I've very recently started dating a woman who is Presbyterian. I'm a Catholic in good standing, and am free to marry because I was widowed in 2009.

Her previous marriage ended ~2001 (i.e. the civil divorce was finalized). Here's my question: Since she was a baptized Christian, but her ex-husband wasn't (also they were married in neither church/synagoggue), in order for me to be married to her, does she have to go through the annulment process of the Catholic church?

Please advise.

Thanks, Rob

Hi RM,

As Catholics, we presume that her prior union was a valid union. As a result, even though you are free to marry, you are currently not free to marry her - since she is currently bound by a prior bond to the unbaptized gentleman. She would initiate an annulment proceeding before the local Tribunal and upon receiving an annulment, you and her would be free to marry in the Catholic Church.

Peace and blessings, Bob

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