Ecclesiastical nullity

The focus
The process
What we offer
Why choose us?

Ecclesiastical nullity: when the marriage was not valid before the Church

The purpose of the ecclesiastical annulment process is to declare that a religious marriage was invalid from the outset due to the existence of essential defects at the time of its celebration. This procedure, regulated by canon law, is completely different from a civil divorce, as it does not dissolve the bond, but rather recognizes that it never validly existed according to the norms of the Church.

At Carmen Varela, Abogados de Familia, we accompany you throughout the annulment process before the ecclesiastical courts, guiding you with closeness and specialized knowledge. We also help you regulate the personal and financial effects of the divorce before the civil courts, since a declaration of annulment by the Church does not exempt you from resolving issues such as child custody, use of the family home, or alimony.

Our approach: canonical rigor and comprehensive protection of your rights

At Carmen Varela, Abogados de Familia, we approach ecclesiastical annulments with a two-pronged approach: rigorous and specialized in canon law, and comprehensive and protective of your civil rights.

We guide you throughout the process before the ecclesiastical courts, helping you identify possible grounds for annulment—such as lack of consent, incapacity to assume the obligations of marriage, or simulation of the bond—and we gather the necessary evidence to support your case.

At the same time, we handle the effects of the separation before the civil jurisdiction, since annulment before the Church does not automatically resolve fundamental issues such as child custody, property distribution, or pensions. Our goal is to ensure that, in both the religious and civil spheres, your rights are protected and your situation is fully resolved.

The path we walk together:

Case study and feasibility of nullity

We analyze your situation and assess whether there are any grounds recognized by canon law that could justify a request for ecclesiastical annulment.

Preparation of the canonical claim

We draft and file the complaint with the competent ecclesiastical court, including the facts, arguments, and evidence necessary to support your request.

Support during the process

We guide you through all phases of the procedure, including the preliminary investigation, statements from the parties and witnesses, and the court’s ruling.

Coordination with the civil sphere

In parallel with or after the annulment, we initiate the necessary civil proceedings to regulate the consequences of the breakup: custody of minors, use of the home, alimony, etc.

Closing the process and subsequent advice

We will accompany you until the final decision is reached and advise you on any additional steps necessary after the declaration of nullity, both on a personal and financial level.

We can help you

Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll study your case and find the best way to address it.

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What will we deal with?

Study of the feasibility of nullity

We analyze your case according to canon law to determine if there are valid grounds for requesting annulment of your marriage.

Drafting and filing of the canonical claim

We prepare all the necessary documentation and submit the application to the appropriate ecclesiastical court.

Assistance in the process before the Church

We assist you throughout all stages of the procedure: evidence gathering, witness statements, appearances, and resolution.

Regulation of civil effects

We manage the civil proceedings necessary to regulate child custody, child support, housing use, and property distribution.

Continuous and discreet advice

We offer personalized, confidential, and respectful service at all times, adapting to your legal and emotional needs.

Coordination between jurisdictions

We ensure that ecclesiastical and civil decisions are consistent and respect your rights in both areas.

Why choose us?

01

Specialization in canon and civil law

We have experience in both areas, which allows us to manage both annulment proceedings before the Church and the legal consequences before civil courts in a coordinated and effective manner.

02

Rigorous and honest analysis

We thoroughly study your case and offer you a realistic assessment of the chances of success before starting the process, without creating false expectations.

03

Comprehensive and close support

We guide you throughout the process, answering your questions, supporting you at every stage, and protecting both your personal and legal rights.

04

Discretion and sensitivity

We understand that these types of procedures involve intimate and emotional aspects. We work with the utmost confidentiality, respect, and empathy.

05

Complete and customized solutions

We handle all aspects of divorce, from religious annulment to civil settlement, tailoring to your specific needs.

06

Commitment to your well-being and peace of mind

Our goal is for you to emerge from this process with everything resolved, feeling protected, supported, and confident in knowing you've taken the right step.

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