in order to make clean breaks or future bridges.

Answer 10

i believe that everyone is entitled to being happy, if you have kids and still want a divorce then set up equal visitation between both parents, do not fight in front of the kids that's the worst thing that you can do