My fiancee is a non Catholic. He was Married once before, in a Protestant Ceremony. Because of my religious beliefs, we want to be married in the Byzantine Catholic Church. Will he need to have his prior marriage annuled? What do you do to start the ball rolling on an annulment if he will indeed need one? How does it usually take for the Church to decide if his first marriage should be annuled. Thank you in advance for your help on this matter. God Bless you all.

-- Johanna (josieandkevin@hotmail.com), March 02, 2005

Answers

Yes he will need an annulment. But please understand this is not automatic. If his ex-wife objects her testimony could mean that this could take a long time, and may not happen at all. You need to consider what you are going to do if he can't get one.

My partner was married in a Catholic ceremony to a protestant. She has married again in a civil service, but opposed an annulment even though I begged her to let him move on. The tribunal ruled the marriage valid because they believed her version of events. We have been advised that without her co-operation his chances of getting this are very slim.

I had a job in a Catholic school that I loved. I have been forced to change this, because I cannot leave the man I love. We have a child together and "married" in a civil ceremony last year.

Good luck, but be prepared for an annulment not to be automatic.

-- Teresa (Teresa46@hotmail.com), March 02, 2005.

"Partner," Teresa?

Yes, sadly, your "partner" in the mortal sin of adultery. Please meditate on this daily until it brings you to repentance. If you do not separate, you need to live as "sister and brother" with the father of your child.

Johanna, it was unfortunate that you got "advice" from Teresa. Not only is she a terrible role model for you, but she probably damaged your peace of mind by mentioning the lack of cooperation by her friend's wife. You are much more likely to encounter cooperation than a lack of it, in the case of your friend. He should not be called your "fiancee," because it is impossible for you to be engaged, due to the fact that he may be married in the eyes of God.

No one can predict how long your friend's nullity case may take. Although some people like to speak of an average time as "one year or so," it could actually take anywhere from a few months to a few years, because there are so many potential variables involved. You should make an appointment with your Catholic pastor and, as you said, "start the ball rolling" as soon as possible.

-- Geo. (McFarland@spanky.com), March 03, 2005.

I wasn't trying to alarm you without reason - I'm sorry for my pessimistic response. I am angry and bitter but my intention was not to upset you. You've only got to look at the questions on the forum to see that annulment may not be easy. I do wish you all the luck in the World and I hope you get the wedding you deserve.

-- Teresa (teresa46@hotmail.com), March 03, 2005.