I was married as a non-catholic to a catholic in the church a couple of years ago. Soon after, less than a year, my husband started cheating on me and soon left me one night without warning. He later sued me for divorce so he could remarry, but I didn't agree to an annulment. I married him and meant to stay married to him, he apparantly sees marriage as disposable. Anyway, he now wants to agree to an annulment so he can remarry in the church and I feel that is lying to God by saying I entered that union with the understanding I might want out and that is not true. Can he still get the annulment without my agreeing to it? What if I want to remarry a catholic myself? Can I get an annulment without him getting it for himself?

-- Karen James (KJames71@aol.com), September 10, 2001

Answers

Response to annullment of previous marriage

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-- (@ .), September 11, 2001.

Response to annullment of previous marriage

Jmj

Hello, Karen.
It is not proper to speak of your husband or you "agree[ing] to an annulment." A Decree of Nullity is not granted because of an "agreement." The truth is that either one or both of you can apply to have the Catholic Church's marriage tribunal (in your diocese) consider testimony about your marriage and to come to a conclusion as to whether your apparent "union," on the day of your wedding, was a valid, sacramental Marriage or was actually null and void. That is, they will answer the question, "Did God join the two of you together on that day?"

The tribunal will proceed with their work regardless of whether or not you cooperate. It is therefore in your interest to agree to testify (in writing), speaking the truth and the whole truth about your relationship, consent, and life together. Then pray, be at peace, and leave the decision in the Lord's hands.

God bless you.
John

-- (jgecik@amdg.ihs), September 11, 2001.