Besides, an annulment frees both parties from the bond of the former marriage. If the former spouse does not cooperate, the study of the marriage will continue without any problem. A diligent investigation should be made if the former spouse cannot be readily located. If after such a study he or she still cannot be found, the study of the marriage will begin nonetheless. Since marriage is never a completely private affair between two persons, the law of the Church requires that witnesses be contacted by the tribunal to shed light on the marriage as it is being studied.
Witnesses are extremely important.
Before they are suggested to the tribunal, the party must determine their willingness to cooperate and their knowledge of the dynamics of the former marriage. Their prompt reply significantly influences the annulment procedure. They may be friends, family, counselors, priests, etc. Due to a shortage of such personnel, however, in some instances the decision is made by a single judge. If an affirmative decision is given, the case will be reviewed by the Court of Appeals of the Province of Chicago.