Annulments Metropolitan Tribunal It is within the competence of the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Omaha to adjudicate all petitions for marriage cases according to the norms established by the Code of Canon Law (2003), the Vatican Instruction Dignitas Connubii (2005), and the recent motu proprio of Pope Francis, Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus (2015). The presumption of the Church is that all marriages, both Catholic and non-Catholic, are valid unless canonically proven invalid. Furthermore, the Church teaches that every valid marriage between baptized persons is a sacrament (canon 1055 §2), and thus considered a permanently binding union until the death of one of the spouses. Although not every marriage is a sacrament (e.g., when at least one party is not baptized) the very fabric of society demands that every marriage be presumed valid unless proven otherwise. Church Tribunals do not exist to undo marriages, but to answer a specific question, namely, “Is this marriage invalid, from the beginning, for this specific reason?” The Church considers marriage according to God’s plan to be more than just a social institution, legal contract or personal commitment. As the natural vocation of men and women, marriage structures God’s action in the lives of the spouses. “. . . ‘ For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will cling to his wife, and the two shall become one body.’ So they are no longer two, but one body. Therefore what God has joined man must not separate.” (Matthew 19: 5-6) It is a false and unacceptable notion that marriages can become null over a period of time or as a result of some contrary action later in the marriage. There are no fees or financial commitments of any kind associated with marriage trials. GET STARTED READ THE FAQ Tribunal Frequently Asked Questions What is an annulment? It is a shortened way of saying DECREE OF NULLITY. This decree, made at the conclusion of a careful examination, states that an essential element or property of marriage in God's plan did not exist from the beginning. Who makes this pronouncement? Who are the officials of the Tribunal? What is the difference between a divorce and an annulment? Why are annulments necessary? Don't children become illegitimate by annulments? Do I need an annulment if I am already legally divorced? What if I remarry without an annulment/marry someone previously married without an annulment? What are the steps in petitioning an annulment? What about the former spouse? What about witnesses? What happens after the testimony is assembled? What further action may occur after the Tribunal's decision? When can a petition be made and how long is the process? What happens after an annulment is obtained? What costs are involved with annulments? What is the basis for a decision resulting in an annulment? Getting Started First, we ask that you watch this introductory video. Then, please consider contacting your parish priest or deacon, or one of our Annulment Sponsors. If you prefer to work directly with our Tribunal–which you are free to do, but which we strongly recommend that you do not do–compose a petition and begin gathering the required documentation, as noted in the “Outline of Petition for a Formal Case” (see below). English: Español: Helpful Resources/Links Annulments - For Those Who Are or May Be Parties to a Case English: Annulment Sponsors Contact Info - October 2021.pdf English: Annulment Petition Beginning Packet - September 2021.pdf The Annulment Process - A Step-by-Step Summary.pdf Español: Anulación: Paquete Inicial English: Tribunal-FAQs English: Getting Started English: Expanded Explanation of the Grounds of Nullity Annulments - For Parishes, Priests and Deacons: Tribunal Documents English - Prenuptial Questionnaire.pdf English - Ligamen-Prior Bond Petition (Rev.12-19).pdf English - Freedom to Marry Affidavit.pdf English - Dispensation Permission Petition.pdf English - Favor of the Faith Petition.pdf English - Lack of Form Petition (Rev. 12-19).pdf Spanish - Lack of Form Documents. Dec 2020.pdf Tribunal-Chancery Checklist (Updated 7_2016).pdf Spanish- Dispensation Permission Petition.pdf Marriage Preparation Documents for those Prepared outside of the Archdiocese of Omaha.pdf Spanish- Prenuptial Questionnaire.pdf Spanish- Freedom to Marry Affidavit.pdf Tribunal Fee Chart (Updated 5_2016).pdf Contact Us The Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Omaha 2222 N. 111th St. Omaha, NE 68164-3817 402.558.3100 Fax: 402.558.3026 General Inquiries: For only general inquiries and not open cases : tribunal@archomaha.org Open Cases: If you have questions about a specific case and you are one of the two main parties or a cited witness, please contact the lead judge or the assessor assigned to your case. If a judge has not yet been named, please contact the Judicial Vicar. If you have questions about a specific case and you are not one of the two main parties or a cited witness, we are not free to discuss any details of the case with you for reasons of confidentiality. 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