If an affirmative decision is confirmed by the Court of Appeals, are both parties free to marry in the Catholic Church?
Yes, but sometimes with certain other requirements. A declaration of nullity means that the previous marriage is not an obstacle for either party to enter a new marriage in the Catholic Church. However, because of the trauma associated with divorce, in some cases the judge will recommend that one or both parties engage in a program of counseling before attempting a new marriage. In other cases, the Court of Appeals may issue a prohibition, which requires consultation between a pastoral minister and a representative of the Tribunal at least four months before another marriage is scheduled to be celebrated in the Catholic Church. A prohibition is placed in those cases where there is serious concern whether a person is currently capable of entering a valid union or has the proper attitudes toward the essential obligations of marriage.
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