Divorce to Annulment?

NY
My Irish boyfriend got married in New York to a US citizen about seven years ago, and divorced soon after.

We now want to hold a Catholic marriage ceremony, but cannot, as the Catholic church does not recognise marriage to divorcees. The only way around it is for my boyfriend to get an annulment, to decree the marriage never really existed.

Does anyone know how to go about this? Is it possible to change from a divorce to an annulment. Maybe someone has previous experience of this?

I would appreciate feedback.

Many thanks,

G (Ireland)

[gobonas99]

There is no legal advice necessary for your question, as your boyfriend needs a religious annulment, NOT a legal annulment.

In the Catholic Church, a person who is divorced and wants to get married again needs to petition the Church for an annulment (in the church, NOT a legal annulment). There are several situations in which annulments are granted by the church. You're best bet is for you and your boyfriend to speak with you priest.

Also, note that BOTH parties to the divorce must agree to the annulment. This means that if your boyfriend's ex does NOT agree, then then annulment cannot be granted. Trust me on this one - my aunt got divorced, met someone new and wanted to marry him in the Catholic Church, and so tried to get an annulment in the church. She would have gotten it but her ex refused to agree to the annulment (because he is an a$$). So she ended up marrying her new hubby in a different church (Protestant, I think).

-Christina

Thanks for that!
Can we consult any Catholic priest about annulment proceedings?
Thing is, he's in Ireland - ex is in US - she'll agree alright, don't worry bout that!

[gobonas99]

Are YOU in Ireland or in NY? Is your boyfriend planning to move back to the US, or are you planning to move to Ireland? Where would the wedding take place - Ireland or NY?

I don't know where the annulment would have to originate, or even if it matters.

Probably the best place to start is with the priest of your Church. Just tell him what you have told us and know the answers to the above questions, and he should be able to help you out. Your boyfriend could also ask the priest at HIS Church in Ireland.

And you're welcome!

-Christina

[VG1013]

You can also get married in a lutheran church, it's very close to the Catholic religion, and they will permit a divorced person to get married in their church. My sister in law did that, she married a man who was divorced and it was a beautiful ceremony.

A Catholic friend of mine recently got an annulment and it cost him $1000 along with the other prerequisites. So keep that in mind as well. Good ol' Catholic church has no problem forgetting all about your marriage for a fee.

This is the story:
We both live in Ireland. He has a US divorce. We both want to marry and live in Ireland. So with your advice, I'll start with the local Catholic church and take it from there.
Thanks for all the feedback.
G