Expert: Tom Schott - 3/6/2009

Question
Hi Tom,

Two years ago i found out that my husband was cheating on me and therefore we divorced. I am catholic and was therefore married in the catholic church that myself and my family has attended for many years. During our marriage we had three children whom have all been baptized in my church and with whom I plan to raise under the catholic faith.  I know that when the time comes to marry again I will want to have another catholic wedding however am also aware that in order to do that I have to have my marriage annulled through the church. I have heard and read that by doing this my children will be considered illegitimate and/or bastardized and therefore that concerns me. Could you please help my understand more about this process, specifically what this would mean for my children and if it is still possible for them to continue ahead in their catholic upbringing. Thank you!

Answer
Meike,

Please put your mind to rest. The annulment process has nothing whatever to do with the status of your children. They are legitimate nos and will always be legitimate. No kind of church procedure will change that.

Annulment is not a legal procedure; it is an ecclesiastical procedure. It has no effect whatever on either your or your children's legal status.

Of course they can continue their Cathokic upbringing.