Sharp increase in annulment procedures

Annulment procedures have risen sharply in Germany since Pope Francis reformed the annulment process in October 2015, making annulments less protracted and costly, writes Christa Pongratz-Lippitt.

In certain dioceses annulment procedures had gone up by up to 50 per cent, Fr Stefan Rambacher, the canon lawyers’ spokesman for all 27 German dioceses, told KNA news agency. Pope Francis’ motu proprio entitled Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus was widely reported in the media, and had “certainly encouraged” some couples to apply for an annulment, Fr Rambacher said. The process had also become easier as applicants could apply in their own dioceses, whereas up to now the diocese where the marriage was contracted was responsible for handling the procedure.

“In addition, the partners’ testimony has greater probative value. If it is credible, the marriage can be declared null and void on this testimony alone if there are no other witnesses,” Fr Rambacher explained. The most appreciated reform was the fact that a second review by a cleric was now no longer necessary.

“Up to now, the compulsory second-instance check as to whether the marriage was now null and void took three to six months or longer. This is now no longer necessary,” he explained.

 Canon lawyers were “for the most part” positive about the reform. “We welcome that it has become easier for the faithful to obtain annulments,” Fr Rambacher said. “This also makes our pastoral work easier”.