If you’ve considered ending your marriage, there are a few procedures to follow and numerous documents to produce. This article will help you make sense of the process. In addition, it will provide you with an overview of what you need to do, what you should expect, and what you should not do.
Documentation Required
If you plan to get an annulment, you must know all the documentation required to prepare and submit your case. You must follow many steps, from gathering your documents to presenting your testimony. You will be guided appropriately throughout the process by experienced annulment attorneys like an annulment attorney nj.
First, you need to fill out a declaration of nullity. It must include a list of people willing to provide information about your marriage. Also, it would be best if you informed your ex-spouse of your intention to seek an annulment.
Next, you must make an appointment with a pastor or a parish delegate. This person will answer your questions and explain the process of getting an annulment.
If you do not have a pastor or delegate of your parish, you can contact the Catholic Church for assistance. They will have the forms you need to get an annulment.
You can also consult with a deacon. A deacon will answer your questions and listen to your story.
Once ready to go through the annulment process, you must file a “Setting Slip” with your clerk. The form will provide you with a court date.
Once the case is filed, you need to find witnesses. These are individuals who will help the judge evaluate your case. Ideally, you will have various family members and friends who can give testimony.
Witnesses Needed
If you are considering an annulment, you should know that you need witnesses to help you. Ideally, it would help if you had a combination of family members and friends who would testify on your behalf.
During the process, you can expect to have a judge or panel of three judges assigned to your case. They will be responsible for reviewing and approving your case. However, you must fill out a Tribunal Witness Request Form before this happens. It must then be sent to the tribunal’s office.
You will need to provide a few names and addresses of your witnesses. For example, you may be asked to include the name of a priest who witnessed your wedding. Sometimes, you can also be asked to give testimony by telephone.
If you have problems locating a former spouse, you can find their current address online. Alternatively, you can use the last known address of a family member.
A witness has information on the parties’ dating relationship and marriage history. These people may be family members, friends, or even co-workers.
The purpose of the testimonial is not to lay blame on either party. Instead, it is intended to demonstrate the need for both parties to be fully aware of one another’s mental state during the ceremony.
Final Step
If you have been married outside the Church, you must obtain an annulment. This will free you to marry again within the Church.
The process is usually 16 months long. Several factors will impact the time frame. For example, if a case is put on the fast track, it will require the timely submission of documents and testimonies.
Before submitting a petition for annulment, Catholic parties must fill out a questionnaire. The survey should be as comprehensive as possible. The case will be stronger if witnesses provide in-depth testimony.
A judge will review the questionnaires’ information and interview the witnesses. This allows the judge to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the start of the marriage.
After reviewing the case, a judge will issue an annulment decree. Both parties are required to sign the decree. This is not final, but it must be filed with the clerk.
In some cases, the party filing for annulment will be asked to email the proposed decree to the judge. In other cases, a hearing may be held.
In most cases, the person requesting the annulment will need to provide a list of witnesses. These witnesses will be asked to testify about their knowledge of the couple’s relationship. They can include family members, friends, and co-workers.
