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Annulments
Question from Jeff on 6/15/2009:

My wife of 12 years, who was pretty devote when I married her; in a Catholic Church, after completing Pre-Cana, and who is now a doctor; divorced me during her last year of residency because she was tired of me,(Irreconcilibile differences). She also admitted that she had slept with another man (lawyer) at least a million times after the divorce, what's that tell you?

I've asked her to file for an annulment, to release me from her bond. She refuses and says I should file. I converted two years ago from the Lutheran faith to the Catholic faith. My faith is strong. My vows on our wedding day were true and honest. I have maintained those vows during our marriage. The Bible states I'm suppose to forgive her and I can, honestly I can. But for me to file for an annulment would be breaking my vows I gave to her but to also GOD and those vows are what's stopping me from applying. Why won't she apply considering her past behavior...will someone please answer my question?

Answer by David Gregson on 10/29/2009:

In the first place, it takes two to make a marriage. Your vows were apparently sincere. Hers may not have been. In that case, your marriage would not have been valid. That, among other things, is what the annulment process tries to determine.

Obviously, your willingness to forgive your wife won't reestablish your marital relationship without her willingness to repent. And if she won't apply for an annulment, and you want to be free to remarry, then it's up to you to apply. From the sound of it, your wife wouldn't object, and may even cooperate.

I suggest that you speak to your parish priest about whether you have grounds for an annulment. The mere fact of your applying doesn't necessary mean it will be granted.

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