Changes in the Catholic Church divorce laws

The Kennedy annulment forced the Catholic Church to publicly acknowledge changes in Cannon Law. Annulment voids a marriage as if it never existed, while a divorce terminates a preexisting marriage. Just because a relationship is not entitled to a legal annulment, a dissolution may nevertheless be considered an annulment under Cannon Law with the blessing of the Church.

Anyone confronting separation and potential termination of a marriage should be aware of applicable family laws. The best source of current legal information is through local family law lawyers. The majority of family law lawyers practicing today offer free initial consultations. If you need assistance finding a lawyer, state bar associations generally provide free lawyer referral programs. Be aware that courts and court personnel are generally prohibited to offer potential parties what may be deemed as legal advice.

Free legal representation may also be available through legal foundations and volunteer lawyer programs. In general, legal foundations operate on a not-for-profit basis and services provided are ordinarily limited to low income families. Family law lawyers also frequently provide free legal services (pro bono) through state bar associations. Both types of resources place further restrictions on assistance provided, such as length of time separated, length of state residency, and county of residence. To locate free resources in your area call your state or local bar association.