Marriage Annulments in the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church believes and teaches that marriage is permanent and indissoluble, a lifelong covenant and partnership. The Church does not recognize that a civil divorce terminates the marriage covenant but has only civil effects. In other words, divorce does not affect the bond of marriage. The marriage bond endures despite a civil divorce. The Church’s commitment to the permanence of marriage is based on the words of Jesus: “What God has joined together, no human being must separate...whoever divorces his wife...and marries another commits adultery” (Matthew 19:6, 9; 5:31; Luke 16:18).

The Catholic Church presumes that marriages are valid, binding spouses for life. When couples do separate and divorce, therefore, the Church examines in detail their marriage to determine if, right from the start, some essential element was missing in their relationship. If that fact has been established, it means the spouses did not have the kind of marital link (sacramental bond) that binds them together for life. It is through the Annulment process that the Church issues a declaration of nullity and both parties are free to marry again in the Catholic Church.

If you would like to begin the process of having a marriage annulled, please call the parish office at 232-1196. If you just have questions about the annulment process, call the parish office at 232-1196 or click on this Diocese of Boise Marriage Tribunal link.