Marriage Annulment - any advice?

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

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....

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