Marriage & Family

ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE

Indissolubility of Marriage

Because of the clear teaching of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church does not recognise the re-marriage of a divorced person while the first partner is still living. In the same way it cannot recognise the marriage of a single person to someone who has been divorced.

No divorced person can marry again in the Catholic Church unless they have achieved freedom through a Tribunal process.

Sometimes cases arise where the first marriage is, for a number of reasons, not recognised as valid according to the practice of the Catholic Church.

Church law about the annulment of marriages can sometimes be complex and specialist advice may be required. The priest will be able to refer you to the Tribunal.

For a brochure giving a fuller explanation and understanding of the Catholic Church's position on Annulment contact:

Tribunal of the Catholic Church