North Country Catholic Newspaper

Diocese eliminates fees for marriage annulments

May 20, 2015

Bishop Terry R. LaValley has issued a policy that eliminates fees to individuals seeking an annulment through the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal. The new policy will be effective as of June 1, 2015.

Bishop LaValley announced the new policy recently to those in pastoral ministry in the diocese. The move was inspired by remarks of Pope Francis and was supported by the Priest Council of the diocese.

“Pope Francis called on bishops to consider this move,” stated Bishop LaValley. “The Pope asked us to show mercy and justice generously and freely, as Jesus does for each one of us.”

An annulment is a declaration that a previous marriage is not spiritually binding, and does not stand in the way of an individual remarrying in the Church. Annulments are only granted after a civil divorce has been final and there is no possibility of reconciliation between the parties.

“The work of the Marriage Tribunal is a healing ministry,” said Bishop LaValley. “Our Judicial Vicar, Msgr. Harry Snow, and his staff have worked hard to keep fees to applicants as low as possible. This new policy makes it clear that the focus of the Marriage Tribunal is and always has been to help people to heal and move forward with their lives.”

The fee for an annulment in the Diocese of Ogdensburg ranged from $50 to $400 prior to the enactment of this new policy. No petition was ever denied because of the inability to pay the fee.

The fee was far less than the actual cost of the annulment process, which includes the employment of canon lawyers, experts, office expenses and salaries for office personnel.

“Practically speaking, there are significant costs associated with the work of the Marriage Tribunal, but I do not want finances to be a barrier to the spiritual well-being of anyone,” said Bishop LaValley. “I hope people will approach the Tribunal without any hesitation due to financial considerations. The work of the Tribunal has always been to serve the needs of people, helping them to grow closer to God. I hope this new policy simply emphasizes that fact.”