Question:
Answer:
A ligamen is a prior marriage bond, which serves as an impediment to a person getting married again. Ligamens apply to both Catholics and non-Catholics, but there are some differences. If one has entered into a valid marriage, that marriage normally binds until the death of either spouse, although there are exceptions in which a marriage could be dissolved, i.e., a Pauline Privilege (marriage between two unbaptized people) and a Petrine Privilege (marriage between one baptized person and one unbaptized person).
In addition, a valid marriage between two baptized persons that hasn’t been consummated could be dissolved.
Further, if there is doubt about the validity of a marriage entered into by two baptized persons, they can have it evaluated by a diocesan marriage tribunal. Such would occur for Protestants if they were seeking to become Catholics. If a tribunal determines a valid marriage did not take place when a person exchanged their wedding vows with their spouse, that couple would receive a declaration of nullity or annulment.
If you or a loved one have a marriage that needs to be evaluated, please contact your local parish pastor and your diocesan marriage tribunal—the latter by contacting the diocese’s main phone number. And for more information on annulments, see our various resources online.