My current boyfriend is several years older than I am and is divorced. He was married once when he was about my age (we have a 13 year age difference) and had a child. After about a year, he got a divorce from his first wife. He later had another child with a different woman whom he lived with for 5 years. They are now separated as well. Warning signs aside, will the Catholic Church refuse to marry us in the Church? Is annulment the only option for him? If so, will he need his ex-wife's consent to obtain an annulment? Also, is an annulment obtained through the Church a legally binding agreement? What ramifications will it carry?
2007-03-27 03:38:05 · 11 answers · asked by Jennifer 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
All previous marriages, civil or religious, have to be dealt with before someone can be married in the Catholic Church.
If the first wife is still living, a declaration of nullity is the only option available. The ex-wife does not need to give consent.
All previous marriages, civil or religious, have to be dealt with before someone can be married in the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church believes that God does not recognize civil divorces.
Jesus said, "Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." (Mark 10:9)
However there may be hope of a declaration of nullity.
The term "annulment" is a misnomer because the Church does not undo or erase a marriage bond.
Rather the Church issues a declaration 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.
Then the parties are free to marry for the first time.
The procedure is the same whether or not there are children in the marriage. If a declarations of nullity is granted then the children are still considered legitimate and retain all legal rights (Canon 1137).
To the best of my knowledge, the ramifications are all Church-related and not legally binding.
Approach the appropriate person your in your parish who has been trained in the process. If you encounter difficulties, you may go directly to the diocese.
Be prayerful, honest and patient. It takes a while.
With love in Christ.
2007-03-27 16:39:14 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the previous marriage was a Christian marriage, then it will need to be annulled before the Catholic Church will marry the two of you. He does not need the consent of his ex-wife to obtain an annulment, but she must at least be notified and be given the opportunity to give her side of the story.
I am not sure what you mean by the last two questions. I do not think that civil authorities see an annulment as the same as a divorce. A person who receives an annulment must still get a divorce. There is ramifications for the children of the previous marriage. They will not be considered illigitimate after the annulment.
2007-03-27 03:54:14 · answer #2 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to flash some cash and you can buy an annulment from the Catholic Church, unless of course there does not appear to any long term financial gain for the Church such as you will not be paying your weekly fees. You should probably look elsewhere for someone but if the guy is willing to pay he can get his annulment. Marriage and annulment is a little profit center for the Church.
2007-03-27 03:45:19 · answer #3 · answered by Tom W 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He will need an annulment in order to marry again in Church and his ex-wife will have to consent, or at least to know about it. It is not a very easy procedure and it takes time. I don't think the annulment has any legal binding (as far as I know).
2007-03-27 03:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by remy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, an annulment from the Church is a legally binding document. I don't want to give an opinion on this. It is best that go to a parish and talk to a priest or deacon.
Peace and every blessing!
2007-03-27 03:44:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
In God's eye's he is still married - Yes, an annulment would fix this so that he's free to marry again.
The Catholic Church also see's him as married. You should be talking with a Deacon or a Priest --- but Priests "Bless" the marriage, and they would not endorse adultery. Additionally, should you choose to get married outside of the Catholic Church (Court, another denomination), please abstain from taking the Eucharist.
2007-03-27 03:51:31 · answer #6 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get an annulment. That is the only way the church will recognize the marriage.
2007-03-27 03:45:35 · answer #7 · answered by Lynnemarie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes the Catholic Church will need an annulment - but forget that you might want to rethink the whole thing - sounds like a lot of baggage to have to deal with for the rest of your life
2007-03-27 03:46:51 · answer #8 · answered by servant FM 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Divorce is forbidden in the catholic church and they will not under any circumstances acknowledge it. But, if you just pay a fee to the church for an annulment-then they will do anything for you. The trick is-you gotta pay-then your sins are forgiven.
2007-03-27 03:49:27 · answer #9 · answered by Desperado 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the marriage would have to be annulled.
2007-03-27 03:42:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋