Larry Price - Annulments

Larry Price does not wear a hooded cloak, peering over ancient tomes in a smoky, candle lit room. That is the image many seem to have of the Catholic Church's annulment process. The truth, however, is radically different.

This area of marriage and marriage dissolution is one of the most misunderstood aspects about the Church's life and teaching. Larry Price educated the Call to Be Catholic audience on this topic. A background in canon law and extensive experience with the diocesan marriage tribunal make Price an individual of expertise in this area.

The Church does not have "divorce", per se. It does not end a marriage that for some reason has fallen apart. What an "annulment" really says is that a marriage as a sacramental union never got off of the ground.

Consent is a key to determining if a sacramental union existed. Immaturity, coercion , mental imbalance, and abuse history can all contribute to flaws in this area which might permit the granting of an annulment.

Price made certain to emphasize that the Church's first job is the salvation of souls, and even a seemingly bureaucratic and legalistic type process as an annulment is meant to serve this end goal. In a civil divorce, the focus of the proceeding is on the distribution of assets and spousal/child support. The annulment process actually provides a venue for healing and grace, as the whole relationship from the beginning to end is examined and an opportunity exists for the healing process to begin.

The audience was also given an overview of the process, which can take several months. Paperwork needs to be submitted and witness statements are taken. It is important to know that the annulment process is not done in secret, the ex-spouse will be contacted and interviewed about the relationship. In a civil criminal action, there is a presumption of innocence of the accused, the prosecution must prove guilt. Likewise, in the annulment process, the presumption exists that the bond was valid. There is even an appointed individual, the Defender of the Bond, whose function in the proceeding is to support the finding that the marriage was valid. In the even that the tribunal returns a decision in favor of declaring the bond null, that decision is reviewed by the archdiocese.

Price made every effort to make the audience aware that God's love does not end with divorce. These matters are close to the heart and deal with people's most intimate and sensitive issues. Ministry to those in these situations is at times heartwrenching, but is also an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ to those in what might be the most broken parts of their lives.