Expert: Tom Schott - 2/28/2009

Question
Dear Deacon Schott:

  I am a divorced Catholic, remarried to a Catholic. I feel somewhat unwelcome by the Church, particularly since I cannot partake in the Eucharist. I am planning to proceed to attempt to obtain an Annulment of my first marriage (which was to a Catholic).

   My question is: how can I go about trying to find a sympathetic Tribunal. I imagine some Tribunals are more liberal than others, and it may increase my chances of a successful Petition. I am retired and can pretty much live anywhere.

  Many thanks.
Walter

Answer
Walter,

I understand how you feel, and I apologize.

You don't have to go to such extremes. I don't know what the official numbers are, but I can tell you that Tribunals everywhere approve the overwhelming majority--over 95 percent--of the petitions for nullity they receive. If the annulment case is shaky or groundless, it will be stopped before it gets to the Tribunal. Go ahead and get the process started. Talk to your pastor or whoever handles such things in your parish. Good luck.