If a marriage is declared null, is it saying that my marriage never existed?
No. The Church acknowledges that your marriage existed in the legal sense. The annulment process only examines the sacramentality of the marriage.
How can the Church determine if my marriage was sacramental?
The circumstances of the marriage will be looked at in comparison to a set of criteria which the Church says need to be present for a marriage to be considered sacramental. If it is determined that one or more of these criteria was missing at the time of the marriage, the marriage can be declared Null.
How does an annulment affect the legitimacy of children or child support?
Not at all. The annulment process only deals with the sacramental nature of the marriage and not the legal dimension.
How long does the process take?
Timing is dependent on many things but generally a year should be expected.
Does my former spouse have to be contacted?
Yes. The Church feels that both partners have a right to participate in the process. However, a former spouse can wave his or her right and the process can proceed without his/her participation.
What is involved in the annulment process?
You will be asked to fill out an application, write a history of the marriage (guide sheet available), identify at least two other "witnesses" who could share their perspectives, gather some documents (Baptismal certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree), and submit it all to the Diocese of Charlotte Tribunal.
How do I know what diocese can handle my annulment case?
An annulment case can be handled in the diocese where the couple was married, in the diocese where the Respondent (the former spouse) currently resides, or in the diocese where the Petitioner resides, with the permission of the Respondent's diocese.
