Annulment : The Wedding That Was - How the Church Can Declare a Marriage Null

To most people, the annulment process is shrouded in mystery and is therefore a source of misunderstanding and resentment. This straightforward primer explains the concepts and procedures surrounding annulment and the mechanics of canon law. Using clear, simple language and dozens of concrete examples, the author--a judge on a tribunal--demystifies the procedure while showing how it does not contradict Church teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. In an easy-to-read question-and-answer format, the book covers definitions of and conditions for the right to marry, issues of consent, public dimensions of marriage, functions of the various tribunal and court officials, stages of an investigation, and the personal and family effects of a declaration of nullity. The book also addresses common misconceptions regarding the reception of Communion afterward, the legitimacy of children from an annulled marriage, and the time, cost and ease of getting of an annulment. This is fascinating reading for anyone even remotely interested in the workings of annulment--and an invaluable resource for anyone actively concerned: pastors, pastoral staff members, seminarians, marriage counselors, civil attorneys, professors of canon law, and Catholics involved in any way in the process.