The Marriage Tribunal hears and decides matrimonial cases under canon law. Most of our work is the investigation of declarations of nullity, the formal Church recognition that a particular marriage was, from the start, not a valid sacrament. The work is pastoral, careful and confidential. The Tribunal will guide you through every stage.
The first step is to talk to your parish priest. He will explain the process and help you decide whether to begin a case.
With the help of a parish priest or the Tribunal team, you submit a written application setting out the facts of your marriage.
Witnesses are heard. Documents are reviewed. The judges weigh the evidence under canon law.
The Tribunal issues a decision in writing. Most cases take many months to a year or more.