Within the Catholic Church, a declaration of nullity, sometimes called an annulment, is a judgment by a Church tribunal {that a} marriage was not legitimate from its inception. It’s a assertion that, regardless of appearances, a sacramental marriage bond by no means existed as a consequence of some obstacle or defect current on the time of the alternate of vows. This differs considerably from divorce, which is a civil dissolution of a wedding that was initially legitimate. A declaration of nullity permits people to enter into a sound marriage within the Church.
The method of in search of a declaration of nullity entails a cautious examination of the circumstances surrounding the wedding. It isn’t granted calmly and requires the presentation of proof supporting the declare {that a} legitimate marriage bond was by no means shaped. The method is rooted in canon regulation and goals to uphold the sanctity of marriage whereas providing pastoral care to those that have skilled marital breakdown. Traditionally, the understanding and utility of those rules have advanced alongside societal and theological developments. The result permits events to remarry inside the Church, supplied they’re in any other case free to take action.
