Who may apply for an annulment?
Anyone who has been previously married, whether baptized or non-baptized, Catholic or non-Catholic, may petition for a declaration of nullity. All previously married persons are eligible to apply because the Church presumes that every marriage, whether it involves Catholics or non-Catholics, is valid and binding once it has been entered into by a man and woman. Thus, even a non-Catholic who was previously married and now wishes to be married to a Catholic must petition for a declaration of nullity. Before the Tribunal accepts a petition, a person must provide a certified copy of the decree that proves that a civil divorce has already been granted. The one who applies for the declaration of nullity is referred to as the Petitioner. The other party to the marriage is referred to as the Respondent. An annulment petition must be submitted to the Tribunal that has jurisdiction over the marriage in question. The Tribunal of the Diocese of Erie has jurisdiction over marriages which were celeb
