Are Annulments Too Legalistic? Understanding Marriage and Divorce

“Are Annulments Too Legalistic?” This episode delves into the complexities of marriage and divorce within the Catholic Church, addressing concerns about the perceived bureaucratic nature of annulments. Tune in as we explore questions about the validity of annulments granted under specific circumstances, the implications for non-Catholics, and the Church’s teachings on relationships during the annulment process.

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Questions Covered:

• 03:25 - Aren’t annulments legalistic, bureaucratic, and all about control?
• 07:08 - Why was an annulment granted if it doesn’t seem like it should be granted?
• 13:36 - My boyfriend is Protestant, married in the protestant church and is divorced. Why does he have to get an annulment if he’s not Catholic? He’s not interested in joining the Catholic church at this point. He’s doing this for me because I want to be married in the Catholic Church.
• 16:24 - Why don’t they call in the priest who gave the couple the pre marriage instruction to a couple seeking an annulment?
• 18:46 - I got an annulment 20 years ago. Is there a way for me to see what my ex husband submitted on his side of the annulment report?
• 22:33 - What does the Church teach on pursuing romantic relationships while waiting for an annulment? Is there anything that is offered to help prevent future annulments?
• 31:05 - You keep talking about the Marriage bond. Does that also include the covenant?
• 34:14 - If my nephew decided to return to the Church one day, could he have an annulment and remarry one day?
• 41:48 - Once the annulment is granted the marriage is not valid. Does that mean the kids and their sacraments are also invalid?
• 44:49 - Can an annulment decision be appealed?
• 47:55 - Is there any hope to get an annulment if the witnesses are no longer able to be located?
• 50:51 - My marriage was annulled 50 years ago and all I got was a letter in the mail and I never participated with it. It felt like a slap in the face to be told that my 9.5 year marriage never existed. I left the Catholic Church after that. Should there be a limit to when you can seek an annulment?