Annulments...Are They Just a Catholic Divorce?

There is a common misconception by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike that an annulment is a Catholic divorce.  That is not the case.  An annulment is a decree of nullity, which simply means that the marriage did not sacramentally take place.  There was a grave matter or matters which took place prior to the profession of the marriage vows.  These grave matters inhibited the marriage from being considered sacramental.  However, the marriage is still considered legal.

​Because a couple must obtain a valid marriage license from the state in which they are getting married to make this union legal in the eyes of the state, they are considered legally married.  Therefore, any children created from this marriage are perfectly legitimate.  If an annulment is obtained, that does not create illegitimate children from that union.

​The best thing to do is to counsel with the Tribunal Office at the Catholic Diocese to obtain all of the rules and regulations regarding annulments, so there won't be any confusion. 

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