Either party in a marriage that has ended in divorce has the right to ask the Church to review a former marriage. The petitioner has the burden of providing proofs to demonstrate why a marriage may be considered invalid.The formal process is not adversarial and does not make a moral judgment on any person involved, it simply makes a statement of truth regarding the validity of the prior bond according to Church teaching.
While having a lawyer is highly recommended, it's not strictly necessary. However, having someone in your corner can make the process a lot smoother!
Yes, it's typically open to the public. Think of it as an open door to see how the legal process works up close and personal.
Afterwards, the case moves forward based on the information gathered. It's like building a house; once the foundation is set, you can start putting up the walls.
The length can vary, but it usually takes a few hours. It's not a quick chat over coffee but more like a good, thorough discussion.
Usually, witnesses or experts who have relevant information share their statements. It's a bit like having a sneak peek into what they know before the main event.
Preliminary testimony is the first round of sharing evidence and statements. Think of it as laying the groundwork before getting into the nitty-gritty details.
A formal case is a legal proceeding where the laws and rules are followed closely. It's like going through a structured process to resolve a dispute or issue.