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Tribunal

What does a declaration of nullity (invalidity) cost?

The Tribunal for the Diocese of Raleigh requests a fee of $450.00 for the study of a formal marriage case and a reduced amount for less labor intensive cases. The average cost of processing a formal marriage case is currently beyond $1000.00. However, no one should fail to pursue the process because of limited finances. The Diocese of Raleigh subsidizes its Tribunal for the cost of processing a formal marriage case.

How long must an individual wait to obtain a declaration of nullity?

The time required to process a case may very according to the promptness and involvement of the parties and their witnesses. From the time the petitioner submits his/her case for study, the average time required for the completion of a case at this Tribunal is twelve to fourteen months. Every case does not receive an affirmative response. If the evidence in a particular case does not justify a declaration of nullity (invalidity), a negative response will be rendered.

What about the legitimacy of children from a previous marriage?

Some people believe that children from a previous marriage are rendered illegitimate by a declaration of nullity (invalidity). This is an erroneous belief. Why? In most countries, a religious official (priest, minister, rabbi, etc) who witnesses a marriage functions as a servant of the state and as a servant of his/her religion. Legitimacy is a civil law concept. Children of a valid civil marriage are legitimate and remain so after a declaration of nullity (invalidity). A declaration of nullity (invalidity) only claims that the marital consent of one or both parties to the marriage was invalid according to Church law.

Is a declaration of nullity necessary only if a person has been married in the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church presumes all marriages are valid. Therefore, the previous marriage(s) of an individual (even if not Catholic at the time they married) must be studied in order to determine freedom (or lack of freedom) to marry. A declaration of nullity (invalidity) is necessary when a previously married person wishes to enter a Catholic marriage.

• About the Tribunal
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Informational Brochures
• Resources
• What is a Declaration of Nullity