Expert: Tom Schott - 7/14/2010

Question
I am able to get married in the Catholic Church but, my fiancee is baptized and was perviously married to a baptized Christian. I have been told by my church deacon that we could not get married in the Catholic Chruch unless he gets an annulment.  He does not know where she is nor does he believe she would be cooperative. An annulment is not a possibilty. Then there is the time element, the wedding is set for May 2011. I want so very much to get married in the Catholic Church. Is there any way this could happen?

Answer
Thank you for your response, Priscilla, but I'm at a loss as to understand why you would rate me 5 out of 10 for knowledge on my response. It is not my fault the Church requires an annulment in your circumstances. I did not make that rule. I simply passed on the information, and in the best of spirits advised you to begin the process quickly.

Hi, Priscella,

Your deacon advised you correctly. Securing an annulment does not require the cooperation of the previous spouse. So if he knew where she was and refused to take part, the procedure could still go forward. May 2011 is not too far off to have the annulment proceedings over and done with, but if you want to get married in the church, you need to get the annulment process started. These things take months to complete as a matter of course. I urge you to meet again with your deacon soon. He can advise you further. Good luck.