Do you need an annulment for a second marriage in the Catholic church if your first marriage was only civil?

Question

I was married in December 1994 and divorced in December 2005. I have a son with my ex-husband. We were married by a judge at the courthouse and never had the marriage convalidated. This is because he misled me about how many times he had been married and that he was free to marry in the church (which he was not). Do I need an annulment? Please don't guess. It would be nice if you could quote your source. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Yes.

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.

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.

Answer 2

I am going through this now and have gone to talk to a priest. The priest said that you have to get an annulment even though it was a civil marriage. However, he said that since it was a civil marriage the annulment process is much easier. I had to get a copy of my baptism certificate and my marriage certificate and fill out a form, pay $70 and in a couple weeks I was sent my annulment. It your are married in the catholic church he said it is much harder to receive an annulment. They have to investigate your reason for divorcing.

Answer 3

Go to your parish priest and he will advise you. Dont think you need an annulment being that your first marriage was a civil one.

Answer 4

LOL ..if you want a valid source then why are you asking on here?

You need to consult the Church about that.

Answer 5

if you are catholic you need to talk to your priest and have him get the archdioses to ok it i am not sure about other religions so talk to your priest or preacher good luck

Answer 6

Why are you at Yahoo! answer when you should be this question to your church.