Lack of Form

I. LACKOF FORM

A- DESCRJPTION - This case arises from a marriage contrac ted by a Catholic in the presence of a non-Catholic minister or civil official without a dispensation fiom the canonical form. (Note: Marriages contracted with a non-Catholic Oriental Orthodox before an Orthodox Minister, subsequent to March 25,1967, are valid, though unlawful, and are not considered "lack of form" cases.)

B. DOCUMENT ATION

1. Baptismal certifícate of Catholic party - recent copy with the indi catión that there are no marriages notations.

2. Civil marriage certifícate of the marriage.

3. Final civil divorce or annulment decree.

C. PROCEDURE

1. Priest/deacon must complete the LACK OF FORM PE11T10N for pctitioner. (Petitions are available from the Tribunal. DO NOT duplícate oíd petitions as there are often changes.)

2. Submit petition, all above documenta and requisite fee to the Tribunal.

D. TIME _t

If everything is in order, a Declaration of Nullity will be issued within one week.