The Church, in her wisdom, cares about all people and especially those who have suffered the pain of divorce. If you are divorced and want to marry in the Catholic Church, or are divorced and in a civil union and want to participate fully in the life of the Church, we are here to listen with compassion, empathy, and understanding. Please know that all information submitted to the Tribunal is held in strict confidence.

The Annulment Process

The process for a declaration of invalidity (an annulment) can seem daunting, but our specially trained Advocates are eager to compassionately assist you throughout the journey.

Please click here for a good audio explanation of the annulment process.

What is an Annulment?

An annulment (more properly termed a Declaration of Invalidity) is a judicial finding that the sacramental bond of marriage was not brought about on the wedding day as the faith community had presumed. It is not a "Catholic divorce." It is a declaration that, for a variety of reasons, a necessary element was absent from the very beginning to create a permanent sacramental bond.

Does an Annulment mean the marriage never happened? What about children?

An annulment does not mean that a marriage never occurred, nor does it erase the history or love that was shared. An annulment in no way affects the legitimacy of children, nor does it remove the natural and civil responsibilities that the parents have to provide for them.

How do I begin the process?

To begin the healing process, please contact your local priest or the Tribunal directly. You will be asked to work with an Advocate (a specially trained priest, deacon, or lay person) who will guide you. You will need to provide copies of your Civil Marriage Certificate and Final Divorce Decree, a history of the marriage, and a list of witnesses who can provide insight.

How long does it take?

Because every case is unique and requires securing testimony from witnesses, the Tribunal cannot promise a specific timeline or guarantee a favorable decision. Therefore, a future wedding date in the Catholic Church may not be set until a favorable declaration is officially received.

How much does an Annulment cost?

There are no fees for marriage cases in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings or the Diocese of Helena. The costs involved are covered by the Annual Catholic Appeal and generous contributions to the Tribunal Ministry Endowments.

While examining a prior marriage can revive painful memories, it is often a profound source of personal healing, a greater understanding of marriage, and renewed inner strength. May you be open to God's enduring love and grace in this process.

Services of the Tribunal

• Providing information on the annulment process and processing marriage cases.
• Granting Dispensations and providing canonical information to parish workers.
• Providing training for Advocates.
• Promoting commitment in marriage through preparation catechesis, Marriage Encounter, and Retrouvaille.

Marriage in the Catholic Church

The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman for life. The Catholic Church presumes that the marriage bond endures between persons of any faith background, even if a civil government issues a decree of divorce. For this reason, an examination of any previous marriage is necessary before a new marriage in the Catholic Church is possible.

For a marriage bond to be considered valid by the Catholic Church, the couple must meet these core conditions at the time of their consent:

• Lifelong Commitment: They must intend their marriage to be permanent ("until death do us part").
• Openness to Life: They must intend to welcome and nurture children.
• Fidelity: They must intend to remain faithful and mutually seek the good of the other.
• Capacity: They must have the physical and psychological ability, as well as the personal maturity, to follow through on these intentions.

When a baptized man and woman meet these conditions, God creates an indissoluble bond.