Expert: Tom Schott - 8/9/2004

Question
My annunlment petition is at the tribunal right now.  They are waiting for the 4th witness.  They say they can proceed with 3 witnesses but that it would be better with four since my ex husband did not respond.  I get the feeling it may not go through.  My ex husband's family is protestant in addition to him not being baptised but I don't feel like it is going to be annuled.  Can I forward them your response to my question or is this a decision that each diocese makes on there own.  Also if it isn't annuled is there any way to have you annul it.

Liz


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Followup To
Question -
What are the chances of receiving an annulment if the person I was married to wasn't baptised before or during our marriage?  He was baptised after our divorce during his second marriage.
Answer -
Liz,

 The chances are excellent. Almost certain. In fact, if the person you were married to before was not baptised, it could not have been a sacramental marriage by definition. If I were deciding, it would not even require filing annulment papers.

Deacon Tom

Answer
Liz,

 Without all the facts of the case at hand, I'm not the one to be making any decisions. That is for your diocesan tribunal to decide. Please do not bring me or my response to you into play. Only your disocese knows why they chose to proceed with an official annulment in this case, but they did. Let it proceed. My experience is that 99 percent of cases tribunals take get approved. I think you are worrying about something before there is necessity or reason to worry. If, in fact, by some remote chance your annulment does not get approved, write to me again . . .

Deacon Tom