How does the Tribunal reach a decision to grant an annulment or support the presumption of validity?
Following the interview and the contacting of the former spouse, the Tribunal waits for the witnesses’ forms to be returned. After all the evidence is submitted, the Tribunal determines if a further personal interview at the Tribunal with one of the Tribunal’s professional consultants is required. Next, the parties and the advocates are given the opportunity to review the evidence. The case is then submitted to the Defender of the Bond. The defender’s role is to present to the Tribunal all the evidence that supports the validity of the sacred bond of marriage. After her/his observations are submitted, three priest-judges study the case and draft a judicial opinion. They discuss the case and render a decision based on the facts of the case and the law.
