Annulments

What is a Catholic annulment?

An annulment, formally called a Declaration of Nullity, is a determination by the Catholic Church that something essential for a valid sacramental marriage was missing when the marriage began. It does not mean that the relationship never existed or that the years spent together were without meaning.

Is an annulment the same as a divorce?

No. A civil divorce legally ends a civil marriage. An annulment examines the marriage from the perspective of Catholic Church law and asks whether a valid marital bond was established at the time the vows were exchanged.

How much does an annulment cost?

There is currently no fee for the annulment process through the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Marriage Tribunal. After your annulment process is completed, you are welcome to make a free-will donation to help the Diocese offset the costs associated with processing annulment cases. Donations are appreciated but not required.

Who can seek an annulment?

Anyone who has been previously married and is now divorced may inquire about the annulment process. You do not need to be Catholic first to begin a case, especially if you are going through OCIA at our parish. Each situation is different, so speaking with our priest, Rev. Xavier Arimboor, or our trained annulment advocate, Oceana Kennedy, is a good first step.

Why might someone seek an annulment?

Many people begin the process because they hope to marry in the Catholic Church or have their current civil marriage recognized by the Church. Others seek an annulment for spiritual healing, understanding, or a sense of closure following a difficult marriage. In addition, if you are attending OCIA classes to become a baptized and/or confirmed Catholic, you will need to receive an annulment before you can receive your other sacraments.

What does the process involve?

The process usually begins with a conversation about your previous marriage. A written testimony from you is vital to starting your case. You will be asked to provide information about your upbringing, the relationship before and during the marriage, the circumstances surrounding your decision to marry, and factors that caused your divorce.

Depending on the type of case, witnesses who knew you or your former spouse may also be asked to provide information. The completed case is then reviewed by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Marriage Tribunal.

How long does an annulment take?

Every case is different, so there is no guaranteed timeline. Typically, annulments can take 3 months or longer to be completed. The length of the process depends on the circumstances of the marriage, the type of case, the information required, and the current caseload of our marriage tribunal. 

If you are engaged, it is best not to set a wedding date until the annulment process has been completed and any necessary permissions have been received.

Does my former spouse have to participate?

Your former spouse generally has the right to be informed that the case has been opened and to participate if they choose. However, their cooperation is not necessarily required for the case to proceed.

What happens to our children if the marriage is annulled?

Nothing changes regarding the legitimacy of children. An annulment does not make children illegitimate and does not change parental responsibilities or family relationships.

Does receiving an annulment mean I can marry in the Catholic Church?

If a Declaration of Nullity is granted, a person is generally free to marry in the Catholic Church, provided there are no other existing marital bonds or restrictions. In some cases, additional pastoral preparation may be required before another marriage.

Can I receive the Sacraments if I am divorced?

Divorce by itself does not separate you from the Catholic Church. A divorced Catholic may continue participating in the life of the Church and receiving the Sacraments, provided there is no other circumstance affecting their ability to receive them. Other circumstances to be considered are:

• Not Remarried: A civil divorce does not separate you from the Church or stop you from receiving the sacraments. If you are divorced and have not entered into a new romantic relationship or civil marriage, you may receive Communion. You should go to Confession if you bear personal responsibility for any mortal sins related to the breakup. 
• Remarried Without an Annulment: If you have remarried civilly without an annulment, the Church views the first marriage as still valid. In this situation, you generally cannot receive Communion unless you and your civil spouse commit to living in complete continence (abstaining from sexual relations, living as "brother and sister") and have received absolution through Confession.

Where do I begin?

Start by making an appointment with us and having a simple conversation. You do not need to understand the annulment process before asking for help. Contact our St. Ann’s Cathedral Rectory office, and we can help you determine the appropriate next step.

You are always welcome at St. Ann’s Cathedral!

Ready to make an appointment?

Contact us at:

Phone: 406-761-5456

Email: office@stannscathedral.org