3rd blog

Civil to Sacred:  Navigating the Path to Church Annulment

 

When you delve into the painful events of your past, you face a choice: let them fade into oblivion or allow them to haunt the corners of your mind. My journey through immense sadness and heartache has left me intensely sensitive and emotional. This sensitivity, while a rare gift, is also a double-edged sword. The crushing insecurities that fractured my marriage weighed me down like an anchor in a stormy sea. Yet, amidst the turmoil, I unearthed invaluable lessons that have molded me into the resilient person I am today.

 

The entire process of my civil annulment took about one and a half years, with each step swiftly and efficiently completed. In other cases, the process can extend to three or more years, and petitions may even be denied. In my case, the relatively short duration can be attributed to several factors: 1) We had no children, 2) There were no common properties to dispute, 3) My lawyer specialized in annulment cases, 4) The judge showed compassion towards my situation, and 5) My ex-husband did not contest the petition. Based on these reasons, if you find yourself needing to file a civil annulment, considering these aspects may help expedite the granting of your petition.

 

After the initial joy of receiving a favorable judgment from the court, I unexpectedly found myself feeling inadequate and dissatisfied. As a Catholic, I knew that a civil annulment wasn't recognized by the Catholic Church. Nevertheless, my desire to enter into marriage remained strong. I also knew that I could have a civil wedding officiated by a judge, mayor, or other authorized civil official, which would be legally recognized by the state.  For those who belong to different religious denominations that recognize civil annulments, a religious wedding ceremony according to their practices is possible. Alternatively, one could choose to have a wedding ceremony in another country where local laws recognize the civil annulment and allow remarriage. Before proceeding with these options, it's crucial to obtain a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to prove your legal capacity to marry.

 

After careful consideration, I finally decided to pursue a Church Annulment.  Following thorough research, I reached out to a canon lawyer at Ateneo de Manila in Katipunan Road. I shared my life story, and the priest confirmed that I had valid grounds to proceed. As mentioned in my second blog, I will not disclose the specific grounds for the annulment out of respect for my husband.

 

As of 2025, the grounds for church annulment in the Philippines include:

 

1. Lack of Due Discretion: When a person enters marriage without full psychological maturity.
2. Simulation of Consent: When marriage occurs for reasons other than a genuine partnership.
3. Error in Person: When one is deceived about a spouse’s identity or fundamental qualities.
4. Fraud, Force, or Coercion: When marriage is entered into under false pretenses or against one’s free will.

 

When pursuing a church annulment, a canon lawyer will typically ask a series of detailed questions to understand the circumstances surrounding the marriage. I remember supplying the following details or information aside from the relevant documents, such as baptism certificates, marriage licenses, and the final civil annulment decree:

 

1. Our Background:   Inquiries into the early home life of both me and my ex-husband encompassing our upbringing, family dynamics, and any significant events that could have influenced our perspectives on marriage.
2. Courtship and Engagement: Details about how we met, out dating period, engagement, and any issues that arose during this time.
3. Wedding and Honeymoon: Information about the wedding day, the ceremony, and the honeymoon, including any unusual occurrences or feelings of doubt.
4. Married Life: Questions about our day-to-day married life, including communication, intimacy, financial management, and any significant conflicts or challenges.
5. Intentions and Understanding: Questions concerning the intentions and comprehension of both of us about the essence of marriage, covering our perspectives on fidelity, permanence, and willingness to have children.
6. Witnesses: Identification of potential witnesses who can provide additional insights into the marriage and our behaviors.

 

     The canon lawyer requested that I compose a detailed account of my life, spanning from my childhood to adulthood. This narrative should encompass the histories of both our families, the story of how my husband and I met, our courtship, and ultimately, our marriage. 

 

Thereafter, I was referred to The Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Manila in Intramuros, a tribunal responsible for handling church annulments. This ecclesiastical court processes annulment cases according to Canon Law, evaluating the validity of marriages based on the evidence and testimonies provided.

 

 The fee for a church annulment in the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Manila varies depending on the complexity of the case and other factors. As of 2025, the cost generally ranges from Php150,000 to Php 500,000 or more. This amount covers various components, including attorney's fees, psychological evaluations, and other professional services required throughout the annulment process. If you are facing financial difficulties, you can request that the fees for a church annulment be lowered. The Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Manila may consider reducing the fees or offering a payment plan based on your financial situation.

  

The Tribunal requested that I undergo a psychological evaluation at the Catholic Psychological Center located along Balete Drive in Quezon City. Known for conducting evaluations for annulment cases, the center often collaborates with canon lawyers. The evaluation took an entire day. After a few months, I returned for an interview with a canon lawyer who confirmed that there was indeed a basis for granting my church annulment. Years passed, and I waited patiently. Eventually, I was called for an interview conducted by a panel of three canon lawyers in Intramuros. My witnesses were also interviewed. And then the grueling period of waiting began once more. 

 

In 2021, the long wait finally bore fruit. Even though it took nearly three years, with the pandemic of 2019 prolonging the ordeal, my perseverance held firm. I remember praying intently to God, asking for another chance. I believed in second chances, and I held onto the faith that when you fall, God will lift you up.

 

One day, I received a call from one of the staff members. With bated breath, I listened as she presented the final decision of the Metropolitan Tribunal. My heart soared as the words took root in my soul. I was ecstatic. The joy of reclaiming my freedom was indescribable; a profound sense of liberation washed over me, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders. I was no longer bound by the past. I had reclaimed my identity, my freedom, my life. I was a free woman once again, ready to embrace the future with open arms and an unfettered spirit.