Marriage Annulment - any advice?

Bonnie's Babe

Hi

I've just embarked on what I'm sure will be the long road of marriage annulment. I've my 1st interview in 2 weeks, just wondering if anybody has gone through it. Don't know what to expect........

Thanks
C

uoluol

I take it you are talking about a church annulment and not a state one?

If so, I had a church annulment, and it I'm sorry to say it was a horrific process. I started the procedure about 10 years ago, and it took about 5 years in total. I have tried to wipe the whole experience from my mind, but I think it went something like this:

- Had a general interview with the priest, and that information was sent off to the regional marriage council (in my case this was Armagh)
- Was called to Armagh for another interview,more detailed this time
- 5 witnesses were asked for interview by Armagh, I put forward family members and some friends.
- I was then sent for psychological assessment - in the Archbishops house in Dublin. This was awful, very invasive, and I was asked what I felt were intrusive, unnecessary and disgusting questions.
- Then the case was argued back and forth by various different church councils, until I was finally told my church annulment was approved. This part took the longest time, about 3 years.

What I found very distressing, was that I was constantly asked for a "voluntary" contribution. I gave what I could afford, but I was hounded, really harassed for money. And I was expected to make payment in sterling, even though I live in the Republic. At all times I was given the option of reading any statements made by my ex, but I choose not too.

It really was a horrible experience, but if it is something you really want to go for, well then by all means do so. But just be aware it's tough.

Good luck,

Lou

Thomas_S_Hunterson

uoluol wrote: »

What I found very distressing, was that I was constantly asked for a "voluntary" contribution. I gave what I could afford, but I was hounded, really harassed for money. And I was expected to make payment in sterling, even though I live in the Republic.

:eek::eek::eek:

I'm shocked at the behavior of the church (catholic I'm assuming?)

uoluol

Off course it was Catholic!! - just their style.....:rolleyes:

I really had no problem giving a donation, but I was smashed broke, what with legal bills etc. So you can imagine I was not very happy to be getting frequent letters thanking me for my recent donation, reminding me of how much I had given to date, and asking for further "voluntary contributions". A bit of a misnomer that term!

I even got them for a couple of months after my annulment was granted - these just ended up in the bin....

Bonnie's Babe

Thanks for your reply.

I've had my interview and my ex should be called for his in the next few weeks. I haven't been asked for any donations yet but I'm sure that's only a matter of time. I was told that the whole process would only take 2 years - obviously not the case!

Fingers crossed it goes ok but I'm not holding my breath........

Thomas_S_Hunterson

I wouldn't under any circumstances give a donation. It is blatant profiteering and taking advantage of people in difficult circumstances.

Dfens

OMG uoluol that is totally shocking, what an awful experience.