The Tribunal

A divorce is an experience like no other, and nothing can prepare a person for the pain and suffering that accompanies it. A divorce is not just a one-day event of signing the court decision. It is a process. It is the result of a series of events which erode the relationship between two spouses. After two people have invested a part of their lives, their money, their emotions, their hopes and dreams in another person, the end of that relationship is a traumatic experience. The period of adjustment after a divorce can be either positive or negative, but it is always difficult.

The Catholic Church is concerned about those who have experienced the pain of divorce. It seeks to minister to them, while at the same time it upholds the value of the permanence of a genuine sacramental marriage.

The Tribunal is a ministry which serves the divorced. This includes those who are divorced and wish to remarry, those who are divorced and have already entered a second union, and those who may simply wish to clarify their own situation in the Catholic Church. This is possible through the nullity process.

How to begin the process: Start by contacting your local parish and making an appointment with the pastor. Some parishes have specially trained laypersons that can help you as well. If you need help finding a parish, feel free to contact the Tribunal and we will be happy to help you. At your appointment, the person helping you (the advocate) will determine what type of case(s) you have and what forms and documents will be necessary to proceed. Regardless of case type, you will need to complete an application form for each previous marriage you have had. Once you have completed an application(s) and gathered your documents and other forms, you will meet with your advocate again. If they feel it is complete, you will both sign and the parish will submit the case to the Tribunal. Please make photocopies of everything in case the file gets lost in the mail or somehow  misplaced. After the Tribunal reviews the packet, if there is enough information to proceed, the case will be formally accepted and you will be notified. This is the point when the case officially begins moving through the process.

For further information, please contact the Tribunal Office Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at 269-349-8714 ext. 1117.