Nullity Of Marriage - Are there grounds based on adultery and non-Catholic Church marriage

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Hi, My name is Eoin, I am a practicing Catholic and was married to a Protestant woman some three years ago. We did not have any children and the marriage such as it became has irretrievably broken down.

I did not have a dispensation from the bishop to marry outside of a Catholic Church and was married in a Protestant Church in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Following the Church Ceremony my wife's attitude quickly changed towards me. We were previously married in civil law some 6 months prior to the church service. I quickly became aware that there was a sucession of other partners in my wife's life probably 12 in the space of 18 months and she has since deserted the family home.

During that period I did seek reconciliation however she appears to have been not interested, this included the counciling services from the Pastor who married us and Catholic prayer groups as well as friends and family and psychologists.

I believe on balance that I myself was fully aware of the Sacrement Of Marriage, whether or not I had followed strict cannon law but I feel that I have been clearly deceived and that as a marriage contract the contract may be in reality null & void.

Can you advise me on my approximate position and can I proceed if I have grounds even if my estranged wife refuses to co-operate with any investigation or proceedings ?

In addition we are very likely going to be living some 10,000 km apart soon as I am in the process of leaving Indonesia my adopted country for the past 7 years

Thanks

Eoin.

-- Eoin Carty (cartyecf@centrin.net.id), November 29, 2001

Answers

Response to Nullity Of Marriage - Are there grounds based on adultery and non-catholic church marriage

Jmj

Hello, Eoin.
Thank you for posting your message.

You stated that you were a Catholic at the time of your wedding, adding: "I did not have a dispensation from the bishop to marry outside of a Catholic Church and was married in a Protestant Church in Surabaya, Indonesia."

Because of this, you should have no difficulty making things right. Since you did not follow the Church's marriage laws, you did not enter into a valid sacramental marriage. Your apparent "union" was actually null and void, due to "lack of canonical form."

Please approach your pastor immediately, to begin preparing the papers that must go to your diocesan tribunal. It should be a simple and rapid matter -- perhaps six months or less. However, there may be the potential for two delays: (1) you may not yet be civilly divorced, which I think is required, and (2) your Indonesian diocese may handle its work more slowly than is done in the "west."

It is not necessary for the woman to co-operate, though she will be invited to do so. In the end, you should receive a Declaration of Nullity, leaving you free to be truly married in church. Please read about Catholic marriage, which is better referred to as a "covenant," rather than a simple "contract." There is a big difference.

St. James, pray for us.
God bless you.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), November 29, 2001.


Response to Nullity Of Marriage - Are there grounds based on adultery and non-catholic church marriage

Annulments do take TIME. I probably rushed things but am glad I waited during the course and not to make any hasty decisions. Your spouse does not have to be there during proceedings. If you are initiating it, you are the one that has to go see the priest, etc. He will ask for witnesses..onboth sides. But otherwise, the other party doesnt have to show up for the annulment process. Sorry for the typing. One of these days I will learn how to type.!! Anne

-- Anne (amb_34@yahoo.com), November 29, 2001.

Response to Nullity Of Marriage - Are there grounds based on adultery and non-catholic church marriage

I NEED A MARRIED COUNCIL FOR MY GIRLFIREND SHE IS HAVING SOME PROMELE WITH HER MARRIED I WE LIVE IN PHILA PA .SO CAN U HELP US.

-- charlene aaron (charlene1008@aol.com), August 25, 2002.

Response to Nullity Of Marriage - Are there grounds based on adultery and non-catholic church marriage

Charlene, we can answer certain basic questions for you and your friend, but the best advice we can give is for her or you to speak to a Catholic priest about the details of the problem.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), August 25, 2002.

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