If you are in an invalid marriage and are barred from receiving the Sacraments, we from the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, would like to help you find a way to resolve your problem, if possible.

The process is mistakenly called an "annulment," but in no way does it annul your legal marriage.  Actually it examines your failed relationship -  not to place blame - but to see if that marriage fulfilled the Catholic Church's criteria for a sacramental marriage.  If it did not meet the criteria for a sacramental marriage, the Church will issue a Decree of Invalidity , which gives you the right to marry in the Catholic Church.

The process usually takes about a year and a half; requires only a few hours of your time, and has no fee involved.  There are some special cases, in which the process can be much shorter.  This can be determined during the initial visit.

Non-Catholics that are divorced and remarried and wish to join the Catholic Church will need to undergo this process.  Also, non-Catholics that are divorced and plan to marry a Catholic, will also need to go through this process.  The Church regards all marriages as valid unless otherwise proven.

If you are not sure if you require this process, have any questions, or would like to set up a time to begin this process, please contact Leona Schwartz by e-mail, or by phone at 817-281-4755.