Process of Annulment
Annulments are handled by the Diocese of Charlotte Tribunal. The Tribunal has volunteer advocates assigned to every parish in the diocese. Advocates are highly trained, caring individuals who are well educated in Church law regarding marriage. Below are the basic steps if you are seeking annulment of your marriage through the Catholic Church.
NOTE: The person who submits the case is called the “Petitioner” and the other person (spouse) is the “Respondent.”
First, reach out to your local parish priest or parish annulment advocate. (See below for a searchable list of parish annulment advocates.) This person will assist the Petitioner in completing the application for nullity that is submitted to the Tribunal and stays in close contact throughout the process.
Next, members of the Tribunal will contact the other party to the marriage (the Respondent), sending them a notification that the Petitioner has submitted a case, as well as a questionnaire. The cooperation of the Respondent varies from case to case. However, the Respondent’s participation is not essential, and a case can proceed without it after he or she has been notified.
During the course of the case, both the Petitioner and the Respondent will be able to review each other’s written testimony as well as any statements by witnesses that are not protected by the seal of confidentiality.
The Tribunal will notify both parties of its final decision in the case.
Find an annulment advocate near you
At least one annulment advocate is assigned to every parish in the Diocese of Charlotte. To submit a case to the Tribunal, please use the list below to find the advocate nearest you and they will start the process with you. For an alternative advocate not assigned to your parish, please call the Tribunal Office at .