What is a religious annulment?

Annulment is the legal term used when a marriage is declared null and void.  It is different from a divorce in that an annulment acts to invalidate the marriage from the beginning; it acts like the marriage never happened.  There are 2 types of annulments: civil and religious.

Religious annulments are not legal proceedings.  Civil annulments are legal proceedings where couples must comply with the applicable state laws.  Religious annulments declare a marriage void, but it does not have any legal effect.  The different religions maintain different requirements for obtaining religious annulments.  The Roman Catholic Church is one of the common religions associated with annulments.  The Roman Catholic Church grants a majority of its annulments to couples within the United States.

In the Catholic Church, couples first must get a civil divorce before they can be considered for a religious annulment.  Couples are required to demonstrate that there was a defect in one or both spouse’s consent to the marriage when seeking a religious annulment.  Religious annulments do not affect any legal rights or responsibilities.  But, the Catholic Church does expect couples to comply with court orders concerning financial obligations to a spouse or child.  Religious annulments usually take a year and a half before they are completed; however, if the annulment is contested or denied it can take much longer.

If you would like more information regarding annulments, divorce, or any family law issue, contact a qualified attorney in your area.  A skilled attorney can address any questions you may have and help you with any potential legal proceedings you may be facing.