EWTN Catholic Q&A

Ability to remarry
Question from B.S. on 01-21-2013:

I know a spouse who has been widowed may remarry, while a spouse who has been divorced may not. If a divorced individual's ex-spouse passes away, is the surviving spouse then free to remarry?

Answer by Catholic Answers on 01-21-2013:

B.S.--

Yes. Only death ends an existing sacramental marriage, even when the couple is legally divorced and living separate lives. The surviving spouse is then free to remarry.