Several parish members are certified Catholic Annulment Advocates. We are dedicated to helping you return to the sacraments; and, it may be easier than you think!

If you have questions about the annulment process, PLEASE contact us. All inquiries are confidential.

Divorce is a painful reality of life. It can be especially painful for Catholics because we believe that Marriage is a Sacrament - a living sign of Christ's unconditional and unbreakable love for His Church (us). Moreover, Jesus himself teaches that divorce does not accord with the binding nature of marriage as intended by the Creator (see Mt 19:3-9). In other words, divorce - which claims to break the marriage union - is against our beliefs. So, when divorce happens, it is hard to reconcile this real-life situation with our faith beliefs.

In their pastoral letter, Love and Life in the Divine Plan, the U.S. Bishops state:

"We understand the pain of those for whom divorce seemed the only recourse. We urge them to make frequent use of the sacraments, especially the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation." -p.25

AND

"We encourage divorced persons who wish to marry in the Catholic Church to seek counsel about the options that exist to remedy their situation, including the suitability of a declaration of nullity (annulment) when there is no longer any hope of reconciliation of the spouses." -p.25

After divorce, the annulment process investigates whether or not a valid marriage bond came into being when “consent” was freely exchanged by the bride and the groom. 
Were both the bride and the groom able to truly understand and live out what is required for marriage? Or was there a defect, something gravely missing or impeding so that no true bond came into being? Because of things like force, fear, grave immaturity, fraud, addictions, and more, not all weddings produce valid marriage bonds. 

The annulment process is solely concerned with the validity of consent.

The Church assumes that every marriage is valid - until proven otherwise. There are SEVERAL annulment processes. This is because every marriage situation is unique to that couple. The processes are designed to help persons from various religious backgrounds and situations find closure after a divorce or to help previously married persons marry a person in the Catholic Church.

Here is the basic information we ask you to provide:

1) The baptism information for the bride and for the groom
Baptism defines us as Catholic Christians, as Christians of other denominations, or as nonbaptized persons. Since our identities are rooted in baptism, the timing of Baptism - before or after the marriage vows - is important as well. We can often assist Catholics with obtaining baptism information; other denominations can provide a letter or a certificate as proof of baptism.

2) Civil certificate of marriage
The civil certificate proves that a legally-binding civil marriage occurred. Copies are acceptable. If you do not have a copy, please contact the state and county where the marriage ceremony took place. In California, contact the Hall of Records or Recorders Office.
Please note: if you were married outside California, please do NOT provide an "abstract" certificate - it does not include the detailed information that the Church requires.

3) Divorce documents, including the final date of dissolution
These documents prove that a civil marriage has been dissolved legally. Child support, alimony, custody documents should be included as well. If you do not have a copy, contact the Superior Court in the county and state where the divorce was granted. 
Please note: documents must include the Final Date of Dissolution; we cannot accept copies of printed screens from internet searches or "court minutes" from your case.

4) Current contact information for your former spouse
The Church requires this information in order to give your former spouse the opportunity to participate in the annulment process. If your former spouse refuses to participate or chooses not to reply, the Church will accept this as their official response and move forward. It may take a little longer, but the annulment process will continue. 
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CONTACT YOUR EX!
Your annulment advocate or the Diocesan Tribunal will contact your ex-spouse.
Please note: 
YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IS SECURED AND SAFEGUARDED AT ALL TIMES.
The Church takes great care to safeguard the information of both parties. This is more than our policy; this is our part of our pastoral care for you!  

MOST IMPORTANTLY:

• IF you do not know about your ex-spouse's baptism status, or
• IF you do not have their current contact information, or
• IF you are unsure whether or not you need an annulment...

ASK US. WE CAN HELP.
MOST of the time, people find that the answer is a blessed surprise!