Considering the process of an annulment can be confusing or intimidating. We are committed to responding to every case with compassion, mercy and individual attention. Marriage, especially marriages between baptized persons, is recognized as a sacred bond by the Catholic Church. While the Church holds strongly to the protection of the marriage bond, there are circumstances when a “declaration of nullity” can be considered. The decision to grant an annulment to a marriage is decided by the diocese's Marriage Tribunal (a type of church court). Cases are usually handled for free and take around 6-9 months to complete.