Guide For Testimony Of Witnesses

A church annulment is a spiritual matter with no civil effects whatsoever. Upon request certain of the information you submit will be held in strict canonical confidence.

Many grounds for annulment are recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. To determine whether or not any are demonstrable in a particular case, it is imperative for the Tribunal to obtain as much information as possible about the backgrounds and personalities of the two parties involved; as well as about the entire relationship from courtship to final separation. We understand that you may not be knowledgeable about all of the following points, but any information you can proved in each of the following areas will be helpful to us. Please provide as much detail as possible. Also, please submit your testimony typewritten - or, if that is not possible, written legibly on standard sized paper:

Family Background:
The relationship of each party with their parents and family, divorces in either family, religious practices, social life, work history, military service, trouble with the law or with authority, use of drugs or alcohol, attitude toward sex, financial responsibility, general level of maturity and responsibility, and any particular problems of which you might be aware.

Courtship:
When and how they met, length of courtship, how they treated each other, your feelings about each person and about them as a couple. Did you feel they were ready for marriage at that time and why or why not? Anything at all unusual about their courtship? Did you, or anyone you know of, advise against the marriage? If so, why?

Marriage:
Personality, attitudes and behavior of each in the marriage. Describe what problems you were aware of. What was the role of each in the marriage? How did they treat each other? What kind of parents were they? How did you feel in their company? Anything at all unusual about either of the parties or about the relationship itself. When, how and why did the marriage end?

Present Status:
What has happened to each of these people since the marriage ended? What is your opinion regarding their present ability to sustain the responsibilities of Christian marriage? Any other pertinent information you feel might be helpful for the Tribunal.

If your testimony is thorough, it will help to cut down the time period of a final decision in this matter. Please, though, do not consult the Petitioner about your statement or ask him/her to refresh your memory. Your account should include only your own personal recollections, observations and opinions.

At the top of the account, please list the names of the two people whose marriage is being considered, giving the maiden name of the woman as well. Please also be sure to include your own name, address, telephone number, and relationship to the Petitioner.

We thank you for your help in this matter.