Procedures

The tribunal uses one of several processes to determine whether a particular marriage is a valid sacramental bond of marriage. These processes are not designed to be an obstacle, but rather a way to assist the faith community in resolving questions about marriages and to ensure that the rights of all Christians are respected. The processes reflect the Church's acknowledgement of the dignity of the sacrament of marriage and the commitment involved, and may help to bring persons involved a sense of spiritual healing, deeper understanding of the sacrament of marriage, and a greater involvement in the faith community.

The procedure followed for examining the status of a marriage depends on the particular circumstances involved. Click on the following links for more information on each of the processes.